HullWiper, Immersub Tackle Mauritian Marine Biofouling

HullWiper Ltd has signed a new agreement with Indian Ocean-based underwater hull cleaning specialists Immersub, marking its first step into the African continent in the continued drive to keep vessels' hulls, and the oceans, free of non-native marine species.

It is the latest extension of HullWiper’s leasing program, introduced in 2017 to work with partners around the world to offer ship owners and operators a cost-efficient, brush- and diver-free alternative to traditional hull cleaning methods that protects anti-fouling coating on vessel hulls and the oceans. Ship owners and operators benefit from a clean hull that improves vessel performance, fuel savings and lower CO2 emissions, without any extra downtime or harming the marine ecosystem.

Protected from the open sea by the world’s third-largest coral reef, which surrounds the island, Mauritius is one of 12 countries spearheading the International Marine Organization (IMO) GloFouling project, a collaboration between the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and IMO.

HullWiper’s patented Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) system uses adjustable seawater jets under variable pressure to remove fouling, instead of brushes or abrasives, minimizing the risk of damage to expensive anti-fouling coatings. No divers are used, so there is no risk to human life and cleaning can be conducted day or night, in most weather conditions, and whilst cargo operations are underway. Removed residues are collected by an onboard filter and deposited into dedicated drums onshore for locally-approved environmental disposal. The filter also reduces the risk of cross-pollination of waters with alien species.