Seeing boats washed with desalinated water may seem surprising in Gruissan. Yet it is now a reality: an OSMOSUN seawater desalination unit has recently been installed in the port, capable of producing up to 4 million litres of fresh water each year.

Cutting-edge technology serving coastal areas

The principle is straightforward and relies on OSMOSUN technology. Seawater is pumped just a few meters from the quay, directly from the sea. It is first pre-treated and then sent under high pressure — around 50–60 bars — through reverse osmosis membranes to produce fresh water.

This desalination system now supplies the maintenance needs of the port’s 1,600 vessels without relying on municipal drinking water, a resource that has become increasingly sensitive in this department facing growing water stress.

A relief for local professionals

Before the installation of this unit, drinking water was used to clean the boats. In a context of increasing pressure on water resources, with repeated droughts and more frequent water restrictions, the arrival of the module represents a major change for port professionals.

“We now have water available at all times. During the season, we know we won’t have to stop,” explains Edyr Belhadchi, manager of the boat repair workshop.

A significant advantage in the Aude department, which is increasingly confronted with the impacts of climate change.

An environmentally responsible desalination system

Beyond its operational benefits, the installation has also been designed to be exemplary from an environmental perspective, thanks to two major industrial choices.

From an energy standpoint, the unit is equipped with an innovative energy recovery system, reducing energy consumption by half compared with conventional equipment. Combined with solar panels installed on the container roof, the seawater treatment process is particularly efficient.

From the standpoint of protecting the local marine environment, the treatment process operates without the use of chemical reagents during operation, and discharge is diluted before being returned to the sea.

OSMOSUN equipment is deployed in ports across France in collaboration with the company G&G Boatwash.

Watch the France 3 Languedoc report.