Statoil chooses GAC automated hull cleaning

GAC EnvironHull, using its HullWiper to remove fouling from the Statoil fleet of long-term chartered vessels from the second quarter of 2015. GAC EnvironHull, part of the GAC Group, claims that the diver-free cleaning technology enhances efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, whilst also preserving and protecting the delicate maritime environment by using only pressurised water.

The remotely operated vehicle (ROV) can clean up to 2,000m² of hull per hour without causing damage to anti-fouling surfaces, GAC claims. Cleaning time by approximately half compared to diver cleaning.

The agreement with Statoil follows the company’s use of HullWiper to clean the hull of one of its chartered vessels at Fujairah in the UAE.

Simon Doran, managing director of GAC EnvironHull, said: “The energy industry focuses on minimising the impact of their operations on the environment and HullWiper meets their high green standards and eliminates the risk to human life.”

GAC EnvironHull now operates in the Swedish port of Gothenburg, the ports of Jebel Ali, Sharjah and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, the port of Sohar in Oman and most recently in Singapore.