After the recent oil spill disaster involving the Bow Jubail in the Port of Rotterdam, one piece of technology was instrumental in helping the authorities clean ship’s hulls which were fouled by heavy fuel oil.

Fleet Cleaner helped minimise the environmental impact of the oil spill by using a special oil skimmer, oil booms and PPM’s, as well as completing round the clock cleaning of the affected vessels using a high-pressure water cleaning robot.

The cleaning was done together with main contractor Hebo, which was the main party charged with coordinating the cleaning of the entire Rotterdam port area.

Cleanup

In all, Fleet Cleaner assisted with cleaning 12 oil-fouled vessels.

Whereas standard oil spill cleaning is done above water, the Fleet Cleaner robot was also able to clean under water, aiding vessels which were fouled during the loading process.

On the other hand, the installation was also used to remove oil at heights up to 10 metres above the waterline, making it a uniquely versatile cleaning machine.

This new experience for Fleet Cleaner has proven that the installation can also successfully be used to help in such environmental disasters in addition to its regular duties of cleaning antifouling from the hulls of ships.

An optional package will now be included in future Fleet Cleaner installations for oil spill situations in other ports.

Fleet Cleaner’s diverless hull cleaning service is available 24/7 in all Dutch ports.