ECOsubsea unveils its new hull cleaning robot
This took place at the 5th Singapore-Norway Innovation Conference (SNIC), where ECOsubsea showcased its state-of-the-art remotely operated vehicle (ROV) specifically designed for eco-friendly hull cleaning. Extensive testing conducted at Singapore’s anchorage since August has highlighted the ROV’s exceptional speed and effectiveness, performing 10 times faster than traditional cleaning methods.
ECOsubsea CEO Tor Østervold noted that the system recently completed a full cleaning of a fully laden capesize vessel with an 18-metre draft in just four hours, underscoring its capability to meet the demanding schedules of modern shipping.
Golden Ocean’s head of global operations, Tord Brath, praised the ROV’s remarkable efficiency, noting its ability to operate swiftly and safely with minimal human intervention. Brath emphasised the alignment of ECOsubsea’s technology with broader sustainability goals, calling it a forward-looking choice for today’s environmentally conscious shipping companies.
Following these trials, ECOsubsea performed its first commercial cleaning operation on the Odfjell tanker Bow Cedar in two hours, with setup and deployment completed in an impressive seven minutes. The ROV’s ability to operate in currents exceeding two knots, where divers typically face severe risks, further differentiates it by enabling hull cleaning during bunkering without delaying vessel schedules.
Odd Arne Hansen, Odfjell Tankers’ Port Captain for Asia Pacific, highlighted several of the ROV’s benefits, including increased efficiency due to high operational speed, safety advantages over diver-reliant cleaning, and measurable environmental gains through fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and controlled sediment collection and filtration. Hansen underscored the operational appeal of a solution that offers speed and safety without compromising environmental standards.
The cost-effectiveness of ECOsubsea’s solution offers a strong incentive for ship operators. According to Østervold, the pricing of this high-tech, sustainable service is comparable to traditional cleaning methods, which often pose environmental and safety risks. By delivering a safer, more efficient alternative at an accessible price, ECOsubsea’s ROV meets the commercial and operational needs of today’s maritime industry.
ECOsubsea has taken significant steps to support its launch in Singapore, chartering Eng Hup Shipping’s largest vessel and equipping it with a dedicated ROV Launch & Recovery System (LARS), operator station, and a 75-cubic-meter filtration unit. Additionally, ECOsubsea is collaborating with waste-management firm Mencast to ensure responsible processing of collected biowaste, further supporting its eco-friendly commitment. The formal launch at SNIC, attended by Kenneth Lim, assistant chief executive of MPA, and Norwegian Ambassador Leif Trana, also included a contract signing with Eng Hup, with options for chartering additional vessels to meet projected demand.
With access to up to 14 times the vessel capacity in Singapore compared to ECOsubsea’s European locations, Østervold expressed optimism about the company’s expanding role in the region, indicating that ECOsubsea’s presence in Singapore may soon surpass its established European operations. The company is already seeing significant interest, with over 5,000 ships signing up for cleaning during the initial licensing period. As part of its vision, ECOsubsea aims to set a new global standard for hull cleaning, establishing a network of ROVs that deliver consistent, sustainable service across the world.
Østervold concluded: “Conventional hull cleaning has been a transactional service with varied quality. We aim to be the one-stop shop for sustainable hull cleaning, delivering consistent quality worldwide.”