Dry ice blasting
At MCS Robotics, we are pioneering dry ice blasting as the next frontier in container cleaning—delivering a fully water-free, chemical-free alternative to traditional methods. This innovative technology uses solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) pellets, which are propelled at high speed to clean surfaces. Upon impact, the dry ice instantly sublimates—turning from solid to gas—leaving no water, no chemicals, and no residue behind.
By removing the need for water-intensive cleaning processes, dry ice blasting offers ports and logistics hubs a powerful opportunity to reduce freshwater consumption and eliminate wastewater generation. It’s a breakthrough approach designed to minimize environmental impact while advancing sustainable operations across the shipping industry.
The system
Our robotic dry ice cleaning system combines autonomous operation with environmentally responsible cleaning. Using dry ice pellets made from reclaimed CO₂, the system effectively removes dirt, residues, and harmful bacteria—including pathogens such as salmonella and listeria—without the use of water, chemicals, or abrasive contact.
As the dry ice pellets strike the surface, they create a rapid cooling effect that dislodges contaminants and neutralizes bacteria. The pellets then sublimate—transforming directly into gas—leaving nothing behind but a clean, dry, and sanitized surface. This makes it particularly well-suited for food-grade containers, where hygiene standards are critical.
The system operates with minimal manual intervention, reducing the need for hazardous cleaning labor while eliminating chemical runoff and wastewater. It represents a step toward cleaner, safer, and more efficient port operations.
From emission to solution: sustainable cleaning through circular CO₂
The dry ice used in MCS container cleaning is produced from reclaimed CO₂—captured as a byproduct of existing industrial processes. Instead of releasing this gas into the atmosphere, it is transformed into a powerful cleaning medium and returned to the environment without adding new emissions.
This circular use of CO₂ lies at the heart of our sustainability approach. Traditional cleaning methods consume over 200 litres of water per container and generate contaminated wastewater. MCS eliminates both—using no water, no chemicals, and no heat. The dry ice sublimates directly into gas, leaving behind no residue or runoff.
By avoiding fossil-fueled heating, chemical agents, and water waste, MCS enables a carbon-neutral, water-free cleaning process that supports the sustainability goals of modern ports—particularly in water-scarce or environmentally sensitive regions.
This closed-loop cleaning technology not only helps preserve marine ecosystems, but also reduces the health risks associated with manual solvent cleaning—creating safer, cleaner, and more responsible operations at scale.
Globally patented dry ice cleaning technology
Our dry ice container cleaning system is protected by a granted patent in 25 countries, including key logistics and maritime markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This global IP coverage secures our position as the first and only company with a patented robotic solution for waterless, residue-free container cleaning using dry ice. It forms the foundation of our long-term competitive advantage in port automation.
