Ecochlor

Ecochlor, Inc. provides ballast water management systems (BWMSs) for the global shipping industry, targeting clients such as tanker and bulk carrier owners with mid-to-high ballast water flow rates. The company generates revenue through the sale, installation, and servicing of its systems, as well as the recurring supply of the treatment chemicals required for operation. Founded in 2001 by Tom Perlich, who brought decades of experience from the chemical and industrial sectors, Ecochlor was established to commercialize patented ballast water treatment technologies. Perlich's background includes engineering and sales roles at Nalco Water and ExxonMobil, providing a strong foundation for developing solutions for the maritime industry.

The company's core technology utilizes chlorine dioxide (ClO2), a biocide generated on board the vessel, to disinfect ballast water during uptake. This method is designed to be effective across all water conditions, including variations in salinity, temperature, and turbidity, without requiring neutralization before discharge. This core technology is delivered through a product line offering flexibility to shipowners. The offerings include the filter-based Ecochlor® BWMS, the filterless EcoOne® BWMS for marine and brackish waters, and the EcoOne® Hybrid, which allows operators to switch between filtered and filterless modes. These systems feature low power consumption and modular designs to accommodate space limitations on vessels.

Ecochlor marked a significant milestone in 2004 with its first system installation on the 'Atlantic Compass'. A subsequent installation on the 'Moku Pahu' in 2006 operated for 13 years under strict California regulations, demonstrating the system's durability. The company achieved IMO Type Approval in 2011 and US Coast Guard Type Approval in 2017, critical regulatory validations for market access. Recognized for its rapid expansion, Ecochlor was listed on the Inc. 500 in 2017 with a three-year revenue growth of 972%. In November 2024, Ecochlor was acquired by ERMA FIRST, a Greece-based competitor, a move intended to consolidate their position in the global BWMS market.

Keywords: ballast water management system, BWMS, chlorine dioxide water treatment, marine environmental protection, ship ballast water, invasive species prevention, maritime water treatment, Ecochlor, EcoOne, ship retrofit solutions, marine compliance, USCG Type Approval, IMO certified, low power BWMS, filterless ballast water system, chemical disinfection BWTS, marine engineering, vessel water safety, green marine technology, tanker ballast systems, bulk carrier water treatment