Carnival adopts robotic hull-cleaning technology for cruise vessel

Carnival Cruise Line has become the first cruise operator to adopt Jotun's Hull Skating Solution (HSS), a robotic hull-cleaning system designed to maintain hull performance through continuous proactive cleaning. Under the agreement, the technology will initially be deployed aboard the Panama-flagged Carnival Pride, allowing Carnival to assess its impact on fuel efficiency, emissions reduction and biofouling control during normal cruise operations.

Unlike traditional hull-cleaning programmes, which are typically carried out after marine growth has accumulated, the system uses a remotely operated HullSkater device to clean the hull on a regular basis. The package also includes a compatible hull coating, continuous monitoring, hull inspections, digital performance reporting system and an "always clean hull" guarantee.

Jari Oinas, Assistant Vice President fuel performance and decarbonisation at Carnival Cruise Line, said: "Maintaining a clean hull is essential for efficient ship operations, and the Hull Skating Solution allows us to take a more proactive approach to hull maintenance."

Maintaining a clean hull can reduce hydrodynamic resistance, lower fuel consumption and cut associated greenhouse gas emissions. It can also help reduce the transfer of invasive aquatic species between ports by limiting the build-up of marine organisms on the hull.

Jotun recently secured independent verification from DNV for the system's ability to maintain an "always clean hull" standard without measurable speed loss. The company said the technology enables vessels to be inspected and cleaned between voyages, an approach that may be particularly attractive to cruise operators operating fixed schedules and frequent port calls.

The agreement marks the first deployment of HSS in the cruise sector and reflects growing interest in operational efficiency measures that can deliver emissions reductions without requiring major modifications to vessel propulsion systems.