First clean performed at new permanent operations base

HullWiper’s first hull clean has been completed at the port of Ras Laffan, under a new agreement with established shipping and logistics experts GAC Qatar to offer a global hull cleaning solution to vessels calling at Qatari ports and anchorages.

GAC Qatar is the only company to be granted a license by the country’s Environment Ministry to operate hull cleaning equipment in its waters as HullWiper’s Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) complies with the stringent regulations to ensure safe and eco-friendly removal of marine biofouling.

The first underwater clean using the HullWiper patented ROV at Ras Laffan saw 6112.80 m² of the vertical sides of an LNG vessel cleaned in twelve hours.

The HullWiper system uses adjusted pressure salt-water jets, instead of brushes or abrasives, to remove and collect biofouling with no damage to expensive anti-fouling coatings. 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 operations are underway. Removed residues are collected by the ROV’s unique onboard filter and deposited into dedicated drums onshore for safe disposal at the Qatar Petroleum (QP) facility after a QP test. HullWiper’s filter also reduces the risk of cross-pollination of waters with invasive species.

Since 2017 HullWiper has been working with partners around the world with its global leasing programme to offer ship owners and operators a cost-efficient, brush- and diver-free alternative to traditional hull cleaning methods that protects anti-fouling coating on vessel hulls and the oceans. Ship owners and operators benefit from a clean hull that improves vessel performance, fuel savings and lower CO2 emissions, without any extra downtime or harming our delicate marine ecosystem.

“Our decision to invest in providing a safe, eco-friendly and proven hull cleaning solution at Qatar ports and anchorages is in line with our strategy to expand the maritime services we offer,” says Daniel Nordberg, GAC Qatar General Manager. “We appreciate the support from MOTC, Ministry of Environment and Qatar Petroleum for granting us the license to provide hull cleaning services in Ras Laffan.”

Simon Doran, HullWiper Managing Director, adds: “LNG vessels in particular benefit from HullWiper, as its non-aggressive cleaning methods does not damage their premier coatings. That is why Qatar, the world’s leading provider of LNG, has always been on our radar. With LNG growth increasing in the country, the time is right to offer bespoke local support to the LNG vessels operating out of and calling at the country’s ports.”