Bunkering plus hull cleaning
New system allows both operations to take place at the same time
Hull cleaning company ECOsubsea launched its Ultra High Efficiency Hull Cleaning Service (UHEHCS) in Singapore, marking the launch at the 5th Singapore-Norway Innovation Conference (SNIC) in November.
The system, using an underwater remotely controlled vehicle (ROV) underwent extensive testing in the Singapore anchorage starting in August last year.
According to the company, tests showed the ROV’s superior speed, operating 10 times faster than conventional cleaning methods. “We cleaned a fully laden capesize vessel, with an 18-metre draft, in just four hours,” said ECOsubsea CEO Tor Østervold.
Golden Ocean’s Head of Global Operations, Tord Brath, commented: “ECOsubsea’s ROV demonstrated impressive speeds and enhanced safety with minimal human intervention. This innovation exemplifies how efficient solutions align with sustainability goals, making it a forward-thinking choice for shipping companies.”
ECOsubsea completed its debut commercial clean on the Odfjell tanker Bow Cedar in two hours. “Deployment time from docking alongside Bow Cedar to starting cleaning operation was about seven minutes,” Østervold noted. ‘We can when divers can’t’
The ROV’s efficiency enables hull cleaning during bunkering without prolonging port stays. “Our ROV operates in over 2 knots of current, where divers face extreme hazards at even 1 knot,” Østervold said. “This efficiency gap offers major time and cost benefits.”
Odfjell Tankers’ Port Captain for Asia Pacific, Odd Arne Hansen, highlighted several benefits: “Increased efficiency due to operational speed; ability to work in conditions unsafe for divers; reduced risk to personnel; increased fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and lower environmental impact through sediment collection and filtration.”
The company has chartered Eng Hup Shipping’s largest vessel, extensively modifying it with a purpose-built ROV Launch & Recovery System (LARS), operator station and a 75 cubic metre filtration unit. ECOsubsea is also collaborating with waste-management firm Mencast to process collected biowaste.
Kenneth Lim, MPA Assistant Chief Executive, launched the ROV service at SNIC alongside Norwegian Ambassador Leif Trana. A formal contract signing with Eng Hup followed, with options to charter two additional vessels.
“In Singapore, we have access to up to 14 times the vessel capacity compared to our European stations. We’re very pleased to be outcompeting ourselves!” said Østervold.
With over 5,000 ships signed up for cleaning during the initial licensing period, ECOsubsea says it aims to establish a global network of ROVs. “Conventional hull cleaning has been a transactional service with varied quality. We aim to be the one-stop shop for sustainable hull cleaning, delivering consistent quality worldwide,” Østervold concluded.
Image Caption: Hull cleaning using an underwater remotely controlled vehicle at Singapore’s anchorage.
Image Credit: ECOsubsea
24/02/2025
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