HullWiper, a provider of hull cleaning services, has entered into a leasing agreement with diving contractor Unidive Subsea for the delivery of hull cleaning technology in Singapore.
This collaboration will introduce HullWiper’s eco-friendly remotely operated vehicle (ROV) technology for hull cleaning at PSA terminals, Seatrium Yards, and Singapore’s inner anchorages.
The service is scheduled to commence in January 2025, supporting Singapore’s Maritime Singapore Decarbonisation Blueprint and its net-zero emissions target by 2050.
Unidive Subsea director Jeremiah Chen said: “Innovation is key to success, and with Singapore’s maritime sector being a lynchpin to our country’s economic growth, having HullWiper in this region opens up new opportunities.
“It allows us to refine traditional service methods and adapt to the ever-evolving demands of this dynamic industry.”
HullWiper employs adjustable high-pressure seawater jets that are directed at a ship’s hull with significant force to remove debris, eliminating the need for scrubbing, harsh chemicals, or abrasive techniques associated with conventional cleaning methods, according to the hardware provider.
This method also guarantees that the ship’s valuable antifouling coatings are preserved.
The ROV technology allows cleaning operations to proceed day or night, in various weather conditions, and during cargo or bunker fuel activities.
ROVs enhance safety by minimizing risks linked to diver-based cleaning and ensuring residues and contaminants are collected and filtered through eco-friendly processes, safeguarding marine life and water quality.
HullWiper plans to expand the services to floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSOs) vessels, floating storage and offloading (FSOs) vessels, and semi-submersibles, catering to regional oil and gas companies.
HullWiper managing director John Armstrong said: “HullWiper’s ROV technology offers an eco-conscious approach to hull cleaning.
“It makes hull cleaning more efficient, safe and environmentally friendly, allowing vessels to operate at peak performance while reducing fuel consumption and lowering GHG emissions.”
Since its inception in late 2013, HullWiper has grown from its first base in Dubai to several international ports, including locations in the Middle East, Australia, South Korea, Mauritius, Panama, Denmark, and Sweden.
In 2019, HullWiper launched its first Americas operations base to offer hull cleaning services for vessels transiting the Panama Canal.
To date, HullWiper has performed over 2,000 hull cleans for vessels around the globe.