French hull-cleaning robot is nominated for DAME 2012 Design Awards

French hull-cleaning robot is nominated for DAME 2012 Design Awards FRENCH hull-cleaning robot company Hulltimo has been nominated for the DAME 2012 Design Awards at the METS international tradeshow in Amsterdam.

The HULLTIMO Pro robot was selected by the DAME jury out of 115 marine equipment and accessory products from 25 countries, based on its mobile design and innovative engineering, its ease of use and functionality, as well as its respect for the environment.

The overall winner of the DAME 2012 awards will be announced on November 13. Hulltimo will also be showcasing the innovative robot to international professionals at the exhibition.

The device is a new, innovative robotic solution for in-water hull-cleaning. The technology enables a single operator to clean the hull of a 34-foot boat in under 11/2 hours, directly at a boat's mooring and without the need for diving or haul-out.

In addition, it has been designed to respect the marine environment and meet today's tougher marine pollution regulations. The cleaning operation is performed without the need for soap or chemical products. Any removed debris is collected in an integrated filter sac, which can be safely disposed of once the robot has been taken out of the water. Furthermore, the robot's gentle cleaning action does not damage a boat's hard anti-fouling paint, ensuring the coating lasts longer and reducing the overall boat maintenance budget.

"Growth of bio-film on an immersed hull is so fast that within the space of only a few months the build-up can increase drag by 10-15 per cent," said CEO Eric Tardy. "Most of the boat owners we speak to say they would gladly use a more regular hull cleaning service if it was sufficiently simple and affordable. We designed the HULLTIMO Pro as a solution to those needs, while truly respecting the marine environment."