Martechnic to Support the IMPA Hamburg 2025 as a Sponsor

This year Martechnic is once again supporting the “IMPA Hamburg 2025” event as a sponsor.

The annual event is organized by the International Marine Purchasing Association (IMPA) and is an excellent opportunity for purchasing experts from the maritime industry to network, to exchange ideas and to connect sharing the common goal of commitment to sustainability and achieving efficiency in the supply chain.

The event will take place on April 10, 2025 at the Empire Riverside Hotel in Hamburg statt.

By attending, you will have the opportunity to engage with procurement professionals and participate in insightful discussions on purchasing and supply chain excellence.

During the event you will encounter the distinguished speakers with keynote presentations and experience a debate panel of senior procurement leaders with exciting discussions tackling the issues of supply chain management within the maritime industry.

As an established supplier and expert in oil quality management for over 25 years, Martechnic considers the effective implementation of fuel, lube and hydraulic oil condition monitoring programs in the global shipping sector to be crucial. These programs help to comply with international environmental standards and norms aimed at minimizing environmental impact, promoting sustainable development and conserving valuable resources.

Martechnic Adds New Test Kit “MT UREA CHECK” to Its Product Range

We are excited to reveal the successful launch of our new product - test kit “MT UREA CHECK”.

The test kit is designed for rapid on-board determination of urea concentration in marine diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) AUS 40 (aqueous urea solution at 40 % concentration). The quality and appropriate concentration of urea in AUS 40 is crucial for optimal performance of diesel engines with SCR (selective catalytic reduction) system. The prolonged storage of AUS 40 and high temperatures can lead to its gradual decomposition and thus have a negative effect on the urea concentration.

The customized test kit “MT UREA CHECK” enables measuring of urea concentration in AUS 40 by means of UREA REFRACTOMETER and determination of pH value with special INDICATOR PAPER.

Utilizing the test kit, the quality marine diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) AUS 40 can be assessed in accordance with ISO 18611-1:2014, and the following possible error sources can be promptly determined:

• Technical deviating specifications
• Thermal instability (shelf life)
• Dilution (possibly chemical contamination)

Martechnic at EXPOMARITT Exposhipping Istanbul 2025

EXPOMARITT is Türkiye's largest shipbuilding and sub-industry maritime exhibition which will take place in Istanbul on 18-21 February 2025. Organised on behalf of the Turkish Chamber of Shipping, the international trade fair is held every two years providing an excellent platform for establishing new business opportunities and collaborations in the maritime industry.

Martechnic will be exhibiting together with our long-term business partner and our representative in Türkiye – the company ESMS. We will be happy to welcome all guests, customers and business friends at Hall 7, Stand 7C10!

Martechnic’s Customer Relations Manager Dr. Frank Bernier will be showcasing our effective and well-established technical solutions for on-board condition monitoring of fuel, lube and hydraulic oil. He will also present our innovative, patent-pending and award-winning test device MT COOLANT CHECK that offers completely chemical-free approach to engine coolant testing. The environmentally friendly measurement method utilizes the electrotechnical apparatus with steel and stainless steel electrodes in a simulated engine cooling system. The remaining corrosion protection of water-based coolants is determined with just one single measurement through a single coolant sample, delivering results in just 15 minutes. All the evaluation is carried out fully automatically.

Martechnic will be also exhibiting its new test kit MT UREA CHECK which is designed for regular on-board quality monitoring of urea-based marine diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) AUS 40, used for diesel engines with SCR (selective catalytic reduction) system. In accordance with ISO 18611-1:2014, the test kit can be helpful to detect possible error sources such as technical deviating specifications, thermal instability (shelf life) and dilution (possibly chemical contamination).

For more information, please visit us at EXPOMARITT Exposhipping in Istanbul!

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.