Reliable Marine Growth Prevention Systems – Keep Your Vessel Biofouling-Free
Cathelco’s Marine Growth Prevention Systems proactively prevent marine growth and corrosion in your ship’s critical internal seawater systems and niche areas, reducing downtime and keeping your vessel running smoothly.
20,000+ Installations worldwide
Global #1 In Biofouling Management
70+ years of experience
40+ service hubs around the globe
Take Control of Your Ship’s Protection in 3 Easy Steps
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Step 3
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Proven results
Cathelco’s marine growth prevention systems reliably protect tens of thousands of vessels worldwide today.
Built for Compliance
Chemical-free technology meets IMO and local environmental standards and regulations.
Global Support
With local service hubs on every continent and distributors in 40+ countries, we’re there when you need us.
Easy to Implement
Managing marine growth in sea chests and pipework adds to the workload. Our low-maintenance solution keeps your vessel running smoothly.
Trusted Across the Maritime Industry
From smaller yachts to naval fleets, our marine growth prevention systems are tailored to suit your vessel’s size and operational profile. Our experience spans:
How Cathelco’s Marine Growth Prevention Systems Work
Our biofouling management technology works behind the scenes, so you don’t have to worry about marine growth disrupting operations.
- Copper and aluminum anodes release minimal amount of ions into seawater, less than is found in regular tap water, creating an environment where fouling can’t take hold.
- Automated control panels keep the system running smoothly with minimal oversight.
- Flexible installation options ensure the system fits your vessel’s specific needs.
Keep These Critical Systems Protected from Marine Growth
Seawater flows through a ship’s internal pipework to critical systems, but biofouling in these pipes can lead to catastrophic consequences. Unchecked marine growth puts your vessel’s most essential systems at risk:
Main engine cooling systems
Auxiliary systems and generators
Ballast water systems
Box coolers
Scrubber system
Desalination plants
Firefighting systems
Air conditioning and cooling systems
We’ve Got Numbers That Back Us Up
20,000+
installations protecting vessels worldwide
40+
service hubs ensuring support is never far away
When the stakes are high, operators know they can count on Cathelco.
70+
years of experience in biofouling prevention
24h
Response time for urgent needs
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about marine growth prevention systems
A marine growth prevention system (MGPS) is a technology designed to prevent marine organisms, such as barnacles and mussels, from growing in a ship’s internal seawater systems.
A marine growth prevention system uses electrolytic anodes installed in seawater intakes or box coolers. These anodes release copper and aluminum ions into the seawater, creating an environment that prevents marine growth from attaching to surfaces.
Without a marine growth prevention system, systems like main engine cooling, auxiliary machinery, ballast water systems, box coolers, scrubber systems, desalination plants, firefighting systems, and air conditioning systems are all at risk of biofouling.
Niche areas like sea chests, strainers, and box coolers provide ideal conditions for biofouling. These confined spaces have slower water flow and consistent exposure to seawater, creating an environment where marine organisms can thrive.
Yes, marine growth prevention systems are widely used across the maritime industry and have become a standard solution for preventing biofouling in internal seawater systems. We estimate that about 60% of the global fleet is outfitted with a Marine Growth Prevention System.
In maritime terms, niche areas are parts of a vessel where water circulation is reduced or where water remains stagnant, such as sea chests, box coolers, and pipe bends. These areas are particularly vulnerable to biofouling.
Biofouling begins when microscopic organisms, such as bacteria and algae, attach to surfaces in seawater systems. Over time, these organisms create a foundation for larger marine growth like barnacles, mussels, and seaweed.
Sea chests provide a protected environment with slower water flow, making them an ideal location for marine organisms to settle and grow.
Biofouling reduces water flow, decreases cooling efficiency, and increases strain on critical systems. It can lead to blockages, overheating, and higher fuel consumption, as well as expensive maintenance and downtime.
Box coolers are enclosed heat exchangers that rely on seawater flow for cooling. The limited water circulation within box coolers creates conditions that encourage biofouling.
Marine growth prevention systems are considered one of the most effective and sustainable methods for controlling biofouling in internal systems, offering long-term protection with minimal maintenance compared to manual cleaning or chemical treatments.
Yes, marine growth prevention systems are adaptable to all vessel types, including cargo ships, offshore platforms, naval ships, cruise liners, and yachts. The system can be customized to fit the specific needs of each vessel.
Why Act Now?
Prevent biofouling before it becomes a problem
Protect your vessel’s operational efficiency
Avoid costly maintenance and cleaning
Ensure compliance with international biofouling regulations