RWK Goodman LLP advised Swedish multi-national company Alfa Laval on its acquisition of innovative marine technology provider NRG Marine, a Coventry and Abu Dhabi based maker of ultrasonic anti-fouling systems.

The deal, which is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, sees Alfa Laval secure ultrasonic anti-fouling technology which offers significant operational and environmental benefits for Alfa Laval’s marine division, with potential to apply the technology for use in Alfa Laval’s dairy, oil and gas, and other industrial markets.

The RWK Goodman transactional team was led by John North (partner) and senior associate Catherine Hayes with support from senior associate Charlotte Ebbutt and associates Hector Freyne, Simon Stone and William Bartoli-Edwards. Employment law support was provided by senior associate Catherine Hawkes. From the firm’s real estate team, partner Priya Pandya and senior paralegal Abigail Okosi advised on the property aspects of the deal.

The U.A.E office of Charles Russell Speechlys advised Alfa Laval on Abu Dhabi law aspects and tax and accounting advice was provided by PwC (UK and Sweden). DWF and AMA Capital advised the shareholders of NRG Marine.

John North commented:

 “We were delighted to have supported Alfa Laval on its latest acquisition. It has been very enjoyable to work closely with its in-house legal, finance and HR teams throughout this transaction to date. We look forward to further supporting Alfa Laval and working again with its in-house teams.”

Here is how Alfa Laval has announced the deal:

Alfa Laval has signed an agreement to acquire NRG Marine, a leading provider of ultrasonic anti-fouling solutions for marine, oil and gas, and industrial applications, headquartered in the United Kingdom. The move aligns with Alfa Laval’s strategy to provide its customers with environmentally friendly solutions contributing significantly towards improving operational efficiency, reducing costs and extending lifecycle of the asset. Closing of the acquisition is expected during Q2, 2025.

Innovative ultrasonic anti-fouling technology

By incorporating NRG Marine’s cutting-edge ultrasonic technology into its portfolio, Alfa Laval aims to offer an innovative solution for anti-fouling with significant operational and environmental benefits for marine, oil and gas, and other industrial markets.

NRG Marine's proactive anti-fouling technology utilizes ultrasonic microscopic bubbles that implode, creating agitation that disrupts the surface environment. This agitation passively cleans the surface, reducing fouling, scaling, sludge, and deposits on critical components.

For marine vessels, fouling is not just important from a fuel savings and decarbonization perspective. Biofouling, the accumulation of organisms on ship parts, increases the risk of spreading invasive species, leading to ecological and economic harm. Anti-fouling systems are crucial for mitigating this issue, reducing the spread of invasive species, and protecting marine ecosystems.

For the oil and gas sector, this technology helps prevent and clean the stationary surfaces to avoid biofouling. Being ATEX-approved, it complies with required safety standards that make it reliable and safe.

“In the race to net zero, solutions that enhance energy efficiency and operational performance are more essential than ever,” says Sameer Kalra, President Marine Division, Alfa Laval. “The inclusion of ultrasonic anti-fouling technology into our portfolio is another addition to our decarbonization toolbox. By addressing the critical problem of biofouling with this advanced technique, we will enable our customers to meet both business and environmental objectives.”

"We are excited to join forces with Alfa Laval through this acquisition to extend ultrasound technology for anti-fouling treatment to marine, oil and gas, and other industrial sectors,” says Darren Rowlands, Founder & CEO of NRG Marine. “Alfa Laval's commitment to sustainable solutions and extensive global network make them an ideal partner for us. This strategic move will increase our market reach and scalability, making our solution more accessible to customers.”