News
January 2025
Innovation in Marine Sustainability: A Conversation with Frank Herholdt of Martechnic
Tina Ross, Awards Manager of Ship Technology Excellence Awards, speaks with Frank Herholdt, Head of Management at Martechnic, about their groundbreaking MT COOLANT CHECK technology and their Environmental Category win in the 2024 Ship Technology Excellence Awards.


TR: Congratulations on winning the Environmental Category! Could you tell us what makes the MT COOLANT CHECK technology so revolutionary?
FH: Thank you, Tina. What sets MT COOLANT CHECK apart is its completely chemical-free approach to coolant testing. Traditional methods rely heavily on chemical analyses and hazardous products, but our patent-pending device uses electrotechnical apparatus with specialized electrodes to simulate an engine cooling system. The steel and stainless-steel electrodes are very easy in handling and disposal. They do not generate chemical waste and can be disposed as a regular scrap metal on a vessel.
TR: That's fascinating. How long does the testing process take, and what kind of results can operators expect?
FH: The innovation of our system is its simplicity and efficiency. Operators can analyze water-based coolants with just one measurement through a single coolant sample, and results are delivered in just 15 minutes. The device performs all evaluations automatically and even calculates precise dosing recommendations when needed. We've also introduced a new unit of measurement called the "Lagner" to assess remaining corrosion protection.
TR: Environmental impact seems to be at the core of your innovation. How does MT COOLANT CHECK contribute to sustainability beyond its chemical-free testing?
FH: Absolutely. We've approached sustainability from multiple angles. The electrodes are made from steel and stainless steel, which are far less resource-intensive to produce than traditional test kit materials. These components are also easily recyclable, supporting a circular economy. Plus, by providing precise maintenance recommendations, we help prevent unnecessary coolant changes and reduce waste.
TR: How has the maritime industry responded to this innovation?
FH: Some customers even called our approach revolutionary in the coolant predictive maintenance practices. Ship operators appreciate not only the environmental benefits but also the cost-effectiveness and time savings. By replacing multiple individual tests with one comprehensive solution, we're helping crews maintain more efficient maintenance schedules while supporting their environmental commitments.
TR: Looking ahead, what's next for Martechnic in terms of sustainable innovation?
FH: As a company celebrating over 25 years in the industry, we remain committed to combining tradition with innovation. We're continuously exploring new ways to support sustainable shipping through our oil quality management solutions. Our focus is on developing technologies that not only improve operational efficiency but also help the maritime industry meet its environmental protection goals.
TR: What does winning the Environmental Award in the Ship Technology Excellence Awards mean to you personally?
FH: This recognition validates our commitment to sustainable maritime solutions. It's particularly meaningful because it highlights that environmental responsibility and technical excellence can go hand in hand. We hope this encourages more innovation in sustainable maritime technologies.
December 2024
Martechnic's 2024 Milestones: A Year of Excellence and Environmental Stewardship

Award-Winning Innovation in Maritime Technology
Martechnic has achieved remarkable success in 2024, with its groundbreaking test device MT COOLANT CHECK receiving the prestigious Ship Technology Excellence Award in the "ENVIRONMENTAL – DECARBONISATION" category. This recognition from GlobalData's Ship Technology Excellence Awards program underscores Martechnic's commitment to sustainable maritime solutions.

The patent-pending test device MT COOLANT CHECK represents an innovative approach to engine coolant analysis, offering a chemical-free alternative to traditional chemical-based testing methods. By utilizing an electrotechnical apparatus with corrosion-resistant and corrosion-prone electrodes, the device eliminates the need for environmentally hazardous chemicals while providing accurate assessments of coolant performance. The remaining corrosion protection level of the coolant in use is determined fully automatically in just one single test with a new unit of measurement - Lagner (lag).
Clear recommendations to action with indication of the dosing rate of the chemical additive required to be added (if any) help to avoid unnecessary coolant changes and wastage. Easily recyclable electrodes with no shelf-life limitations contribute to waste reduction, minimizing environmental risks, especially to marine ecosystems, thereby marking a significant stride towards sustainable predictive maintenance in the maritime industry.

Successful Presence at Posidonia and SMM 2024
At the world's largest and prestigious shipping exhibitions of the international maritime community, Posidonia and SMM 2024, Martechnic showcased its time-proven testing equipment for pro-active condition monitoring of fuel, lube and hydraulic oil and innovative solutions for on-site cooling water quality determination. The company's presence at these global gatherings of maritime professionals provided an excellent platform to demonstrate the MT COOLANT CHECK's capabilities and environmental benefits.
In addition, Martechnic’s initiative “Biofuel Think Tank” during the SMM week has facilitated valuable discussions on sustainable biofuels in marine shipping. Martechnic proceeds with its research in biofuel testing and commitment to developing solutions for the industry's decarbonization challenges.

Environmental Commitment Through Charitable Giving
Continuing its tradition of social responsibility, Martechnic participated in WWF's "Donations Instead of Gifts 2024" Christmas campaign. This initiative reflects the company's dedication to environmental protection and biodiversity preservation, aligning with its ESG principles and commitment to sustainable development.

Internal Environmental Initiatives
To reduce its environmental footprint, Martechnic has revised the packaging material of its test kits to offer environmental-friendly and sustainable alternatives.
Martechnic\’s test kits will be now offered with a recycled PE foam insert with a recycled content of at least 80% with very good restoring forces, excellent cushioning properties, excellent performance and protection of the test kit components. The polyethylene foam is not only light, but can be easily recycled countless times and reused while maintaining consistent quality.

Moreover, instead of plastic bags previously used for packing of the reagents and chemicals, Martechnic now uses biodegradable flat bags of sustainable polylactide (PLA) bioplastic for safe and leak-proof transport in compliance with the international environmental standards. The environmentally-friendly packaging material is of high quality, certified according to EN/DIN 13432 and TÜV sealed, transparent-milky and 50 mµ, compastible and it helps to reduce plastic waste and promote a sustainable future.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on 2024's achievements, Martechnic remains focused on advancing sustainable maritime technologies and fostering industry collaboration. The company continues to seek partners for biofuel research and testing, demonstrating its commitment to driving innovation in the maritime sector.
Special Thanks to Our Partners
Martechnic extends heartfelt gratitude to all partners who contributed to our success in 2024. Your collaboration and support have been instrumental in:
- Advancing sustainable maritime technologies
- Research and development initiatives
- Environmental protection efforts
- Industry-wide adoption of eco-friendly practices
Together, we continue to work towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious maritime industry. Your partnership has been invaluable in achieving our shared goals of innovation and environmental stewardship.
November 2024
Martechnic Contributes to WWF’s Christmas Charity Campaign „DONATIONS INSTEAD OF GIFTS 2024“

Since many years Martechnic celebrates the Christmas season by supporting the annual fundraising campaign of WWF „Donations instead of Gifts“. As a small family-owned company we are convinced that it is our corporate responsibility and a part of our internal ESG (Environmental, Social, Governannce) principles to promote sustainable development, environmental protection and biodiversity by giving to non-profit organisations.
We believe that every small contribution can make a big difference and significantly impact the development of numerous important environmental projects of WWF around the world With the common goal of a sustainable world and a healthy planet, it is also our common obligation to commit to transparency and invest into environmentally friendly projects.