Navigating the Challenges of Hull Cleaning in Singapore’s Rough Waters
Strong Currents Pose Risks for Divers
In the vibrant maritime hub of Singapore, divers tasked with cleaning fouling from ships often face formidable currents that can feel like navigating a river. Such conditions can render it unsafe for divers to carry out their responsibilities, complicating the already challenging task of maintaining vessel hulls.
Robotic Solutions: A New Layer of Complication
The currents aren’t just a hurdle for human divers; they also present significant challenges for robotic cleaners. However, for ship operators, the most pressing issue is the delays incurred while the hull cleaning processes take place after cargo operations. The lengthy waits can disrupt schedules and lead to increased operational costs.
Increasing Pressure for Regular Cleanings
Despite these challenges, the demands for cleaner hulls are mounting. Factors such as invasive species, rising fuel costs, and stringent regulations are driving ship operators toward more frequent cleaning schedules, thus necessitating innovative solutions.
HullWiper and Unidive Subsea: A Winning Partnership
At the heart of this effort, HullWiper has formed a strategic alliance with Unidive Subsea, bringing state-of-the-art Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) hull cleaning technology to several key locations, including PSA terminals and Seatrium Yards. This collaboration aims to provide efficient cleaning alternatives that cater to Singapore’s bustling maritime landscape.
Authorized Services to Streamline Operations
Subsea Global Solutions has received official authorization to provide hull cleaning services in Singapore during active cargo operations. This advancement means that skilled non-diver ROV pilots can operate these robots, allowing for more flexible cleaning timelines, including night operations and activities during diver surface intervals.
The Speed of Cleaning Matters
In a fiercely competitive industry, reducing operational downtimes has become a critical focus. Hydro Hull Cleaning touts its SeaBadger MKII ROV, capable of removing biofouling at an impressive rate of 33 meters per minute across a 1.2-meter-wide swath, emphasizing the importance of efficiency.
ECOsubsea’s Rapid Solutions
ECOsubsea’s ROV Pink Panther offers a notable edge, performing tasks ten times faster than traditional cleaning methods, as highlighted by CEO Tor Østervold. He cited a recent achievement of cleaning a fully loaded capesize vessel with an 18-meter draft in just four hours.
Time is Money
The efficiency of these ROVs translates into shorter port stays. “Our ROV operates effectively in currents exceeding 2 knots, a task fraught with danger for divers even at 1 knot,” Østervold stated. This significant difference represents a major advantage in both time and cost for ship operators needing to maintain their hulls.
Monitoring Biofouling and Waste Management
ECOsubsea is also focused on sustainability, collaborating with waste management firms and universities to process the biowaste collected during cleaning, which may include microplastics and paint fragments. Østervold emphasized, “The data gathered from this material is invaluable, providing insights into heavy metals and biofouling density.”
Innovations in Cleaning Technology
The In-Transit Cleaning of Hull (ITCH) system by Shipshave has caught the attention of industry leaders like Hapag-Lloyd. This system has demonstrated the potential to generate fuel and emissions savings, with a return on investment achieved in less than three months of operation.
Efficient and Easy-to-Use Systems
Designed for operational speeds between 10-14 knots, the ITCH system employs hydrofoils to maintain cleaning positions. Weighing just 4.5 kg, it is designed for ease of use by vessel crews, shifting the cleaning burden from extensive port operations into more manageable solutions.
Tackling Microfouling Onboard
Small-scale systems like Greensea IQ’s EverClean robot offer flexibility in hull management, allowing ships to conduct microfouling cleaning every 30-45 days. Its non-magnetic design provides dual functionality: it can perform cleaning tasks while also collecting data on fouling rates, thus enhancing operational effectiveness.
The Need for Proactive Monitoring
“By removing biofouling as a variable, EverClean creates a new performance baseline,” asserted Rob Howard, Greensea IQ’s Chief Growth Officer. This preventative strategy is critical for identifying minor issues before they escalate into significant problems.
Daily Monitoring Made Simple
Deep Trekker has a range of systems including the REVOLUTION, PIVOT, and PHOTON ROVs, which enable rapid deployment from various vessel types. Their innovative tools and apps provide advanced functionalities, easing the daily monitoring processes for ship owners.
A Data-Driven Approach
As the industry evolves, the collection of actionable data on fuel consumption and hull fouling is becoming increasingly vital. “We’ll soon reach a point where every shipowner can identify the optimal cleaning frequency based on statistical data regarding their vessel,” remarked Cody Warner, Director of Sales & Marketing at Deep Trekker.
Preserving Coated Hulls
Concerns regarding the impact of frequent cleaning on hull coatings are also paramount. Companies like Hullbot are addressing these worries by using gentle brushes suited for various coatings. Vessels can maintain their antifouling integrity while still receiving effective cleaning.
Innovative Solutions for Compliance
In partnership with Jotun, the HullSkater robot is always onboard, offering ongoing maintenance while utilizing its SeaQuantum Skate coating. This dual approach ensures that the cleaning process does not compromise the integrity of the vessel’s hull.
Data-Driven Predictive Maintenance
Jotun’s in-house team has developed sophisticated algorithms to predict the onset of fouling on vessels. Coupled with their physical cleaning solutions, Jotun provides robust adherence to international performance standards.
A Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
Jotun has conducted extensive water quality tests to ensure no additional paint particles are released into marine environments. This commitment underscores the importance of responsible cleaning practices tailored for environmental sustainability.
The Expanded EverClean Ecosystem
As global regulations tighten and the demand for fuel efficiency intensifies, Greensea IQ has introduced an enhanced version of its EverClean system, incorporating advanced inspection capabilities. This innovation not only supports hull maintenance but also offers deeper insights into overall vessel performance.
The Vision for the Future of Maritime Operations
CEO Ben Kinnaman explained that their technology leverages substantial expertise in autonomy and precision navigation, pushing the boundaries of what maritime operations can achieve in terms of lifecycle management and fuel efficiency. “What the industry desires is fuel efficiency more than anything else,” he concluded.
Conclusion: Navigating Towards a Cleaner Future
As Singapore’s maritime industry continues to evolve amid rising competition and regulatory pressures, the integration of innovative hull cleaning technologies is crucial for maintaining competitive operational efficiency. From robotic solutions to data-driven insights, the future of hull cleaning looks to not only enhance vessel performance but also ensure responsible environmental stewardship. In these rapidly changing waters, adaptability and innovation will be key to navigating the challenges ahead.
