Water-Based Marine Chemicals in Vietnam

Marine chemicals play a vital role in the operation, maintenance, and cleaning of various vessels — from large cargo ships to private yachts.

However, the reliance on traditional chemical formulations, which often contain strong organic solvents, has raised serious concerns regarding crew safety and marine environmental pollution.

Against this backdrop, the emergence of water-based marine chemicals marks a new era for the maritime industry. This innovation is not merely an alternative but represents a significant step toward sustainability and compliance with global environmental standards.

What Are Water-Based Marine Chemicals?

Definition and Core Composition

Water-based marine chemicals are specialized formulations designed for shipboard maintenance, cleaning, and technical treatment, in which water is used as the primary solvent instead of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

This shift holds crucial technical significance: it fundamentally changes the way chemicals interact with metal surfaces, oil residues, and deposits—enabling efficient cleaning and surface protection without relying on corrosive or aggressive dissolving agents.

Structurally, these products typically consist of:

• Surfactants, which break the bond between oil, grease, and surface materials;
• Corrosion inhibitors, which form a protective film on metallic surfaces;
• Functional polymers for viscosity control and formulation stability;
• Biodegradable additives, ensuring post-use environmental safety and compliance with MARPOL and IMO guidelines on chemical discharge at sea.

The ratio and formulation of these components are precisely adjusted according to the intended application — whether for tank cleaning, engine room degreasing, deck maintenance, ballast water treatment, or pipeline descaling.

The “Green” Operating Principle

Unlike solvent-based chemicals that rely on aggressive dissolution and direct chemical bond disruption, water-based marine chemicals operate through a more refined physico-chemical mechanism.

When in contact with contaminants, surfactant molecules rearrange their structure to encapsulate oil droplets and solid particles, forming a stable emulsion — a process known as emulsification.
Through this mechanism, grease and residues are lifted away from the surface without the need for volatile solvents.

After cleaning, corrosion inhibitors create a thin protective film on the metal surface, preventing oxygen and moisture from coming into direct contact with the substrate.

This synergy between physical separation and chemical protection defines the “green mechanism” — a system that is cleaner, safer, and more stable, paving the way for a sustainable approach to ship maintenance and operation in the modern maritime industry.

The Benefits of Water-Based Marine Chemicals

Safety for Operators & Reduced Operational Risks

In the maritime environment—especially in engine rooms, cargo holds, and enclosed spaces—fire and explosion hazards are among the most critical safety concerns.

Traditional cleaning and maintenance chemicals often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene, xylene, or butyl glycol, which have very low flash points (typically between 20°C and 60°C). Under normal ambient conditions, these vapors can easily form flammable mixtures when exposed to sparks or hot surfaces.

In contrast, water-based marine chemicals use water as the primary solvent—comprising up to 70–90% of total solution volume—which significantly suppresses the evaporation of any residual organic compounds.

As a result, most formulations are non-flammable or have flash points above 100°C, exceeding the flammability thresholds defined by ISO 2719:2016 and the safety guidelines of IMO MSC/Circ.1319.

These properties deliver major operational advantages:

• Water-based products are not classified under IMDG Code Class 3 (Flammable Liquids), eliminating the need for dedicated storage or special fire-resistant PPE.
• Reduced VOC emissions protect crew health, minimizing respiratory irritation and ensuring safer working conditions, even in confined areas.
• Lower fire risks also translate into reduced insurance premiums and fewer operational disruptions.

Outstanding Cleaning Efficiency

Modern water-based cleaning agents are not only safer but also deliver exceptional cleaning performance, especially on complex surfaces such as heat exchangers, cargo tanks, and piping systems.

Their performance is driven by the synergistic action between water and surfactants, which deeply penetrate and break the bonds between oil, grease, and metal surfaces. The surfactant molecules then form stable emulsions, isolating contaminants within the aqueous phase for easy rinsing—achieving cleaning efficiency equal to or greater than traditional solvents, without damaging paint or substrate materials.

Additionally, functional polymers and viscosity modifiers enhance surface adhesion and prolong contact time, preventing redeposition of residues.

These characteristics allow operators to optimize chemical dosage, reduce energy use, and minimize waste handling—aligning with the global maritime goal of green, low-emission operations.

High Compatibility with Multiple Materials

Shipboard systems involve diverse materials—steel, rubber, epoxy coatings, and aluminum alloys—constantly exposed to salt-laden air, high temperatures, and vibration. Solvent-based chemicals (e.g., toluene, MEK, xylene) can degrade coatings, cause rubber seals to swell, and shorten component lifespan.

Water-based formulations, on the other hand, rely on physico-chemical actions such as emulsification, dispersion, and film formation, instead of aggressive solvent dissolution. This minimizes corrosion and material degradation.

Many advanced formulations also incorporate corrosion inhibitors, creating a temporary protective layer on cleaned metal surfaces—particularly useful for uncoated or recently maintained tanks. This feature helps slow down oxidation, especially in humid or saline marine environments.

This shift is consistent with IMO MEPC.1/Circ.590, which encourages the reduction of VOC emissions from shipboard maintenance operations and supports the industry’s movement toward safer, environmentally compliant practices.

Lower Operating and Maintenance Costs

The real cost of marine chemicals extends beyond purchase price—it includes operational safety, waste treatment, downtime, and regulatory compliance.

According to the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA, 2023), handling and disposing of VOC-containing or non-biodegradable solvents can account for 30–40% of total lifecycle cost.

By comparison, water-based marine chemicals offer clear long-term advantages:

• Reduced fire and chemical hazards lower insurance and safety management costs.
• Simplified waste treatment, as their biodegradable composition and low VOC content align with MARPOL Annex VI environmental discharge standards.
• Reusability and dilution capability—as implemented by leading operators like Maersk and MOL in their Green Ship Operation Programs (2022)—can cut chemical consumption by up to 25% annually.

Most importantly, adopting water-based chemicals facilitates compliance with emerging “low-VOC” inspection standards by Port State Control (PSC) and classification societies, reducing the risk of fines or operational delays.

Environmental Compliance & ESG Responsibility

As the maritime industry faces increasing pressure from international environmental regulations, shipowners today are expected not only to ensure operational efficiency but also to demonstrate sustainable responsibility within the global ecosystem.

MARPOL Annex VI & VOC Regulations

MARPOL Annex VI establishes strict limits on air emissions from ships, including sulfur oxides (SOₓ), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Among these, Regulation 15 specifically requires oil tankers to implement a VOC Management Plan (VOCMP) by 2026, mandating the control of vapor and solvent emissions during cargo loading and discharge operations.

By adopting water-based marine chemicals—which contain low or zero VOC content—ship operators can significantly reduce the regulatory burden of VOC control. This helps minimize risks during Port State Control (PSC) inspections or environmental audits, ensuring full compliance with IMO and MARPOL requirements.

ESG (Environmental – Social – Governance) in the Maritime Sector

The ESG framework has become a defining benchmark for sustainable shipping, guiding not only regulatory compliance but also corporate reputation and investment potential.

Environmental (E):

Water-based, biodegradable marine chemicals help reduce the vessel’s carbon footprint, minimize toxic waste discharge, and protect marine ecosystems. This aligns with the environmental requirements of green ports and enhances eligibility for low-emission certification schemes.

Social (S):

Low-toxicity, low-VOC formulations improve onboard air quality, safeguarding crew health and reducing exposure to hazardous vapors. This supports seafarer welfare and the social responsibility commitments of maritime operators.

Governance (G):

Transparency in sourcing, documentation (MSDS, PDS), and compliance reporting enhances corporate accountability and brand reputation. Demonstrating conformity with international standards facilitates access to green financing and builds trust with global partners and charterers.

Trusted Marine Chemical Supplier in Vietnam

As the global maritime industry faces increasingly stringent requirements on environmental protection and emission control, the adoption of water-based marine chemicals is no longer just a “green” trend — it is a strategic move for shipowners and management companies seeking long-term compliance and operational efficiency.

As a leading marine supply company in Vietnam, MARICO is proud to distribute the Unimarine product line — a brand with over 50 years of experience in the development of marine-grade chemical solutions.

High Compatibility, Low Corrosion Risk

Formulated with minimal use of harsh solvents, Unimarine water-based chemicals significantly reduce the risk of damaging coatings, rubbers, or metallic surfaces. In addition, advanced corrosion inhibitors form a protective layer after cleaning, ensuring long-lasting surface integrity.

Powerful Cleaning Performance

Despite being water-based, Unimarine has engineered a wide range of specialized marine formulations — including tank cleaners, degreasers, descalers, and dispersants — capable of effectively removing oil residues, heavy deposits, and tank sludges with cleaning power comparable to or even exceeding traditional solvent-based products.

Broad Application Range

• Cleaning & Maintenance: tank cleaners, degreasers
• Fuel Treatment: additives, dispersants
• Water Treatment: water treatment chemicals
• Boiler Treatment: descalers, boiler additives
• Oil Spill Response: dispersants, emulsifiers

Certified for Maritime Standards

All Unimarine products are fully documented with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Product Data Sheets (PDS), ensuring full transparency and compliance with IMO maritime safety and environmental standards.

Moreover, their low-VOC formulations support vessel operators in meeting the requirements of MARPOL Annex VI – Regulation 15, which governs the control of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions during cargo handling operations.

With an extensive nationwide distribution network, a technically proficient service team, and a commitment to international-standard supply reliability, MARICO provides more than just marine chemicals — we deliver integrated maritime safety and efficiency solutions, helping fleets operate safer, cleaner, and more sustainably across every voyage.