News Archive
You will find the latest information about our company and industries here. Please feel free to contact us with any questions and suggestions relating to our topics or content!
Status Conference Maritime Technologies 2026 in Berlin with our Institute for Antifouling
On December 7 and 8, 2026, the maritime community gathers in Berlin for the Status Conference Maritime Technologies 2026. Our Institute for Antifouling and Biocorrosion attends the event, represented by Soyla Kraus and Bernd Daehne.
The conference focuses on the latest developments in maritime research and engaging discussions on future topics within the maritime industry. The event kicks off with a pre-evening networking event on December 7, centered on connecting: short pitches provide insights into selected projects from the InfraBoost funding initiative, offering starting points for the subsequent exchange. A diverse program awaits attendees on December 8, featuring successful projects from the Maritime Research Program presented in various formats. A panel discussion with the Federal Government Coordinator for the Maritime Economy and Tourism, Christoph Ploß, rounds out the event.
We cordially invite you to take this opportunity to speak directly with our two experts, for example regarding current issues in marine material protection or biocide-reduced coatings. To arrange a meeting in advance, please feel free to send an email to info@brillhygiene.com.
The Status Conference Maritime Technologies 2026 is organized by Projektträger Jülich on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). Further details can be found on the event website.
Website Link: Status Conference Maritime Technologies 2026
Save the Date: DR. BRILL INSTITUTES and Hydrotox at the 15th Biocidal Products Regulation Symposium
The 15th Biocidal Products Regulation Symposium by ARCHE Consulting will take place at the Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel on March 23, 2027. DR. BRILL INSTITUTES is a proud sponsor and will be attending this major European biocides community gathering alongside Hydrotox. The conference brings together representatives from international competent authorities, such as HSE, Ctgb, and FOD Belgium, as well as legal and industry experts to provide insights into the latest regulatory updates and practical challenges in active substance and product authorization. We invite you to take this opportunity to meet with us in person, discuss new regulatory requirements, and talk about your upcoming projects.
Full details on the program and registration can be found directly at ARCHE Consulting. To arrange a meeting in advance, please feel free to contact us at any time at info@brillhygiene.com – we look forward to connecting with you!
15th Biocidal Products Regulation Symposium - Link: HERE
Save the Date: DR. BRILL INSTITUTES and Hydrotox at the 15th Biocidal Products Regulation Symposium
The 15th Biocidal Products Regulation Symposium by ARCHE Consulting will take place at the Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel on March 23, 2027. DR. BRILL INSTITUTES is a proud sponsor and will be attending this major European biocides community gathering alongside Hydrotox. The conference brings together representatives from international competent authorities, such as HSE, Ctgb, and FOD Belgium, as well as legal and industry experts to provide insights into the latest regulatory updates and practical challenges in active substance and product authorization. We invite you to take this opportunity to meet with us in person, discuss new regulatory requirements, and talk about your upcoming projects.
Full details on the program and registration can be found directly at ARCHE Consulting. To arrange a meeting in advance, please feel free to contact us at any time at info@brillhygiene.com – we look forward to connecting with you!
15th Biocidal Products Regulation Symposium - Link: HERE
Biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion: Revised DIN 19573 Standard
Revised DIN 19573 Standard: Biological method supplements testing of mortars in drainage systems for resistance to sulfuric acid attack.
Building material manufacturers and facility operators face the challenge of using materials with high long-term durability. Particularly in sewer construction and wastewater systems, biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion (BSC) can severely damage mortar and concrete and result in high remediation costs. The revised DIN 19573 standard for cementitious-based mortar in drainage systems now takes this into account more thoroughly: In addition to the chemical acid test, it describes a biological method that accounts for the microbiological processes involved in biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion. At Fraunhofer UMSICHT, materials can be weathered according to this method in a way that simulates real-world conditions and accelerates the process.
© Fraunhofer UMSICHT/Mike Henning
At Fraunhofer UMSICHT, materials can be tested and weathered using a new biological method to simulate exposure to sulfuric acid in an accelerated manner.
Mortar used in sewer lines or wastewater treatment plants must be particularly resistant to biogenic sulfuric acid. This acid can severely corrode the material and, in the worst case, completely destroy it. The cause is an interplay of biological and chemical processes: Bacteria first form sulfide from sulfur-containing substances in the wastewater, which then produces hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). The gas rises into the air space of the sewer and deposits on material surfaces. There, it undergoes further chemical reactions until sulfuric acid is ultimately formed. This acid corrodes mortar and concrete.
The DIN 19573 standard
With the publication of DIN 19573 in March 2016, a German application standard for cementitious-based mortars was issued for the first time in the history of sewer construction. It clearly defines test procedures to assess the suitability of mortars for sewer construction and sewer rehabilitation. Annex A describes a test procedure to demonstrate resistance to biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion for the then-new mortar class XWW4. This test procedure uses synthetic sulfuric acid, which is why it is also known as the “acid bath test.”
However, the method cannot account for the biological component of the damage process – the metabolic activity of microorganisms or how it is influenced by the material used. The revised DIN 19573, published in June 2026, therefore introduces a biological test method in Annex D (informative). While it is not currently mandatory, it offers manufacturers and operators an additional means of evaluating the suitability and durability of their materials under realistic conditions.
Fraunhofer UMSICHT has nearly 20 years of experience in this field and, together with its microbiology partner, Dr. Brill + Partner GmbH Institute for Antifouling and Biocorrosion in Hamburg and Bremen, has incorporated this expertise into standard. Since 2006, facilities have been in operation at the Fraunhofer UMSICHT site in Oberhausen that simulate biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion in a realistic, time-compressed and reproducible manner. In the BioThio® facility, materials can be tested and further developed under accelerated conditions using hydrogen sulfide and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria in controlled environmental conditions.
BSC-resistant materials
“The biological process provides a solid foundation for characterizing materials under conditions that realistically simulate biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion. It thus offers manufacturers opportunities to specifically improve the quality and durability of their materials,” explains Holger Wack, group manager of Building Materials at Fraunhofer UMSICHT.
Against this backdrop, a working group within the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) is currently working on the development of a European standard.
If you are interested in tests according to this revised DIN 19573 standard, please do get in touch!
Contact: https://brillinstitutes.com/en/biocorrosion
Legal Recognition in Europe Strengthens: Test Reports with Combined MLA Mark from EA and DAkkS
Test reports within the accredited scope can now be issued additionally with the new combined EA-DAkkS MLA mark. We have successfully applied for the symbol approved by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) – known as the "EA-Mark" – and will gladly implement it upon your request.
Our test reports already enjoy global recognition through the proven combined ILAC MRA mark. The new European symbol introduces an important legal upgrade for the European market:
- Statutory Recognition Obligation: While the ILAC mark ensures worldwide acceptance, the new EA-DAkkS mark triggers a factual equivalence obligation within the European Economic Area (EEA). European authorities are thus legally required to recognize the test reports.
- Additional Safeguard: This provides you with maximum legal certainty for the free movement of goods and protects even more effectively against bureaucratic hurdles or double testing in other European countries.
- Combination with ILAC: The new mark does not replace the old one; it can be applied to the test reports together with the well-known combined ILAC MRA mark upon request.
The use of this mark is entirely voluntary. If you wish to use this new combined symbol for your European approvals and projects, simply inform us directly when placing your project order.
Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions regarding your test reports!
Register now for 12th Conference of Applied Hygiene, Microbiology and Virology
On 26 and 27 November 2026, the Conference of Applied Hygiene, Microbiology and Virology (CAHMV) returns to bring together leading experts for high-level scientific exchange.
Following last year's successful premiere, we are delighted to announce that a key highlight is back on the agenda: Our workshop, "Efficacy testing of antimicrobial products - including video insights from the testing labs," will offer exclusive insights into our testing facilities. This session presents a valuable opportunity to gain practical knowledge and participate in a collaborative discussion.
The scientific program features an exceptional lineup of renowned experts. Dr. Florian H. H. Brill will open the second day with a highly anticipated keynote lecture on the latest developments in the efficacy evaluation of antimicrobial products, and Professor Dr. Ojan Assadian will close that day with his keynote "My year in Infection Prevention and Control". On the first day, attendees can look forward to two further distinguished keynote presentations: Dr. Britt Hornei will talk about "Replication capacity (RCAU) as a basis for assessing the sensitivity of micro-organisms to disinfectant agents", and Professor Dr. Jean-Yves Maillard will deliver a comprehensive keynote on the difficulties of eliminating environmental biofilms, addressing both complex multi-species and dry surface biofilms.
We are also pleased to welcome Dr. Sophie Loeffert-Frémiot, who will chair a panel discussion on current challenges in efficacy evaluation from the perspective of the new CEN/TC 216. Furthermore, and Professor Dr. Daniel Todt will discuss the "Transmission and inactivation of viral hepatitis".
The extensive session "Hot topics Infection Prevention & Control" features a diverse selection of further high-quality scientific presentations. This track will once again be chaired by Professor Dr. Eike Steinmann and Professor Dr. Jörg Steinmann. Regarding regulatory affairs, Dr. Gunnar Kleist will lead the session "Current Challenges in European Regulatory Affairs," focusing on pressing BPR updates. CAHMV 2026 will also include a dedicated session on non-clinical hygiene, chaired by Professor Dr. Dirk Bockmühl.
We invite you to join us at the 12th CAHMV 2026 on 26 and 27 November 2026 at the AMERON Hamburg Hotel Speicherstadt. Alongside the scientific sessions, a pleasant joint dinner in a maritime atmosphere awaits you. For those unable to attend in person, online participation is available (please note: this option excludes the BPR session on Friday!). Numerous colleagues from our institutes will be in attendance and look forward to welcoming you.
Registration is ongoing, but while spots for online livestream participation are widely available, in-person spots in Hamburg are limited!
The full lecture program and the registration form are available on our website www.cahmv.com.
Laboratory expansion and establishment of in-house analysis
After moving into our new office space in July 2026, the rooms that have become vacant with an area of 100 m² have been newly equipped as laboratory. With new flooring, an upgraded exhaust ventilation system and a gas supply, nothing now stands in the way of establishing our in-house analytical capabilities. The analytical equipment will be delivered in the next days, so that we can establish the substance-specific analyses required for ecotoxicology testing using HPLC-MS and GC-MS. We expect to be able to offer you in-house accompanying analyses from the start of the new year.
Efficacy testing of algicides
We offer testing services to evaluate the efficacy of algicides as required under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation. We perform laboratory studies using various species of algae under different test conditions, tailored to your product’s specific label claims. Whether for biocidal products for swimming pools, garden ponds, etc. (PT2) or cooling water systems (PT11), we design the studies based on international standards for your specific application.
Also see: https://hydrotox.de/en/services/laboratory-services/efficacy-tests
Meet Hydrotox at SEPAWA CONGRESS
We are looking forward to some exciting days at the SEPAWA CONGRESS 2026 in Berlin from 14-16 October 2026 where the European detergents, cosmetics and perfumery industry will meet. Our colleague Andrea Brunswik-Titze will be there representing the Hydrotox GmbH; please do get in touch if you would like to find out more about our services in the fields of ecotoxicology and biodegradability.
SEPAWA CONGRESS: https://www.sepawa.com/congress/en/
Contact Hydrotox: https://hydrotox.de/en/contact
Publication by Masoumeh Kashiri: "Assessment of pathogenic traits in selected bacteria isolated from snowy environments in France and Greenland"
The first paper by Masoumeh Kashiri, a PhD student at the Dr. Brill Institute, was published in *Extremophiles*: “Assessment of pathogenic traits in selected bacteria isolated from snowy environments in France and Greenland”, which was produced as part of the ICEBIO project and is also the very first publication to emerge from this project. The new study shows that cold-adapted bacteria of the genera Peribacillus, Sphingomonas and Subtercola, isolated from snowy regions of the French Alps and Greenland, are genetically equipped primarily for survival under extreme conditions and not for clinical pathogenicity, despite isolated instances of resistance. Full details of this publication, including a download link, can be found under ‘Publications’ – HERE.
"Extremophiles" features original research articles, reviews, and method papers on the biology, molecular biology, structure, function, and applications of microbial life at the edges of survivability.
Conference report on the 2026 Biofouling Management Conference – Climate Action and Marine Conservation
The Norderney Institute for Antifouling, run by Dr. Brill + Partner (DBP), has organised the Biofouling Management Conference on Norderney for the third time, in collaboration with the Northern Germany Maritime Cluster (MCN), the GreenShipping Lower Saxony initiative and the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH). The German Sailing Association (DSV) and the German Motor Yacht Association (DMYV) were also ‘on board’ once again. Over 50 experts from industry, research, associations and public authorities took part in the two-day event, which was fittingly held at the port terminal of AG Reederei Norden-Frisia.
The 21 presentations and subsequent discussions focused on how ship and boat hulls can be better protected against biofouling in order to reduce the associated increase in friction – and consequently in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions – without placing an unnecessary burden on the marine environment. Even an inconspicuous biofilm on hulls leads to a significant increase. Consequently, interim inspections and cleaning of ships whilst in the water have come increasingly into focus in recent years, with a view to achieving the goal of climate neutrality for shipping by 2050. Presentations were given on the topics of coatings, cleaning technologies and regulatory frameworks, highlighting the realisation that, whilst much is already technically feasible, progress is often hindered by the fact that the rules governing when, where and how cleaning may be carried out in the water have not yet been defined. The BSH and the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), as federal authorities, and the Bremen Senate Department for the Environment, as a state authority, aim to establish a framework for local authorities, as it is their responsibility to grant authorisation for cleaning operations.
Dr. Brill + Partner are carrying out valuable research in this area through several projects:
Biologist Soyla Kraus presented the BioSHIP project, in which new coatings are being developed in collaboration with Fraunhofer IFAM, Momentive Performance Materials and the company Hydrotox; these coatings contain biodegradable substances and thus release fewer biocides and microplastics. In 2027, the most promising coatings are also set to be tested on a Frisia ferry.
Dr Florian Gerland from the University of Kassel presented the LABROID project, in which a cleaning robot is being further developed in collaboration with DBP so that, using cameras and AI analysis, it can autonomously detect the extent of fouling on the ship’s hull whilst underway and clean it accordingly. The Briese shipping company from Leer is providing ship units for this project.
Benjamin Emde from the Hannover Laser Centre presented the joint project AquaLas, which aims to eliminate biofouling on aquaculture nets using laser radiation. Tests for outdoor facilities are taking place at DBP on Norderney, whilst those for indoor facilities are being conducted at Fraunhofer IMTE in Büsum.
Bernd Daehne from DBP emphasises that what makes the conference on Norderney unique is the high proportion of representatives from public authorities, who must, of course, be fully on board when it comes to the regulatory aspects of underwater cleaning. The Maritime Cluster Northern Germany summarises the event as follows: “Not every question can be conclusively answered in three days – but we have brought together important perspectives, further developed topics and taken away new ideas for the next steps. This is an important step towards developing solutions for biofouling management that are supported by the various stakeholders. As the Maritime Cluster of Northern Germany, we are happy to act as a network to continue this dialogue and connect the participants with one another.”
The participants also praised the successful event and hope it will be repeated in 2027.
The following publications have reported in detail on the 3rd Biofouling Management Conference:
- Norderneyer Morgen – Link: here
SETAC Europe 37th Annual Meeting
After very successful presentations of Hydrotox at the past SETAC Europe Meetings in Vienna and Maastricht with our own booth, we have booked now our booth for the upcoming conference from 25 - 29 April 2027 in Geneva. We are very much looking forward to an exciting exchange on the topics like biodegradability, aquatic ecotoxicity and genotoxicity as well as on special studies such as efficacy studies for algaecides in the context of the Biocidal Products Regulation. Visit us at our booth no. 67 right next to SETAC Square at the entrance to the exhibition hall. Abstracts can already be submitted. The deadline for submission is November 10, 2026!
Website: SETAC Europe 37th Annual Meeting
Contact Hydrotox: https://hydrotox.de/en/contact