Using ozonated water for fish disinfection in the UK commercial fishing industry
A modern, sustainable solution from Oxytrading Ltd
In the highly regulated and competitive UK fishing industry, maintaining hygiene and product freshness onboard is essential. Whether operating from Grimsby, Peterhead, or Brixham, skippers and processors alike face strict standards for seafood safety and export quality. Ozonated water — water infused with ozone (O₃) — is rapidly gaining attention as a powerful, chemical-free method for disinfecting fish, decks, holds, and equipment onboard commercial vessels.
Oxytrading Ltd, a UK-based supplier of industrial ozone generators, offers ozone systems purpose-built for maritime and seafood applications, helping vessel operators improve hygiene, reduce waste, and maintain product value from sea to shore.
Why ozone?
When produced by an onboard ozone generator and dissolved into water, it creates ozonated water, an exceptionally effective sanitising medium that destroys bacteria, viruses, mould, and odours.
Unlike chlorine or chemical sanitisers, ozone decomposes back into oxygen, leaving no residues and no taint on the fish. This makes it ideal for food-grade and environmentally sensitive applications — exactly what the UK fishing fleet needs to meet HACCP and export standards.
Key applications for commercial fishing vessels
1. Fish disinfection immediately after catch
Washing freshly caught fish with ozonated water can rapidly reduce surface bacteria and delay spoilage. Trials have shown that ozone treatment helps maintain firmness, colour, and odour of the fish longer during storage.
2. Ice production and storage water treatment
Ozone can be used to treat the water that’s frozen into flake or slurry ice. This creates “ozonated ice,” which continues to inhibit bacterial growth while cooling the catch — extending shelf life from sea to market.
3. Hold, deck, and equipment sanitation
Cleaning with ozonated water ensures thorough disinfection of fish holds, conveyor belts, knives, and sorting tables — all without relying on chemicals that can harm marine life or corrode metal surfaces.
4. Odour and biofilm control
Ozone oxidises the organic compounds responsible for fish odours and slime build-up, improving onboard hygiene and working conditions for crews.
5. Effluent and bilge water treatment
Before discharge, ozonated water can help neutralise organic contaminants, supporting compliance with marine discharge regulations and sustainability goals.
Benefits for the fishing fleet
- Extends fish freshness by suppressing microbial growth and oxidation.
- Improves food safety with residue-free disinfection aligned with EU and UK seafood hygiene standards.
- Reduces chemical handling and storage risks onboard.
- Protects stainless steel equipment compared to harsh chemical cleaners.
- Enhances sustainability credentials — a key advantage in the modern seafood supply chain.
Oxytrading Ltd ozone systems for marine applications
Oxytrading Ltd designs and supplies compact, corrosion-resistant ozone generators suitable for fishing vessels and onboard processing systems.
Key features include:
- Marine-grade ozone generation units (air or oxygen-fed).
- Stainless steel construction resistant to saltwater environments.
- Integrated mixing systems for producing ozonated wash water or ice water.
- Real-time ozone concentration monitoring for safety and control.
- Low power consumption and easy installation in confined spaces.
Systems can be configured for:
- Deck wash water loops
- Fish hold disinfection systems
- Ice-water circulation lines
- Cleaning-in-place (CIP) loops for onboard processing lines
All units are designed for compliance with UK and EU maritime hygiene standards.
The future of onboard disinfection
As sustainability and food quality become central to the UK seafood industry, ozone treatment represents a forward-looking solution that combines efficiency, environmental care, and compliance.
By switching to ozonated water for washing and disinfection, fishing companies can:
- Deliver fresher fish with longer shelf life.
- Lower maintenance and cleaning costs.
- Reduce environmental footprint and chemical use.
With Oxytrading’s expertise and UK-based support, adopting ozone technology at sea has never been easier.
Partner with Oxytrading Ltd
Oxytrading Ltd is a trusted UK supplier of ozone generators and integrated water treatment systems for industrial, aquaculture, and maritime applications. Our solutions help commercial fishing operators modernise onboard hygiene practices — ensuring every catch reaches port in peak condition.
Please contact the Oxytrading team to discuss custom ozone solutions for your vessel.