This article was featured in the official IMPA publication - Supply Chain and Sustainability Magazine, January issue 2025
As environmental regulations tighten and sustainability takes centre stage, the maritime industry faces the challenge of balancing effective onboard cleaning with ecological responsibility. From innovative water-based solutions to real-time hygiene verification tools, this guide explores how ship operators can maintain cleanliness, safeguard crew health, and protect marine ecosystems—one eco-friendly product at a time.
Maintaining a clean and healthy environment onboard ships is essential for crew well-being and operational efficiency. The limited spaces and unique challenges of maritime environments require effective cleaning solutions that are safe for both humans and the ecosystem.
With increasing emphasis on sustainability and stringent environmental regulations, selecting the right onboard cleaning products is crucial.
“With tighter environmental regulations and carbon emissions targets being set for the industry, vessel operators will be looking at all aspects of onboard operations to ensure they comply,” says Tower Supplies’ Ian Wall. “Reductions in the use of plastics, harmful chemicals and supply chain miles will certainly come under the spotlight more.”
Traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals like phosphates, chlorine, and ammonia, which can pose risks to crew health and the environment. These substances contribute to marine pollution and may cause long-term ecological harm. Transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives offers several benefits:
• Biodegradability: Eco-friendly products break down naturally, reducing their environmental impact.
• Safety: Non-toxic formulas minimise risks of skin irritation, respiratory issues, and harm to aquatic life.
• Regulatory Compliance: Aligns with maritime regulations, including those set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which emphasise the use of sustainable cleaning products.
For its part, Tower has monitored the industry to understand trends and new developments. Its focus on continuous innovation has led it to develop unique solutions such as CtrlFlow, a sustainable water-based onboard cleaning and sanitising system, and CBN+, a cleaning solution designed specifically for the onboard environment.
“We’ve developed CtrlFlow, an environmentally friendly sustainable water-based cleaning and sanitising solution that can replace 80%-90% of commonly used cleaning chemicals,” says Wall. “CtrlFlow is harmless to people and the environment, yet is up to 100 times more effective than bleach. It not only supports sustainability and environmental requirements but also reduces health and safety risks.”
Elsewhere, a variety of other eco-friendly cleaning products cater to the specific needs of maritime environments:
AQUAREX E240, for example, is a high quality and highly effective system that allows crew to produce an endless supply of Electrolysed Water (HOCl). The water is perfect for sanitising galleys, toilets, floors, rails, cabins – in effect, anywhere you want to eliminate bacteria as well as viruses such as Covid, Salmonella, Listeria, Ecoli and so on
“Devices like the AQUAREX E240 produce Electrolysed Water (HOCl) on-site using just water and salt,” says Jesper Weller, of AQUAREX. “This solution is 80-100 times more effective than traditional bleach in killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi, while being pH neutral and safe for humans and the environment. It can be used for sanitising galleys, toilets, floors, rails, cabins, and more.
“It means reducing almost all the various chemicals used onboard and the plastic containers they are supplied in.
Just think of the environmental and cost savings, as well as the space taken up with bulky storage containers. The E240 system is based on a simple philosophy – to provide effective cleaning and sanitisation fluid on demand, whenever and wherever you need it! Saving cost, eliminating all bacteria and virus threats and saving environmental damage.”
Unlike the potentially harmful sanitising chemicals that are used every day onboard ship, it is gentle on human skin and fabrics and does not cause the pitting or discolouration associated with traditional options.
Weller adds that tools like the AQUAREX TVC B.EL.D™ provide real-time verification of surface cleanliness. “This portable device detects live bacteria on surfaces within one minute,” he says, “allowing for immediate action without waiting for laboratory results. It ensures that cleaning methods are effective and helps maintain high hygiene standards onboard.”
Regulatory Standards and Compliance
Compliance with environmental regulations is a legal requirement and a moral imperative in the maritime industry. Key standards to consider include:
• IMO Guidelines: Mandate the use of environmentally friendly cleaning agents that are biodegradable and non-toxic.
• Certification Labels: Products with certifications like Green Seal or EU Ecolabel meet rigorous criteria for environmental safety and effectiveness.
Using certified products ensures that ship operators remain compliant with international laws while demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.
Best Practices for Implementation
Transitioning to eco-friendly cleaning solutions involves a comprehensive approach:
1. Conduct a Product Audit: Evaluate the current inventory of cleaning products and identify those that can be replaced with eco-friendly alternatives. Focus on high-impact areas such as sanitisers and disinfectants.
2. Develop Standardised Cleaning Protocols: Create clear guidelines tailored to the specific needs of your vessel.
For example, protocols for galley cleaning should emphasise food safety, while those for common areas should prioritise disinfection.
3. Ensure Proper Storage and Handling: Eco-friendly products require correct storage and handling to maintain their effectiveness. Provide crew members with clear instructions on dilution ratios and application techniques.
Crew Training and Awareness
The successful adoption of eco-friendly cleaning solutions depends on the crew’s understanding and cooperation. Investing in training programs ensures that crew members are equipped to use these products effectively and safely.
Key Training Areas:
• Product Usage: Train crew members on the proper preparation, application, and disposal of eco-friendly cleaning agents.
• Health and Safety: Highlight the reduced risks associated with non-toxic products and the importance of following
safety protocols.
• Hygiene Verification: Educate the crew on using devices like the TVC B.EL.D™ to verify surface cleanliness in real-time.
• Air Quality Monitoring: Train staff to interpret data from air quality monitoring systems and take appropriate actions
when necessary.
Additionally, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility onboard encourages crew members to take an active role in sustainability initiatives.
Maintaining cleanliness onboard ships is a fundamental responsibility that directly impacts crew health and operational efficiency. By adopting eco-friendly cleaning solutions, ship operators can achieve a clean and safe environment while minimising their ecological footprint. The benefits are clear:
• Enhanced crew safety and well-being.
• Compliance with environmental regulations.
• Reduced harm to marine ecosystems.
To begin this transition, conduct a thorough audit of your current cleaning practices, invest in training programs for your crew, and explore the wide range of eco-friendly products available on the market. The maritime industry has a vital role to play in global sustainability efforts, and the adoption of environmentally responsible cleaning practices is a step in the right direction.
