Contaminated ballast water from ships poses a major threat to global oceans and coastal ecosystems. Vessels routinely take on ballast water for stability, unintentionally collecting thousands of marine microbes, plants, and animals that are transported across regions. When discharged, this water can introduce invasive species, disrupt ecosystems, and create serious ecological, economic, and public health risks, including the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera. Ensuring healthy, clean water in maritime operations is no longer optional; it is critical to regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship.

In parallel, large vessels equipped with exhaust gas scrubbers discharge wash water designed to reduce airborne emissions. Unfortunately, this scrubber wash water often contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, nitrates, and other hazardous compounds. Without effective treatment, these pollutants compromise marine environments and undermine global efforts to achieve cleaner, safer oceans and healthy, clean water.

ClearE8 systems remove organics and complex contaminants, allowing ballast water to be safely returned to the ocean without introducing invasive species. In addition, much of the contamination found in scrubber wash water can be treated onboard, enabling vessels to meet discharge requirements regardless of geographic location. By generating healthy, clean water at sea, ClearE8 helps ship operators maintain compliance while protecting sensitive marine environments.

This onboard treatment capability reduces operational risk, minimizes regulatory exposure, and supports the shipping industry’s transition toward cleaner, more sustainable operations. The result is reliable access to healthy, clean water without relying on port-based infrastructure or chemical-intensive solutions.

ClearE8’s approach supports water recycling and reuse by leveraging Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) technology, the same natural mechanism Earth uses to cleanse water. Oxidation is a powerful, nature-inspired process that breaks down organics and complex chemicals into simpler, harmless compounds, dramatically improving water quality, clarity, odor, and overall environmental compatibility.

At the core of the ClearE8 system is ozone, a highly reactive oxidant that creates a chain of AOP reactions. Multiple Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) technology pathways work together to ensure the complete destruction of organics, PAHs, and other pollutants found in maritime water streams. This delivers consistently healthy, clean water while reducing waste, supporting sustainability goals, and protecting the world’s oceans for future generations.

References: [1] [2] [3]