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September, 16 2019

Case Study – MRSA Vessel

Maritime Biohazard Response & Decontamination

When an active ocean vessel serving as a dedicated research ship faced a confirmed outbreak of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), the stakes were incredibly high. The confined nature of maritime vessels creates a unique and dangerous environment for infectious disease; with shared HVAC systems, close living quarters, and limited medical resources, the pathogen threatened not only the health of the crew but the continuity of their mission.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, a specialized physician employed by the shipping industry was tasked with coordinating an immediate solution. The situation required more than standard cleaning; it demanded hospital-grade decontamination. The responsibility was entrusted to a New Jersey-based industry leader and certified SteraMist service provider. The SteraMist service provider promptly mobilized their specialized biohazard response team, deploying with urgency to mitigate the spread of infection using today’s most advanced disinfection tool: SteraMist Binary Ionization Technology (BIT).

Meeting the Need: The Protocol

Decontaminating a research vessel presents logistical challenges far more complex than typical structural disinfection. To ensure total eradication of MRSA, the service provider developed and executed an extensive, vessel-specific remediation protocol.

The application of SteraMist was strategic and comprehensive, covering the ship’s intricate layout:

  • Structural Decontamination: The team addressed every square inch of the vessel, from crew quarters and mess halls to the bridge and research laboratories.
  • Complex Systems: Unlike traditional sprays that damage machinery, the SteraMist iHP (ionized Hydrogen Peroxide) fog was applied to complex mechanical systems and ventilation ducts, ensuring airborne pathogens were neutralized.
  • Sensitive Equipment: A critical requirement was the protection of high-value research technology. SteraMist was applied to water-sensitive touchpoints, control panels, and delicate electronics without causing corrosion, residue, or electrical damage.

Mission Accomplished

Despite the challenging environmental factors—including the humidity, tight spaces, and high density of equipment—the operation was a resounding success. By leveraging the power of SteraMist iHP technology, they successfully performed a complete biological decontamination of the vessel.

The intervention achieved two critical goals:

  1. Total Eradication: The MRSA outbreak was effectively halted, eliminating the immediate health risk to the scientists and crew.
  2. Operational Readiness: Because iHP acts quickly and leaves no toxic residue, the vessel was able to return to service with minimal downtime.

This successful deployment demonstrated that high-level disinfection is possible even in the most unusual and demanding nautical environments, securing a safe return to sea for the research team.