GAC EnvironHull Ltd, part of GAC Group, has launched a new high-speed, remote-control hull cleaning vehicle that can be used while cargo is being unloaded or loaded onto a ship at port.
GAC's hull cleaning machine reduces costs and marine eco-impactGAC EnvironHull Ltd, part of GAC Group, has launched a new high-speed, remote-control hull cleaning vehicle that can be used while cargo is being unloaded or loaded onto a ship at port.
Branded as HullWiper, this new technology is said to deliver diver-free and cost effective underwater hull cleaning with minimal impact on the marine environment.
The HullWiper, measuring 3 x 1.5 x 0.8 metres, is capable of cleaning 2,000 square metres of hull per hour without causing damage to antifouling surfaces. It can clean the vertical sides of a very large container ships (8,000 square metres) in seven hours, or half the time it would take divers using conventional cleaning methods to perform the same job.
Residues and harmful marine growths captured during cleaning are disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner instead of being dumped at sea.
Said GAC EnvironHull managing director Simon Doran: "In an industry that is increasingly seeking environmentally sound and risk-averse solutions, our cleaning service ticks all the boxes."
The HullWiper has been granted permission by the Norwegian Climate and Pollution Agency KFT to perform cleaning operations within all Norwegian ports, and by the UAE Environmental Department and DP World for use in inner harbours at all quays inside the port of Jebel Ali.