Tag: hull cleaning

Starting from May, the Port of Tallinn mandates that the cleaning and other procedures carried out on ships` hulls underwater surfaces can be conducted in their premises only when the residue is collected. 

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and BIMCO issued an approval procedure for in-water cleaning companies, aiming to set minimum requirements for approval of cleaning companies for various types of operations.

Danish coatings manufacturer Hempel has launched an underwater hull inspection service using Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs), while a vessel is at port or anchorage.

South Korean shipping company HMM revealed plans to start deploying underwater robots for hull cleaning on its vessels. This is expected to reduce risks associated with human work underwater, reduce costs, as well as risks linked to hull fouling for the marine ecosystems.

ClassNK presents requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear. Thus, following (MSC 96) IMO Resolution MSC.402(96) the launching of appliances and release gear was adopted, similar to the adoption of the amendments to SOLAS III/3 and III/20 to make the MSC resolution mandatory.

Fleet Cleaner performed hull cleaning of the largest vessel in the world at the Port of Rotterdam without downtime and despite the rough weather conditions. Pioneering Spirit's hull was cleaned to the most of the fouled area.

Japanese shipping company “K” Line has joined forces with 'non-destructive testing' company Technos Mihara Corporation on a development project using an innovative method for ship hull inspection and maintenance by a drone and image analysis system.

Cargo hold cleaning constitutes one critical aspect of the complex bulk carrier operations. A conventional bulk carrier may transport coal this week and soya beans the next week, which requires thorough wash-downs and cleaning. In this regard, Danish shipping company Norden announced it has tested a cargo hold robot which can be remotely operated to prevent risk and delays. 

BIMCO and a group of industry partners have set out to create an internationally recognised standard for hull biofouling. The standard aspires to ensure that the cleaning process is safe and effective. Currently, the standard undergoes practical trials, in order to send it to appropriate international organisations for endorsement.

During his presentation at the last GREEN4SEA Conference, Dr. Ioannis Arabatzis, CEO, Nanophos, attempted to clarify the misty landscape of underwater marine coatings, for non-chemists. He namely presented contemporary chemical technologies in the market, in a simplified, understandable way and formulated the checkpoints for a successful selection of a hull coating system.