A marine watermaker turns seawater into safe drinking water right onboard, and Chunke builds compact reverse osmosis units that deliver from 60 litres per hour up to 20 m³ per day, treat feed water near 35,000 ppm TDS, push product water below 300 ppm, and run on as little as 4–5 Wh per litre when fitted with energy recovery. So your boat, yacht, or commercial ship never again depends on shore tanks, bottled supplies, or doubtful port water. Instead, the system makes fresh, clean water on demand, exactly when your crew and guests need it.
Chunke Water Treatment designs, manufactures, and exports these systems from China to clients in more than fifty countries. Hence buyers get factory-direct pricing, marine-grade components, and full technical support. Below, we explain how a marine watermaker works, which specifications matter, which brand components we use, and how to choose the right model for your vessel.
What Is a Marine Watermaker?
A marine watermaker is a seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) system installed on a vessel that forces seawater through a semi-permeable membrane at high pressure. Because the membrane blocks salt, minerals, bacteria, and other impurities, only pure water passes through. Meanwhile, the concentrated brine flushes back to the sea. As a result, the crew receives drinking-quality water that meets WHO standards, without carrying heavy tanks or relying on unreliable coastal supplies.
Traditional storage tanks add weight, take up valuable space, and run dry on long passages. A watermaker solves all three problems at once. Therefore long-range cruisers, charter fleets, fishing boats, offshore platforms, and naval vessels increasingly treat onboard desalination as essential equipment rather than a luxury. Moreover, the technology has matured fast, so today’s units are smaller, quieter, and far more efficient than the systems sold a decade ago. You can explore our dedicated marine water maker SWRO desalinator product page for the full model lineup.
Marine Watermaker Technical Specifications
The table below summarises the typical operating range of Chunke marine watermakers. We tailor every build to the vessel, so capacity, voltage, and footprint always match your real needs.
| Parameter | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Fresh water output | 60 LPH – 20 m³/day (and larger for ships) |
| Feed water salinity (TDS) | Up to 35,000–45,000 ppm seawater |
| Product water quality | Below 300 ppm TDS (drinking quality) |
| Recovery rate | 10% – 45% depending on temperature & feed |
| Operating pressure | 55 – 83 bar (800 – 1,200 psi) |
| Energy use (with energy recovery) | 4 – 6 Wh per litre |
| Power supply | 12V / 24V DC or 220V / 380V / 440V AC |
| Membranes | 8″ or 4″ / 2.5″ seawater RO elements |
| High-pressure pump | Plunger or axial-piston, marine-grade |
| Energy recovery | Pressure-exchanger or Clark-pump type |
| Control | Manual, semi-auto, or full PLC + HMI |
| Construction | 316L stainless steel, duplex & marine alloys |
How a Marine Watermaker Works
The process runs in clear stages, so operation stays simple even for a small crew. First, a low-pressure feed pump draws seawater through a sea strainer. Next, multi-stage pre-filtration (typically 25-micron and 5-micron cartridges) removes sand, silt, and particles that would otherwise foul the membrane. Then a high-pressure pump raises the feed to roughly 55–83 bar. After that, the pressurised seawater enters the membrane housings, where the seawater RO membrane separates pure water from concentrated brine.
Because high pressure normally means high energy, we add an energy recovery device that reclaims pressure from the brine stream. Consequently, the system can cut power consumption by up to 80% compared with a traditional high-pressure-pump-only design. Finally, a post-treatment stage can add remineralisation or UV sterilisation, so the water tastes good and stays safe in the tank. Thus the whole cycle — from raw seawater to potable water — happens continuously and automatically. You can read more on our seawater reverse osmosis technology page if you want the deeper engineering detail.
Key Components and Trusted Brands
Reliability at sea depends on the quality of every part, because saltwater, vibration, and humidity punish weak equipment quickly. Therefore Chunke specifies proven international brands alongside our own marine-grade fabrication. Moreover, clients may request specific brands to match their existing fleet standards.
For membranes, we fit elements from DuPont FilmTec, LG Chem, or Vontron RO membranes, so the system achieves high salt rejection and long element life. For pressurisation, we use Grundfos high-pressure pumps and Danfoss APP pumps, both built for continuous marine duty. For energy recovery, we integrate proven pressure-exchanger technology. In addition, automated units run on Siemens PLC control with a touchscreen HMI, so the operator monitors flow, pressure, salinity, and alarms at a glance.
We also stock our own matched spares, so replacements stay easy wherever you sail. For example, our seawater reverse osmosis membrane, seawater desalination pump, and energy recovery device pages list compatible parts. You can review our full component standards and broader water treatment range on our company sites, Chunke Water Treatment and Chunke RO Water Plant. Both pages show related desalination and industrial systems that pair well with a marine setup.
Marine Watermaker Applications
Different vessels need different output, so we match each watermaker to its mission. For sailing yachts and motor yachts, compact 12V/24V units fit tight engine bays and run quietly off the battery bank or generator. For charter fleets and cruise tenders, mid-range AC units supply showers, galleys, and guest cabins without interruption. Meanwhile, fishing vessels use watermakers to keep crews supplied on long trips and to wash catch with clean water.
For commercial ships, offshore platforms, and workboats, we scale up to multi-cubic-metre systems with duplex stainless construction and full automation. Because these vessels operate far from port for weeks, dependable fresh water becomes a safety issue, not just a convenience. Naval and patrol craft, likewise, rely on rugged units that perform in demanding sea states. So whatever the platform, Chunke configures the membranes, pumps, and controls to suit the duty cycle. Island resorts and coastal hotels also order our marine and shore units together, because a single supplier simplifies service and spare parts.
Energy Efficiency at Sea
Power is precious on any vessel, because every watt comes from a generator or battery. Hence energy efficiency drives most watermaker buying decisions. A traditional high-pressure pump producing 60 litres per hour can draw 1.5–2.0 kW. By contrast, the same output with an energy recovery system may need only around 240 watts. As a result, sailors can run a small watermaker straight from a 12V system, and larger vessels cut generator hours and fuel cost noticeably.
Chunke sizes the pump, recovery device, and membrane array together, so the system hits its target output at the lowest practical energy. Furthermore, low energy use means less heat, less noise, and longer component life. Therefore an efficient marine watermaker pays back its cost over time through fuel savings and reduced maintenance. Meanwhile, quieter operation keeps guests comfortable, which matters a great deal on charter and leisure vessels.
Marine Watermaker vs Storage Tanks
Many owners still rely on large fresh-water tanks, yet tanks carry real drawbacks. First, water weight slows the vessel and burns extra fuel, because every litre adds a kilogram. Second, stored water can grow stale or develop bacteria after weeks at sea. Third, tank capacity sets a hard limit on voyage length, so the crew must plan around refills. A watermaker removes these limits, because it produces fresh water continuously from an unlimited source — the sea itself. Consequently, owners can shrink tankage, free up space, and extend range at the same time. In short, the watermaker shifts the vessel from a fixed water budget to an on-demand supply.
How to Choose the Right Size
Sizing starts with daily demand, so count your typical water use first. As a rough guide, each person aboard a cruising yacht uses 40–80 litres per day for drinking, cooking, and washing, while guests on a charter yacht may use far more. Next, multiply by the crew and guest count, then add a margin for showers, laundry, and deck washing. After that, factor in run time, because a unit that produces 100 litres per hour only needs to run a few hours to cover a small crew. Therefore many owners pick a watermaker they can run while the generator already operates, which saves fuel. Finally, consider feed-water temperature, since cold water lowers output. Our engineers handle all of these variables for you, so you receive a correctly sized recommendation rather than guesswork.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Good installation protects your investment, so plan the layout carefully. Mount the high-pressure pump on vibration dampers, keep the sea strainer accessible, and route hoses to avoid sharp bends. Because pre-filters guard the membrane, change them on schedule and inspect them often. After each trip, flush the membrane with fresh product water, since this simple habit greatly extends membrane life. In addition, run the system regularly even in port, because stagnant water encourages fouling. We supply a clear maintenance plan with every unit, and our team answers questions remotely, so you stay confident about upkeep. As a result, a well-maintained marine watermaker delivers years of reliable service.
Internal Resources and Related Systems
If your project extends beyond a single vessel, our land-based ranges may also interest you. For example, our seawater RO plant manufacturer page covers larger containerised and skid systems, while our containerized seawater desalination plant page suits island and shore-based supply. So you can plan onboard and shore-side water supply from one trusted source.
Delivered Marine and Desalination Projects
Chunke has shipped desalination and water treatment equipment to clients across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Because each region brings different feed water and power conditions, our engineers adapt every build accordingly. Our delivered work includes compact watermakers for private yachts, mid-range units for resort supply boats, and larger SWRO skids for island and coastal operations. Thus buyers can see proven performance across both marine and onshore settings. You can browse more examples on our projects page, and we are happy to share reference details on request, so you can verify our track record before you order.
Marine Watermaker Cost and Long-Term Value
Price always matters, yet the smartest buyers look past the sticker and weigh long-term value. A marine watermaker removes the recurring cost of bottled water, the fuel burned to carry heavy tanks, and the time lost to port refills. So the unit often pays for itself within a few seasons. Because we sell factory-direct, our pricing stays competitive without cutting component quality. Moreover, efficient energy recovery trims running costs every single day the system operates. Therefore, when you compare the total cost of ownership rather than the upfront figure alone, a quality watermaker proves the cheaper choice over the life of the vessel. We provide a clear, itemised quotation, so you see exactly what your investment buys.
Why Choose Chunke as Your Marine Watermaker Supplier
First, we manufacture directly, so you avoid trading-company markups and talk straight to the engineers who build your system. Second, we use marine-grade materials and trusted brand components, so the unit survives the harsh sea environment. Third, we offer full customisation of capacity, voltage, footprint, and automation, so the watermaker fits your exact vessel. Fourth, we support clients worldwide with spare parts, membranes, and remote troubleshooting, so downtime stays short. Finally, our team has years of desalination experience across both marine and industrial projects, so you receive practical advice, not just hardware.
Request a Quote — We Reply Within 24 Hours
Ready to specify your marine watermaker? Just fill in the contact form below with your vessel type, required output, and power supply. As soon as we receive it, our engineers review your needs and reply with a tailored recommendation and quotation. So if you complete the form, we will contact you within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water does a marine watermaker produce?
Output depends on the model. Small yacht units make 60–150 litres per hour, while larger ship systems produce several cubic metres per day. So we size the unit to your crew size, vessel type, and voyage length.
How much power does a marine watermaker use?
A basic unit producing 60 litres per hour may draw 1.5–2.0 kW. However, with an energy recovery system, the same output can need only around 240 watts. Therefore efficient models run comfortably from a yacht’s 12V or 24V system.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes. The reverse osmosis membrane removes salt, bacteria, and impurities, so product water falls below 300 ppm TDS and meets drinking-water standards. Moreover, optional UV and remineralisation stages further improve safety and taste.
How often do the membranes need replacing?
With good pre-filtration and regular flushing, marine RO membranes typically last three to five years. Because fouling shortens membrane life, we recommend proper maintenance and fresh-water flushing after each use.
Can you customise a watermaker for my vessel?
Absolutely. We adjust capacity, voltage, dimensions, and control type to match your boat or ship. Hence the finished unit fits the available space and power, and integrates cleanly with your existing systems.
Do you ship and support internationally?
Yes. Chunke exports worldwide and supports clients with spare parts, replacement membranes, and remote technical help. So wherever your vessel sails, you can keep the watermaker running reliably.
What is the lead time for a marine watermaker?
Standard compact units often ship within a few weeks, while larger custom systems take longer because we build them to order. So we confirm an exact lead time once we know your specification.
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