Some areas of expertise aren’t developed on the drawing board, but in the most challenging situations. For us, that was a drinking water cell deep inside a ship’s hull—where cleaning is particularly challenging. Over more than three decades, this specialization has grown into a specialized company that cleans, disinfects, and maintains drinking water, process water, and service water systems.
Kahle GmbH was founded in 1992 by Ullrich Kahle. He brought experience from the Navy and had previously worked in extensive pipe cleaning. The decisive impulse came at a shipyard, where a project manager encouraged him to offer this service on his own. At first, these were individual side jobs. The focus was on disinfecting drinking water systems on ships, particularly the drinking water cells integrated into the ship’s hull.
In 2005, the first employee joined the company. Step by step, the niche business grew into a broad range of services, including wastewater and seawater systems, NBC protection and ventilation systems, and kitchen, food processing, and sanitation areas. The guiding question always remained the same: how can systems be kept clean in a professional and verifiable manner? Today, Niko Lehmann leads the company and continues to drive its development forward.
Founded as DER DESINFEKTOR
The first job: disinfecting the tugboat “Juist.” Ulrich Kahle starts out as a sole proprietor, specializing in drinking water on board.
Developing Our Own Methods
Kahle develops its own pressure-pulse and vacuum processes for complex fluid handling, cooling, and vacuum systems. To this day, this remains one of the company’s core competencies.
One person becomes a team
The first full-time employee joins the team. What began at the kitchen table is now taking on a more structured form with established processes.
From Drinking Water to the Entire System
The range of services is expanding: wastewater and seawater systems, as well as ventilation, kitchen, and plumbing systems, are being added.
Formation of a GmbH
The sole proprietorship, which later became a partnership (e.K.), evolved into Kahle GmbH. This company provides the framework for further growth.
Change in Management
Niko Lehmann will take over as head of the company and continue to lead it in the spirit of Ulrich Kahle.
We choose the method, not the standard procedure. Whether mechanical, chemical, using pressure pulses, or vacuum—the material and type of contamination are the deciding factors. When these are unknown, we analyze first and then take action.
We demonstrate quality. Samples, microbiological tests, and measurement procedures are part of every project—analyzed in an accredited laboratory and documented for clients and regulatory agencies. → [Laboratory analysis]
We take a holistic approach to the entire system. Process technology, the right chemicals, and a network of laboratories all work together—right through to direct communication with the public health department. → [An Overview of All Services]
We’re honest. If a measure doesn’t make sense, we’ll say so. This approach has earned us the trust of discerning clients over the decades.
We operate in accordance with the relevant regulations governing drinking water hygiene—including the Drinking Water Ordinance, DVGW regulations (e.g., W291), and VDI guidelines (6022, 6023, 6032). Our quality management system is certified to ISO 9001 and is audited annually by an external auditor; we are gradually expanding the management system to include environmental and information security. Cleaning and disinfection are supervised by a state-certified disinfection specialist. We are active members of the relevant professional associations (DVGW, VDI).
Hygiene Requirements for Stationary Ventilation Systems in Buildings.
The Drinking Water Regulation (TrinkwV) sets forth the quality requirements for drinking water intended for human consumption.
Hygiene requirements for ventilation and air-conditioning systems in vehicles and mobile facilities—such as those on board ships and yachts.
Whether as a subcontractor on your shipyard project or for a direct commission—please tell us about your needs. We’ll get back to you within one business day.