GAC Environhull, part of global shipping and logistics expert, the GAC Group, has launched a new eco-friendly and cost effective way to clean hulls underwater.
The compact 3 x 1.5 x 0.80m HullWiper is a high-speed remotely operated vessel (ROV) capable of cleaning up to 2000 square metres per hour without causing any damage to antifouling surfaces.
“Clean and green is the spirit of HullWiper. In an industry that is increasingly seeking environmentally sound and risk adverse solutions, our cleaning service ticks all the boxes,” said Simon Doran, managing director, GAC EnvironHull Ltd.
He added that after cleaning with HullWiper, vessel speed and performance is significantly improved as a result of reduced resistance, which in turn decreases carbon emissions and fuel consumption.
The system requires no divers to carry out the cleaning and as such the risk to safety is also minimised. HullWiper cleans the vertical sides of a VLCC (8000 square metres) in around seven hours, half the time it would take to complete the job using conventional cleaning methods with divers, according to Mr Doran.
Clients include Norwegian Climate and Pollution Agency, KFT, which uses the service in all Norwegian ports and also the UAE Environmental Department and DP World, which uses HullWiper inside the inner harbours at all the quays at the Port of Jebel Ali.
