GAC EnvironHull, part of global shipping, logistics and marine services provider GAC Group, has launched its innovative diver-free, cost-effective and eco-friendly underwater hull cleaning solution in the region.

Despite its compact size of just 3 x 1.5 x 0.80 m, the high-speed, remotely-operated vessel cleaning device is capable of cleaning up to 1,500 sq m of hull per hour without causing any damage to anti-fouling surfaces.

After cleaning, vessel speed and performance is significantly improved as a result of reduced resistance, which in turn decreases carbon emissions and fuel consumption, said a statement from GAC.

And as the system does not use divers to carry out the cleaning, the risk to life is also significantly reduced. HullWiper cleans the vertical sides of a VLCC (approximately 8,000 sq m) in seven hours, half the 14 hours the same job would take using conventional cleaning methods with diver, it stated.

The easy-to-operate machine enables hull cleaning to be carried out alongside loading or discharge, reducing or even eliminating the need for off-hire time.

The entire process is in line with the GAC Group’s stringent HSSE and compliance policies as well as all local and regional environmental regulations.