HullWiper is the response of global shipping, logistics and marine services provider GAC to growing demand for environmentally sound and cost-effective hull cleaning solutions to optimize vessel performance at a time when ever more stringent environmental restrictions are coming into force.
Despite its compact size of just 3 x 1.5 x 0.80m, the high- speed HullWiper ROV can clean up to 2,000m2 of hull per hour without causing any damage to anti-fouling surfaces, thanks to brushless technology which uses adjustable pressure water jets to remove marine fouling. As no divers are involved, cleaning can be done alongside during loading or discharging operations, and any risk to life is significantly reduced. HullWiper cleans about five times faster than conventional cleaning methods with divers, and hence, reduces cleaning time by approximately half.
The entire process is in line with the GAC Group’s stringent Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) and compliance policies, as well as all local and regional environmental regulations. Residues and harmful marine growths captured during cleaning are disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner instead of being discharged into the sea as done using traditional methods.
Simon Doran, Managing Director of GAC EnvironHull, says: “The time is now right for HullWiper to enter the Asian market. Since HullWiper’s launch less than 18 months ago, we have received many enquiries from around the world and its innovative features have been recognized with accolades, including an international innovative technology award.”
“For Hullwiper to be launched in Singapore, it first had to be tested and certified by the local authorities as a safe method of hull cleaning. I am pleased that Hullwiper has passed all the tests thrown at it and is now able to start cleaning hulls in Asia for the first time,” says Christer Sjo¨doff, GAC Group Vice President – Solutions. He adds that Singapore’s strategic location makes it the ideal gateway to Asia for HullWiper. “We see great potential for our hull cleaning solution in this part of the world, and our eco-friendly solution dovetails neatly with the country’s Maritime Green Initiative.”
“Through this partnership, GAC and T&T will deliver to the shipping industry, an environmentally-friendly solution that meets both operational and regulatory requirements,” says Syed Hasan Abbas, Director for Subsea Services,T&T. “This complements T&T’s HSSE policy, which is to deliver quality services safely and efficiently, parallel to our respect for the sanctity of the environment and the fragile marine ecosystems in which we operate.”
Hull cleaning operations using the HullWiper will commence in the Republic in the second half of this year.
ABOUT GAC GROUP AND GAC ENVIRONHULL
GAC EnvironHull is part of the GAC Group, a global provider of integrated shipping, logistics and marine services. Emphasizing world-class performance, a long-term approach, innovation, ethics and a strong human touch, GAC delivers a flexible and value- adding portfolio to help customers achieve their strategic goals. Established since 1956, GAC employs over 10,000 people in more than 300 offices worldwide.
GAC EnvironHull provides cost-effective, efficient and environmentally-sound marine cleaning services for vessels of all shapes and sizes.
ABOUT T&T SALVAGE
As part of the Teichman Group,T&T Salvage is part of a comprehensive service oriented organization, created and inspired by the legendary Rudy Teichman, who was considered a salvage industry leader, whose ingenuity, experience and dedication to improve industry, business and community became the company's best known trademark throughout the world. T&T Salvage operates one of the most extensive emergency response networks in the world. Pre-positioned throughout the United States, Singapore, Hamburg, Rotterdam, and South America, the Teichman Group of companies own and maintain a comprehensive inventory of state-of-the-art fast response firefighting systems, inert gas generators, nitrogen generators, high capacity dewatering pumps, ship-to-ship (STS) lightering systems, anti-pollution systems, three-dimensional sonar, ROVs, and diving systems. Using its experienced team of divers,T&T Salvage is committed to conducting the safest and most responsible diving operations throughout the globe.