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: at sea and on land, for [Marine und Behörden], [Werften], [Reedereien], [Industrie] and [Kommunen].
Kahle GmbH was founded in 1992 by Ullrich Kahle. He brought with him his experience from the Navy and had previously worked in large-scale pipe cleaning. The decisive impetus came at a shipyard: 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, and step by step, the niche business grew into a broad range of services: wastewater and seawater systems, NBC protection and ventilation systems, and kitchen, food processing, and sanitation areas. Always guided by the same question—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
Der erste Auftrag: die Desinfektion des Schleppers „Juist". Ulrich Kahle startet als Einzelunternehmen, spezialisiert auf Trinkwasser an Bord.
Developing Our Own Methods
Für hartnäckige Trink-, Kühl- und Vakuumsysteme entwickelt Kahle eigene Druck-Impuls- und Vakuumverfahren – bis heute ein Kern des Betriebs.
One person becomes a team
Der erste feste Mitarbeiter kommt an Bord. Was am Küchentisch begann, bekommt feste Strukturen und Abläufe.
From Drinking Water to the Entire System
Das Leistungsspektrum wächst: Abwasser- und Seewassersysteme, Lüftungs-, Küchen- und Sanitärbereiche kommen hinzu.
Formation of a GmbH
Aus dem Einzelunternehmen und späteren e.K. wird die Kahle GmbH – der Rahmen für weiteres Wachstum.
Change in Management
Niko Lehmann übernimmt die Leitung und führt das Unternehmen im Sinne von Ulrich Kahle weiter.
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. → [Laboranalyse]
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. → [Alle Leistungen im Überblick]
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.