Product & Technology
A non-caustic alkaline solution engineered for marine scrubber-water treatment — designed to replace highly corrosive traditional chemistry with a safer, smarter, and more sustainable alternative.
What is Alka Nova?
Alka Nova is a next-generation alkaline solution developed specifically for the treatment of scrubber washwater in marine operations. It is designed as a direct functional alternative to caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) — one of the most widely used but also most hazardous chemicals in industrial water treatment.
The core innovation of Alka Nova lies in its non-caustic profile: it delivers the alkalinity required for effective scrubber-water pH adjustment and treatment without the extreme corrosivity and safety hazards associated with traditional caustic chemistry.
This distinction matters operationally, logistically, and strategically — enabling a treatment model that is safer to handle, easier to store and transport, and better aligned with the evolving environmental and safety standards of the maritime industry.
How it works
Scrubber Washwater Generation
Marine exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) use seawater or freshwater to remove sulfur oxides from ship exhaust. This process generates acidic washwater that must be treated before discharge or recirculation.
Alkaline Neutralisation
Alka Nova is dosed into the washwater stream to raise pH to compliant levels. Its alkaline chemistry neutralises the acidic compounds effectively — performing the same core function as caustic soda, without the extreme corrosivity.
Treated Discharge or Recirculation
Once treated to the required pH and quality standards, the washwater can be discharged in compliance with applicable regulations or recirculated within closed-loop scrubber systems.
Key principle: Alka Nova delivers the required alkalinity for scrubber-water treatment while eliminating the extreme pH hazards, corrosion risks, and handling complexity associated with caustic soda — without compromising treatment performance.
Product profile
Technical Specifications
Indicative values — final specifications subject to formulation and application requirements.
Exact values per formulation
No specialist caustic storage required
Performance Profile
Effective pH adjustment for scrubber washwater
Reduced corrosivity and exposure risk
Easier storage, transport, and dosing
Supports sustainability-aligned operations
Development Status
Alka Nova is currently in advanced formulation and pre-commercial development. Pilot and partnership opportunities are available for qualified maritime operators and industrial partners.
Alka Nova vs. Traditional Caustic Soda
Caustic soda (NaOH) is the dominant alkaline agent used in marine scrubber-water treatment today. While effective, it carries significant operational, safety, and logistical challenges that Alka Nova is designed to address.
Key advantages
Safety Advantages
- Non-caustic profile eliminates extreme corrosivity hazards
- Significantly reduced risk of chemical burns and crew exposure
- Lower PPE requirements for routine handling operations
- Reduced risk of equipment and infrastructure corrosion damage
- Safer emergency response profile compared to NaOH
Operational Advantages
- Standard industrial storage — no specialist caustic infrastructure
- Simplified transport and logistics classification
- Improved materials compatibility with vessel systems
- Easier integration into existing scrubber dosing systems
- Reduced maintenance burden from corrosion-related damage
Environmental Advantages
- Supports sustainability-aligned marine operations
- Reduced environmental risk from accidental spills or leaks
- Better aligned with evolving IMO and port-state regulations
- Contributes to a cleaner chemistry profile for treated washwater
- Positions operators ahead of tightening environmental standards
Strategic Advantages
- First-mover positioning in non-caustic marine treatment chemistry
- Aligns with the maritime industry's decarbonisation trajectory
- Supports ESG reporting and sustainability commitments
- Differentiates operators committed to responsible chemistry
- Scalable across fleet operations and multiple vessel types
Applications & target sectors
Bulk Carriers & Tankers
Large-volume vessels with open-loop or hybrid scrubber systems that require continuous washwater treatment at scale — a primary target for Alka Nova deployment.
Container Ships
High-frequency port-call vessels where simplified chemical handling and reduced hazardous material logistics offer significant operational advantages.
Cruise & Passenger Vessels
Passenger-carrying vessels where crew safety, environmental compliance, and public sustainability commitments make a non-caustic alternative particularly valuable.
Closed-Loop Scrubber Systems
Vessels operating in emission control areas (ECAs) with closed-loop scrubbers that recirculate washwater — where chemical compatibility and treatment quality are critical.
Port & Terminal Operations
Shore-side scrubber treatment facilities and port reception infrastructure where safer chemical handling reduces operational risk and regulatory complexity.
Fleet Operators & Managers
Ship management companies seeking to standardise on a safer, more sustainable chemistry profile across their entire managed fleet.
Interested in Alka Nova for your operations?
We welcome conversations with ship operators, technical partners, and investors interested in piloting or partnering on Alka Nova's commercial development.