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Marine growth prevention systems

Marine Growth Prevention Systems (MGPS)

Impressed current anti-fouling and Hydrosonic technology for seawater cooling systems, fire intakes and sea chests — keeping intakes clear without the operating cost or environmental footprint of chemical dosing.

ICAFCopper-aluminium electrode systemHydrosonic — 20+ year track recordNo cavitation risk
The problem this solves

Sea chests and seawater cooling intakes losing flow to marine growth, or a chemical dosing programme that's become an ongoing operating cost, a compliance question, or both.

What you receive
  • System sizing calculation based on pipe diameter and flow rate
  • Electrode specification and placement drawing
  • Control panel specification
  • Installation procedure
  • Commissioning report with output verification
Two ways to prevent fouling

Chemical-free protection, two different mechanisms.

Fouling forms at all depths and temperatures — the right prevention method depends on the system, the risk of cavitation damage, and whether a powered electrode system or an acoustic approach fits the application.

Impressed current anti-fouling (ICAF)

  • Copper alloy electrode prevents marine fouling settlement
  • Paired aluminium or ferrous electrode protects the pipework itself
  • Minimal maintenance once fitted
  • No ongoing chemical dosing or consumables
  • Suited to seawater cooling systems and emergency fire intakes

Hydrosonic antifouling

  • 20+ year technology track record
  • Does not generate cavitation — unlike ultrasonic antifouling
  • No risk of pump or heat exchanger damage from cavitation
  • Environmentally friendly, chemical-free
  • Suited where cavitation risk is a specific concern
How ICAF works

Two electrodes, one system.

Copper alloy electrode

Releases copper ions into the water flow, preventing marine organisms from settling and colonising pipework and intakes.

Aluminium / ferrous electrode

Paired with the copper electrode to protect the pipework and equipment itself from corrosion.

Transformer rectifier

Shore or platform-mounted power supply, sized to the intake or cooling system being protected.

Typical applications

Wherever seawater enters the system.

StandardApplies to
Seawater cooling systemsFouling reduces cooling efficiency and increases maintenance frequency
Emergency fire intakesA blocked intake is a safety-critical failure, not just an efficiency loss
Sea chestsRestricted flow areas are especially prone to fouling build-up
Desalination intakesFouling directly affects intake capacity and downstream treatment
ICCP/MGPS control panel showing anode-module amperage readouts

An MGPS/ICCP control panel with anode-module amperage readouts — genuine control equipment.

Sea-chest with installed electrodes
Sea-chest electrode installation for marine growth prevention.
Sea-chest anode installation
Sea-chest anode hardware — the working parts of an ICAF/MGPS system.
How we deliver

One team, five stages, no handoffs.

Most competitors design or manufacture. For marine growth prevention systems (mgps), we do both, plus installation, commissioning and lifecycle monitoring — coordinated as one engagement.

01

Design

Current demand calculation, anode/electrode placement, drawings.

02

Manufacturing

Anodes cast through our regional manufacturing network; equipment engineered in.

03

Installation

In-house diving and marine installation teams, or yard-coordinated fitting.

04

Commissioning

System energised, potentials verified against the −850 mV criterion.

05

Service

Scheduled monitoring, inspection, and life extension as the system ages.

Frequently asked

Common MGPS questions

What's the difference between MGPS and chemical dosing?+

MGPS uses an electrode system (or acoustic technology for Hydrosonic) rather than ongoing chemical treatment — no consumables to order, store or dose.

Does Hydrosonic technology require maintenance?+

Minimal maintenance is required, and because it doesn't generate cavitation, there's no associated risk of pump or heat exchanger damage.

Can MGPS be retrofitted to an existing seawater system?+

Generally yes — electrode systems are fitted into existing intake or cooling pipework without major structural modification, confirmed per system during design.

Is MGPS suitable for emergency fire intakes?+

Yes — this is a common application, given how critical it is that a fire intake isn't compromised by fouling when it's needed.

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