The cleaning service complies with the strict biofouling management standards that Australia has implemented to counter the spread of invasive alien species (IAS) and provides vessel operators an eco-friendly solution that enables them to reap the benefits of a clean hull while meeting legal requirements.
“By using the ROV to remove fouling from vessel hulls, ships benefit from optimal performance and energy savings,” said Simon Doran, managing director, HullWiper.
“The ROV is ideally suited to cruise ships and can clean the ship’s hull overnight while guests enjoy the region surrounding the Great Barrier Reef.”
Clean solution
The solution uses adjustable seawater jets under variable pressure as the cleaning medium, instead of brushes or abrasives, which leaves expensive antifouling surfaces intact.
No divers are used, so there is no risk to human life and cleaning can be conducted day or night, in most weather conditions, whilst cargo operations are underway.
HullWiper does not discharge removed residues and harmful materials into the sea. Instead, it collects them with a unique onboard filter unit which is collected by a locally-approved environmental waste disposal company. This cleaning method reduces the risk of cross-pollination of waters with alien species.
Launched in Dubai in December 2013, HullWiper now operates in ports around the world including Sweden, Singapore, Spain, Netherlands, Norway, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and – on an ad hoc basis at key locations across the Middle East.
The Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) cleaning operations at the Port of Townsville are being managed by HullWiper’s leasing partner K ROV.