GAC Qatar completed the cleaning of an LNG vessel at the Port of Ras Laffan using HullWiper’s Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) as part of an agreement with HullWiper to offer a global hull cleaning solution to vessels calling at Qatari ports and anchorages. The HullWiper solution is designed to improve performance, save fuel and lower CO2 emissions.
“Our decision to invest in providing a safe, eco-friendly and proven hull cleaning solution at Qatar ports and anchorages is in line with our strategy to expand the maritime services we offer,” said Daniel Nordberg, GAC Qatar General Manager.
The first underwater clean using the ROV at the Port of Ras Laffan saw 6112.80m2 of vertical sides of the LNG vessel cleaned in twelve hours.
The HullWiper system uses adjusted pressure salt-water jets, instead of brushes or abrasives, to remove and collect biofouling with no damage to anti-fouling coatings. Removed residues are collected by the ROV’s unique onboard filter and will be deposited into dedicated drums onshore for safe disposal at the Qatar Petroleum (QP) facility. HullWiper’s filter also reduces the risk of cross-pollination of waters with invasive species.
Simon Doran, HullWiper managing director, said: “LNG vessels in particular benefit from HullWiper, as its non-aggressive cleaning methods does not damage their premier coatings.”
GAC Qatar is the only company to be granted a license by the country’s Environment Ministry to operate hull cleaning equipment in its waters.
HullWiper’s hull cleaning agreements include last April’s deal with Equinor for its fleet of oil and gas tankers operating in Scandinavia, the Far East, Middle East and Europe.