ECOsubsea new drone drastically improves hull cleaning time
ECOsubsea's hull-cleaning service vessel alongside tanker Maersk Callao in Singapore (Source: ECOsubsea)
ECOsubsea has successfully cleaned a Capesize vessel of 18m draught in four hours, using a drastically more efficient model of remotely operated vehicle (ROV), which the company claims beats out divers by ten times.
The company has launched a new underwater hull cleaning service in Singapore, at the fifth Singapore-Norway Innovation Conference (SNIC), with input from Global Ocean’s head of global operations, Tord Brath. “ECOsubsea’s ROV demonstrated impressive speeds and enhanced safety with minimal human intervention,” said Brath. “This innovation exemplifies how efficient solutions align with sustainability goals, making it a forward-thinking choice for shipping companies.”
The group has chartered a workboat from Singapore’s Eng Hup Shipping, outfitting it with an ROV launch and recovery system (LARS) and 75m3 filtration system. ECOsubsea’s contract with Eng Hup, signed at SNIC, also includes an option for a further two workboat charters. Around 5,000 ships have been booked in for hull cleanings during the initial licensing period.
"Conventional hull cleaning has been a transactional service with varied quality,” said ECOsubsea CEO Tor Østervold. “We aim to be the one-stop shop for sustainable hull cleaning, delivering consistent quality worldwide.”
