Hull Cleaning Services News

The currents in Singapore can be so strong that divers cleaning fouling from a ship’s hull can feel like they are swimming in a river. There’s times when it’s just not safe for them to be there.The currents can be a problem for robotic cleaners as well, but for ship operators, the bigger problem is having to wait long after cargo operations have concluded while the hull is cleaned by either method.And yet, many of the pressures they face for keeping the hull clean – invasive species…

HullWiper has signed a lease agreement with Unidive Subsea to bring its eco-friendly Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) hull cleaning technology to PSA terminals, Seatrium Yards and Singapore’s inner anchorages.Plans are also in place to expand services to FPSOs, FSOs and semi-submersibles under contracts with regional oil and gas companies.Unidive Subsea provides diving and ROV services, supporting leading oil and drilling companies in Singapore.In partnership with HullWiper, the…

Subsea Global Solutions reports that authorities in Singapore have granted approval of its hull cleaning services for vessels, allowing underwater cleaning to take place while vessels are engaged in cargo work at the terminal. The approved cleaning procedure requires the use of a Cleaning Remotely Operated Vehicle (C-ROV) equipped with an integrated filtration plant, designed to capture and reclaim materials, ensuring compliance with Singapore’s stringent environmental regulations.

The maritime industry, often viewed as conservative and measured in its approach to technological integration, is on the cusp of a transformative era with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a prominent player. Insights from key exhibitors at the upcoming Posidonia Shipping Εxhibition reveal a new landscape, where industry leaders strategically align with the inexorable rise of AI and consider adopting it already.According to Theodore Vokos, Managing Director, Posidonia Exhibitions S.A.…

Thunderbird 3 named as latest vessel in growing fleet as remote operating control center in Delft begins operations.As hull biofouling and its role in invasive species transfer and carbon emissions due to increased fuel use continue to attract the attention of the IMO and national regulators, Netherlands-based Fleet Cleaner has added to its armory with the introduction of a third specialist hull cleaning vessel. In addition, the company has unveiled a new remotely controlled operation service for its growing fleet of vessels and ROV cleaning craft.Thunderbird 3…

Commercial diving company Subsea Global Solutions (SGS) announced it has acquired SRN Group Diving & ROV Underwater Services (Belgium), an underwater services and remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) hull cleaning firm based in Belgium.With this acquisition, SGS expands its global footprint to Europe, acquires industry leading ROV hull cleaning technology and increases the number of its home ports worldwide to 14.Paul Peters, CEO of SGS, said, “This is a much awaited, critical milestone for SGS.

Estonia's Port of Tallinn has implemented new rules requiring the collection of residue from underwater hull cleaning operations while in port.Ellen Kaasik, the port's environmental manager, said the measures are part of a major activity plan to decrease the environmental impact of the port and ships, and that the decision to collect all hull cleaning residue was made to help tackle eutrophication.Hull cleaning service in the Port of Tallinn can only be provided with permission from the Vessel Traffic Shift Manager…

While owners have long recognized the link between clean hulls and lower fuel costs, lack of reliable data has slowed investments in optimizing hull performance. But with improved sensor technologies and data analysis tools, hull performance is getting a second look. Owners seeking to lower fuel costs and comply with pending regulations on emissions and invasive species often look to equipment manufacturers to meet their needs. From new efficient engine designs to alternative fuels, scrubbers to ballast water treatments systems, owners face some expensive decisions.

While owners have long recognized the link between clean hulls and lower fuel costs, lack of reliable data has slowed investments in optimizing hull performance. But with improved sensor technologies and data analysis tools, hull performance is getting a second look. Owners seeking to lower fuel costs and comply with pending regulations on emissions and invasive species often look to equipment manufacturers to meet their needs. From new efficient engine designs to alternative fuels, scrubbers to ballast water treatments systems, owners face some expensive decisions.

Recent acceptance to operate in Rotterdam and proof of sustainability claims after more than 500 hull cleaning operations help propel ECOsubsea, the robotic hull cleaning system.The Dutch national regulatory body Rijkswaterstaat gave the Norwegian company the green light to start offering hull cleaning services to vessels at all Dutch Ports including Europe’s biggest port, the Port of Rotterdam, a move that is helping the firm solidify its position in Europe following similar permissions in Antwerp…

The Scandinavian arm of the world’s third largest container shipping company CMA CGM has signed an agency, husbandry and NOx reporting agreement with GAC Norway for its ships calling at the port of Oslo. The CMA CGM Group has a fleet of 470 vessels serving 400 of the world's 521 commercial ports. In 2015, it transported an estimated volume of 13 million TEUs and vessels from its fleet make 52 calls per annum to Oslo to load/discharge a wide range of goods carried in containers from around the world. Its weekly service links the Scandinavian ports of Oslo, Moss, Brevik and Gothenburg with the CMA CGM hub in Rotterdam, and beyond to its global network.

Deal to provide agency, husbandry and NOx reporting at Oslo. The Scandinavian arm of the world’s third largest container shipping company CMA CGM has signed an agency, husbandry and NOx reporting agreement with GAC Norway for its ships calling at the port of Oslo. The CMA CGM Group has a fleet of 470 vessels serving 400 of the world's 521 commercial ports. In 2015, it transported an estimated volume of 13 million TEUs and vessels from its fleet make 52 calls per annum to Oslo to load/discharge a wide range of goods carried in containers from around the world. Its weekly service links the Scandinavian ports of Oslo, Moss, Brevik and Gothenburg with the CMA CGM hub in Rotterdam, and beyond to its global network.

Last month we were offered an in-depth discussion on marine salvage with Captain Gregg W. Baumann, U.S. Navy, Director of Ocean Engineering, Supervisor of Salvage and Diving. Captain Baumann and his team have a long history regarding difficult missions accomplished, including most recently the location and filming of the lost TOTE containership El Faro. What is the scope of the responsibility of the Supervisor of Salvage & Diving; Director of Ocean Engineering? The responsibilities of the Supervisor of Salvage & Diving…

GAC EnvironHull has signed a contract with the international energy company Statoil to provide underwater hull cleaning services for its vessels operating in Scandinavia, the Middle East and the Far East. From the second quarter of 2015, GAC EnvironHull, part of global shipping, logistics and marine services provider GAC Group, is using its HullWiper technology to remove fouling from the Statoil fleet of long term chartered vessels to enhance efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, while also preserving and protecting the maritime environment.

GAC EnvironHull’s eco-friendly, diver-free hull cleaning technology makes its Asian debut at this year’s Sea Asia exhibition, marking its introduction at one of the world’s busiest ports, Singapore. The HullWiper Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) system was launched in late 2013 in the United Arab Emirates and has since been rolled out to other countries in the Middle East and in Sweden. It is now being offered to vessels in Singapore, through GAC EnvironHull’s local partner, T&T Salvage Asia Pte Ltd (T&T).

Oman’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs has granted GAC EnvironHull permission to conduct underwater hull cleaning operations using the brush-and-diver-free HullWiper system at the port of Sohar, just outside the Gulf of Hormuz. It is the fourth port in the Middle East at which the revolutionary Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) is now available to provide fast, efficient, safe and eco-friendly hull cleaning services for ships. This latest expansion adds Oman to the growing GAC EnvironHull network which already covers Dubai…