Seascour calls for end to caustic marine descaling

The company, now part of the Hendry Holdings group, has developed a plant-based product intended to replace traditional descalers that rely on hydrochloric and phosphoric acids. These substances are commonly used to clean heat exchangers, coolers, strainers, water desalination units, and HVAC systems but can be hazardous to both marine ecosystems and shipyard workers.

Seascour has been tested on a range of vessel types, including US Navy, US Coast Guard, and NOAA research ships, in addition to widespread use on merchant and recreational vessels. 

Seascour president Kelly Hendry said the cost savings of Seascour are driving demand with all vessel types being able to use the product from tankers, carriers, cruise ships and container vessels to recreational boats, tugs and workboats.

“The era of caustic chemical cleaning must end,” she said. “The traditional methods are expensive, dangerous, and environmentally damaging. At Seascour, we want to change that.”

Seascour recently became the only marine descaler to receive the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice certification for outdoor use. The designation allows the product to be discharged directly into the ocean or other waterways, and confirms that its ingredients are considered safer for aquatic life.

“Traditional descalers contribute to algal blooms by releasing harmful chemicals into the water,” Hendry said. “These blooms can deplete oxygen levels, disrupt ecosystems, and lead to harbour closures. Our product does not contribute to this issue and is certified for outdoor discharge.”

In addition to the EPA certification, Seascour is pursuing further approvals, including NAVSEA and Green Marine certifications. It has already won the IBEX Boat Care Innovation Award and is certified by the US Department of Agriculture as a bio-based product.

According to the company, Seascour’s use can significantly reduce the cost and time associated with traditional descaling, potentially replacing two-day drydockings with a three-hour at-sea flush.

Seascour currently has six distributors in the US and is looking to expand its global reach.