HullWiper worked with MFC Concepts, a leading producer of highly engineered modular and offshore containers, to modify the container so that its Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) can be transported, by road or sea, to far-flung locations that its present hub bases cannot serve. The customised container includes a fully functioning engine room, workshop and control area for the trained technicians to work from.

Other benefits include secure storage of the ROV in an AC controlled environment to minimise maintenance time and the ability to on/offload the unit in a matter of minutes to start hull cleaning operations without delay.

“This initiative ensures that the same high standard we apply to hull cleans at our hubs is now available in places previously not accessible,” said Simon Doran, HullWiper MD. “Our bespoke container neatly packs the ROV hull cleaning unit and all the essentials within the limited space available – bringing the complete suite of features we have at our existing operational locations to the new sites.”  

HullWiper’s ROV is a cost-efficient, brush- and diver-free alternative to traditional hull cleaning methods that protects both the ocean and expensive anti-fouling vessel hull coatings. The system uses adjustable seawater jets as the cleaning medium, instead of brushes or abrasives, to minimise the risk of damage to coatings. Removing fouling from vessels’ hulls results in optimal performance, energy efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions, and avoids the expense of recoating in case of damage.  No divers are used, so there is no risk to human life and cleaning can be conducted day or night, in most weather conditions, and whilst cargo or bunker fuel operations are underway.

Unlike traditional methods, HullWiper does not discharge removed residues and harmful materials into the sea. Instead, it collects them with a unique onboard filter for safe disposal onshore, thereby reducing the risk of cross-pollination of waters with alien species.

“We pride ourselves on creating simple solutions to challenging requests – and this was no exception,” said Laurance Langdon, MFC Concepts General Manager. “We worked hard with HullWiper to fit everything they needed into a restricted space, without sacrificing functionality. The end result speaks for itself. It is one more example of our growing container conversion and modular fabrication work in the offshore and subsea sectors.”

Since its launch in late 2013, HullWiper has expanded from its first base in Dubai to include ports in Australia, Egypt, Gibraltar, Mauritius, Qatar, UAE, Panama, Singapore, Spain and Sweden. Plans are in the pipeline for new locations including Sri Lanka, South Korea, South Africa, Chile and The Bahamas. HullWiper is also available for lease where the company does not have its own base.

To date, HullWiper has performed hull cleans for more than 1,000 vessels worldwide. The HullWiper Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) is a diver-free, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solution for underwater hull cleaning. Shipowners benefit from meeting their responsibilities for protecting the marine environment without disrupting their business.

MFC Concepts draws on more than 20 years of experience to deliver bespoke container conversions and modular fabrication services from large and complex projects to the unique and specific requirements of a customer.