Alfa Laval Sonihull ultrasonic antifouling

Keep your vessel in service for longer

Annual antifouling, hull cleaning and unexpected fouling issues all take time, money and vessels out of operation. Alfa Laval Sonihull is an ultrasonic antifouling system designed to prevent marine growth before it takes hold.

By helping to keep hulls, propellers, sea chests and vital seawater systems cleaner, Sonihull can reduce the need for mechanical cleaning and prolong the time between maintenance interventions. That means less downtime, improved efficiency and lower whole-life operating costs.

Golden Arrow Marine is launching Alfa Laval Sonihull for Autumn/Winter 2026, bringing this proven technology to commercial operators and leisure vessel owners across the South Coast and beyond.

A smarter alternative to traditional anti-fouling

Marine growth creates drag, increases fuel consumption and can affect the performance of cooling systems, propulsion equipment and other submerged components. Traditionally, managing it has meant regular antifouling, cleaning by divers or lifting a vessel out of the water.

Sonihull takes a preventative approach.

The system uses carefully controlled ultrasound to discourage the formation of biofilm and prevent organisms such as algae, barnacles and mussels from attaching to wetted surfaces. It works continuously, quietly and without biocides, cleaning chemicals or through-hull fittings.

The result is a cleaner, more efficient vessel with less disruption to operations.

Reduce downtime. Reduce maintenance. Protect performance.

For commercial operators, every day out of service affects the bottom line. For leisure owners, maintenance time is time away from the water.

Alfa Laval Sonihull is designed to help you:

• Reduce reliance on annual antifouling and frequent mechanical cleaning
• Extend the interval between hull, propeller and seawater-system maintenance
• Avoid unnecessary lift-outs associated with fouling management
• Maintain hull and propulsion efficiency by reducing marine growth and drag
• Protect vital seawater cooling systems from fouling-related restrictions
• Reduce fuel use and associated operating costs
• Avoid the use of biocides and chemical cleaning products
• Install without dry docking or through-hull penetrations

While individual maintenance schedules will always depend on the vessel, its use and insurer or manufacturer requirements, Sonihull can substantially reduce the time and cost associated with managing marine growth over the life of the vessel.

Designed for commercial and leisure marine vessels

Sonihull is suitable for a broad range of vessels where uptime, efficiency and maintenance control matter.

Commercial marine

For workboats, pilot boats, ferries, fishing vessels, offshore support craft, tugs and passenger vessels, Sonihull can help protect operational readiness by keeping key submerged surfaces and seawater systems cleaner for longer.

It is particularly valuable where a vessel operates at low speed, spends extended periods afloat or cannot easily be taken out of service for cleaning and maintenance.

Leisure marine

For motor yachts, sailing yachts, superyachts and other leisure vessels, Sonihull provides a practical way to reduce the burden of antifouling and underwater cleaning.

Whether your boat is used regularly, left afloat for long periods or kept in warmer waters, Sonihull helps maintain a cleaner hull and more efficient propulsion system, so more of your ownership time can be spent enjoying the water.

Protect more than the hull

A Sonihull system can be tailored around your vessel and the areas most at risk from biofouling, including:

• Hulls and vessel structures
• Propellers, thrusters and waterjets
• Sea chests
• Box, plate and shell-and-tube coolers
• Strainers, pipework, valves and intakes
• Freshwater generators and tanks

Golden Arrow Marine can discuss your vessel, operating profile and maintenance priorities to recommend the right Sonihull solution.

Easy retrofit installation, without dry docking

Sonihull transducers are fitted externally to the relevant structure and transmit ultrasonic frequencies through the material. There are no through-hull penetrations, helping make retrofit installation straightforward and avoiding the need to dry dock solely for the system installation.

The technology is also designed to operate without interfering with onboard electronics, sonar or other vessel systems.

Invest in lower lifetime costs

Sonihull is not simply an alternative to antifouling. It is an investment in vessel availability, efficiency and lower maintenance demand.

By reducing drag, avoiding unnecessary cleaning and helping protect seawater cooling performance, the system can deliver savings over time through lower fuel use, reduced maintenance spend and fewer disruptions to your operation.

For commercial fleets, that can support improved utilisation and predictable maintenance planning. For leisure owners, it can mean fewer maintenance headaches and more time afloat.

Speak to Golden Arrow Marine about Alfa Laval Sonihull

Planning winter maintenance, operating a commercial vessel or looking for a more efficient alternative to traditional antifouling?

Talk to the Golden Arrow Marine team about Alfa Laval Sonihull. We can discuss your vessel, the areas you would like to protect and the potential operational benefits of ultrasonic anti-fouling.

Contact Golden Arrow Marine today to arrange a Sonihull consultation.

Frequently asked questions

What is Alfa Laval Sonihull?

Alfa Laval Sonihull is an ultrasonic antifouling system that helps prevent marine growth on hulls, propulsion equipment and seawater systems without using biocides or cleaning chemicals.

Can Sonihull replace antifouling?

Sonihull can reduce reliance on traditional antifouling and mechanical cleaning by preventing marine growth before it becomes established. Your maintenance schedule should still be based on your vessel’s operational needs, manufacturer guidance and any relevant insurance or regulatory requirements.

Does Sonihull require a dry dock installation?

No. Sonihull does not require through-hull fittings, so it can be installed without dry docking solely for the installation.

What types of vessels can use Sonihull?

Sonihull is suitable for many commercial and leisure vessels, including workboats, ferries, fishing vessels, pilot boats, motor yachts, sailing yachts and superyachts.

Can Sonihull protect engine cooling systems?

Yes. Sonihull can be specified to help protect sea chests, coolers, strainers, intakes and other seawater-system components from biofouling.

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