Who We Are
About Cuproban
Systems Ltd
A UK engineering company with a proven track record in electrolytic seawater treatment — protecting marine, offshore, and industrial installations from biofouling and corrosion.
The Company
Specialists in Seawater Treatment
Cuproban Systems Ltd is a UK-registered engineering company specialising in electrolytic seawater treatment systems for the prevention of marine biofouling and corrosion.
Our systems are designed for use on ships and vessels, offshore oil and gas platforms, power stations, and any industrial installation that relies on seawater cooling or fire-fighting systems. Wherever seawater flows through pipes, valves, heat exchangers, or condensers, Cuproban provides reliable, automatic protection.
The Cuproban method uses copper and aluminium anodes to electrolytically treat seawater at the point of entry. The resulting copper/aluminium "floc" disperses throughout the entire system, inhibiting marine growth and reducing corrosion — without the hazards associated with chemical treatment.
Company Details
- Registered Name
- Cuproban Systems Ltd
- Registered In
- England & Wales
- Company Number
- 05086144
- Country of Operation
- United Kingdom
- Sector
- Marine & Industrial Engineering
- Specialisation
- Electrolytic Seawater Treatment
Technical Enquiries
Our UK engineering team handles all enquiries directly. No intermediaries — speak to the people who know the system.
Our Story
The Cuproban Story
The Antifouling Principle — A Long History
The antifouling properties of copper have been understood for centuries. The Royal Navy was the first to apply the principle systematically and at scale, copper-sheathing the entire wooden fleet in the late 18th century at considerable cost — a programme that proved the effectiveness of copper as a biofouling deterrent and gave Britain a significant tactical advantage through cleaner, faster hulls. This established principle was later translated into an electrolytic patent by Roy Victor Turner and Patrick Ernest Heathfield of The Cathodic and Electrolytic Engineers Company Ltd (Cathelco) and Vickers Ltd. Their patent used copper and aluminium anodes and was originally conceived to protect ships' hulls against biofouling. Although never realised in that specific form, the concept evolved into what is now known as the Marine Growth Prevention System (MGPS) — the electrolytic treatment of seawater services on ships and offshore installations worldwide.
Cathelco — Building the International Foundation
In 1975, Barry Kirk joined Cathelco at the invitation of its new owner William Salisbury, taking over from the retiring founder and patent holder Lt. Commander Patrick Ernest Heathfield. At that time Cathelco was essentially a one-man operation, its principal revenue being spare anodes for Royal Navy nuclear submarines. Over the following years, Barry Kirk built Cathelco's international reach by appointing agents in Norway, Italy, the USA, Germany, Japan, and other key markets, and established a manufacturing base through a Sheffield control panel company that later became Elinca Ltd. By 1980, the combined demands of international sales travel and directing manufacturing had become unsustainable, and Barry Kirk proposed a joint licensing arrangement with Elinca to continue supplying through Cathelco's existing agency network. This was declined by William Salisbury, and Barry Kirk subsequently left to work directly with the Sheffield manufacturer — accepting that the agencies he had built would remain with Cathelco. He has always regarded Cathelco's continued success with respect, and acknowledges that his own journey was built on the foundations laid by Heathfield, Turner, and Salisbury before him.
Elinca Ltd — MGPS Design & Offshore Installations
Working with the Sheffield manufacturer that became Elinca Ltd, Barry Kirk was instrumental in the design and installation of electrolytic seawater treatment systems on numerous offshore drilling rigs, including Sedco rigs operating in the North Sea and internationally. New innovations in MGPS design were introduced during this period — several of which were subsequently adopted across the industry. The company was eventually wound down, partly due to a severe downturn in the offshore industry and the impact of conflict in the Middle East. The Elinca company name was later acquired by another company around 1985 but is no longer operational.
Cuproban Systems Ltd Founded
Cuproban Systems Ltd was incorporated in England and Wales by Barry Kirk, bringing together the accumulated expertise and innovations from the earlier MGPS design work. Over the following years, Cuproban systems were installed on approximately 200 vessels and offshore installations worldwide — an exceptional achievement for a relatively new independent company in a competitive sector.
International Growth — Cooperation with Jotun
From 1987, Cuproban entered into a cooperation arrangement with Jotun, the international marine coatings and cathodic protection group. The Sedco rig installations and broader MGPS legacy built by Barry Kirk formed a significant part of the Cuproban portfolio that underpinned this cooperation. The partnership significantly expanded Cuproban's international reach, bringing the brand to major shipping companies, offshore operators, and naval clients worldwide.
End of Jotun Cooperation
In 2004, the cooperation arrangement with Jotun came to an end following changes in the distribution landscape. This transition required Cuproban Systems Ltd to restructure its manufacturing and distribution arrangements, ultimately leading to the licensing agreement with Sargam Metals Plc in India from 2006.
Licensed Manufacture — Sargam Metals Plc, India
Cuproban Systems Ltd granted a manufacturing licence to Sargam Metals Plc in India from 2006. Under this arrangement, Sargam Metals Plc was the sole authorised manufacturer of Cuproban systems, supplying the marine and offshore sectors globally. The licence agreement ended in 2013. Sargam Metals Plc is now dormant. It has since come to the attention of Cuproban Systems Ltd that Cuproban designs, drawings, and technical specifications were passed to Sargam Cathodic Protection without the knowledge, approval, or notification of Cuproban Systems Ltd or Barry Kirk. This transfer was entirely unauthorised.
Licence Ended — No Authorised Manufacturer
Following the end of the Sargam Metals Plc licence in 2013, there has been no authorised manufacturer of Cuproban systems. Cuproban Systems Ltd retains full ownership of the Cuproban trademark and all associated technology and designs. Sargam Cathodic Protection and Cuproban Singapore are currently using the Cuproban name and marketing Cuproban products internationally without any current licence from Cuproban Systems Ltd. This use is unauthorised. Cuproban Systems Ltd has notified the parties concerned. Any manufacture, supply, or marketing of products under the Cuproban name without a current written licence from Cuproban Systems Ltd constitutes trademark infringement.
Seeking a New Licensed Manufacturer
Cuproban Systems Ltd is not seeking to restart manufacture directly. The company is actively seeking qualified manufacturers, distributors, or engineering companies to licence the Cuproban trademark and technology. All licensing enquiries are handled directly and in confidence.
What We Stand For
Our Approach
Engineering Precision
Every Cuproban system is engineered to exacting standards — designed to operate reliably in the harshest marine and industrial environments.
Global Applications
Our systems protect seawater installations on vessels, offshore platforms, power stations, and industrial facilities around the world.
UK Registered
Cuproban Systems Ltd is a UK-registered company with a long-standing track record in electrolytic seawater treatment technology.
British Engineering
Designed and supported from the United Kingdom, with direct access to our engineering team for technical enquiries and after-sales support.
Licensing Opportunity
Licence the Cuproban
Trademark
Cuproban Systems Ltd holds the Cuproban trademark and is actively seeking qualified manufacturers, engineering companies, or distributors to licence the brand and technology for the production and supply of electrolytic seawater treatment systems.
The Cuproban name is established and recognised in the marine, offshore, and industrial sectors. A licensing arrangement would give the licensee access to a proven brand with a track record across ships, FPSOs, drilling rigs, cruise vessels, and power stations worldwide.
Cuproban Systems Ltd is not seeking to restart manufacture directly. The focus is on identifying the right licensing partner — whether a manufacturer, a distributor, or a company already active in the MGPS or marine engineering sector.
Established Brand
The Cuproban name has been used in the marine and offshore sectors for decades — recognised by shipowners, operators, and engineers internationally.
Proven Technology
Electrolytic seawater treatment using copper and aluminium anodes is a well-established method with a long track record of successful installations worldwide.
Global Market
The MGPS (Marine Growth Prevention System) market covers commercial shipping, offshore oil and gas, naval vessels, power stations, and industrial cooling systems.
Flexible Arrangements
Licensing terms are open to discussion — whether for manufacture only, distribution rights, or a full licence covering production, supply, and installation.
Intellectual Property Notice
Unauthorised Use of Cuproban Designs & Trademark
All Cuproban system designs, drawings, and technical specifications are the original work of Barry John Kirk and the intellectual property of Cuproban Systems Ltd. It has come to the attention of Cuproban Systems Ltd that these designs were passed to Sargam Cathodic Protection without the knowledge, approval, or notification of Cuproban Systems Ltd or Barry Kirk. This transfer was entirely unauthorised.
Sargam Cathodic Protection (India) and Cuproban Singapore are currently manufacturing and marketing products under the Cuproban name internationally. No licence to use the Cuproban trademark or Cuproban designs is currently held by either party. Cuproban Systems Ltd has formally notified the parties concerned of this position.
The Cuproban trademark is a registered trademark of Cuproban Systems Ltd — UK Registration No. 2238001 and EU Registration No. 002917730, both held in the name of Barry John Kirk. Any use of the Cuproban name, designs, or technical materials without a current written licence from Cuproban Systems Ltd is unauthorised and may constitute trademark infringement and misappropriation of intellectual property.
It has further come to the attention of Cuproban Systems Ltd that Sargam Cathodic Protection is currently engaged in a strategy of transitioning existing Cuproban customers to the Sargam name, using the Cuproban trademark in the interim to retain the established customer base before withdrawing it. Operators and vessel owners with Cuproban systems installed are advised that Cuproban Systems Ltd is the sole authorised source for genuine Cuproban spares, servicing guidance, and technical support. Any spares or servicing supplied under the Cuproban name by an unlicensed party is not authorised by Cuproban Systems Ltd.
Prospective customers, distributors, and partners are advised to verify the licensing status of any party claiming to manufacture or supply Cuproban products by contacting Cuproban Systems Ltd directly.
Trademark Registrations
Registered Trademark — Cuproban
The Cuproban trademark is registered in the United Kingdom and the European Union, held in the name of Barry John Kirk. Prospective licensees can verify the registration status directly through the official trademark offices below.
UK IPO
UK Intellectual Property Office
Registration No. 2238001 — Barry John Kirk
EUIPO
EU Intellectual Property Office
Registration No. 002917730 — Barry John Kirk
WIPO
World Intellectual Property Organization
International trademark database
To verify the Cuproban trademark, search for "Cuproban" on the relevant registry. For licensing enquiries, please contact us directly.
Interested in licensing the Cuproban brand?
Contact us to discuss trademark licensing, manufacturing rights, or distribution arrangements.