Cathelco

What Cathelco does

Cathelco is a UK-based maritime engineering company founded in 1956 that designs and supplies biofouling management, corrosion protection, and onboard fresh water generation systems for naval, commercial, and offshore operators. Its products span four technology families: copper and aluminium anodic impressed-current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems and MGPS pipework dosing for corrosion and biological fouling control; the newly launched USP DragGone ultrasonic antifouling platform, which uses patented Guided Wave and Heterodyning dual-frequency cavitation to disable marine organisms without biocides; and Seafresh reverse osmosis desalinators that produce freshwater from seawater for vessel consumption. The company also offers subscription-based hull performance monitoring layered on top of its hardware installed base. Cathelco operates as a brand within the Evac group, supplying directly to shipyards, navies, and ship owners through a combination of direct field sales and a global service network with local production, generating revenue from upfront equipment sales, recurring spares and service contracts, and aftermarket monitoring subscriptions. Its customer base spans 40+ navies and more than 20,000 vessels cumulatively, with 1,800+ desalinator units installed.

Name

Cathelco

Website

https://cathelco.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1956

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Cathelco is a UK-based maritime engineering company founded in 1956 that supplies biofouling management, corrosion protection, and reverse osmosis fresh water generation systems to 40+ navies, commercial shipowners, and offshore operators through a global service network under the Evac group.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Equipment and Vessel Protection Systems

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Ship Building and Repairing (336611)

SIC

Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730)

akta.pro primary industry

Corrosion Control & Cathodic Protection Services (IMAIAKAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Marine Coatings, Blasting & Corrosion Control (Hull, Tanks, Cathodic Protection) (TLAHAMAG)

Keywords

• Maritime biofouling management
• Cathodic corrosion protection
• Ultrasonic antifouling systems
• Marine growth prevention systems
• Marine reverse osmosis desalination

Headquarters

HQ city

Chesterfield

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Marine Protection Systems (ICCP, MGPS, Ultrasonic Antifouling): Sale and installation of corrosion protection and biofouling management systems for vessels. Systems are sold as equipment with ongoing maintenance and service support.
2. Reverse Osmosis Desalinators: Sale of onboard water generation systems (Cathelco Seafresh) enabling vessels to generate fresh water independently.
3. Service, Spares and Support: Ongoing service, maintenance, and spare parts supply through global service network.
4. Log Sheet Monitoring Services: Monitoring services for commercial fleets including log sheet monitoring for system effectiveness.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Cathelco manufactures and supplies marine hardware for vessel protection and water generation, including ultrasonic antifouling systems (USP DragGone), impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) hull corrosion prevention systems, marine growth prevention systems (MGPS) for seawater piping, and Cathelco Seafresh reverse osmosis desalinators. The products are sold to commercial fleet operators, naval forces, and offshore energy operators and are supported by a global installation and service network.

Product overview

Cathelco is a product portfolio of maritime water management and vessel protection systems, offered as a unified suite of four core product lines. The offerings include the USP DragGone ultrasonic antifouling system (using patented Guided Wave and Heterodyning technologies), ICCP hull corrosion protection systems, Marine Growth Prevention Systems (MGPS) for seawater piping, and Cathelco Seafresh reverse osmosis desalinators. These systems address biofouling management, corrosion protection, and fresh water generation for commercial vessels, naval ships, submarines, and offshore applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• USP DragGone: Next-generation ultrasonic antifouling system using patented Guided Wave and Heterodyning technologies to prevent hull fouling and reduce fuel consumption by up to 13%.
• Cathelco Seafresh

Products and services

• USP DragGone Ultrasonic Antifouling System Advanced ultrasonic antifouling system that uses patented Guided Wave technology and Heterodyning technology to keep vessel hulls free of fouling, improving hydrodynamic performance and fuel economy. Designed for commercial vessels, naval ships, and offshore installations.
• ICCP Hull Corrosion Protection Systems Impressed Current Cathodic Protection systems that provide continuous, automated hull corrosion protection, significantly extending vessel operational life by preventing electrolytic corrosion. Available in specialized variants for naval vessels that do not interfere with electrical war-fighting capability.
• Marine Growth Prevention Systems (MGPS) Systems that prevent marine organisms from colonizing in seawater piping systems, sea chests, and other critical areas, ensuring optimal efficiency and reducing maintenance operations and dry dock visits. Deployed on commercial vessels, naval ships, submarines, and offshore installations, and aligned with IMO Biofouling Guidelines.
• Cathelco Seafresh Reverse Osmosis Desalinators Durable reverse osmosis desalinators that enable vessels to generate fresh water onboard, providing operational independence from shore-based water supplies. Serving more than 1,800 vessels globally for decades.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 13% reduction in fuel consumption with USP DragGone ultrasonic antifouling
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2015Cathelco is listed under Article 95 of the EU Biocides Regulation 528/2012, the official register of approved active substance suppliers recognized by ECHA. This listing enables vessel owners and operators sailing in European waters to ensure regulatory compliance by installing genuine Cathelco equipment and anodes.
• International Maritime Organization (IMO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCathelco provides regulatory support in relation to the Marine Growth Prevention System aligned with IMO's Biofouling Guidelines designed to prevent invasive aquatic species inhabitation. Cathelco provides Biofouling Management Plan templates, Record Book templates, and assistance in completing relevant sections.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cathelco-ltd

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cathelco