DNV verifies Jotun hull performance

The verification marks what Jotun describes as a significant milestone for proactive hull performance management, combining physical in-water inspections with verified vessel performance monitoring conducted in accordance with ISO 19030 standards.

“Our HSS, including our robotic hull cleaner The HullSkater, was designed to deliver an always clean hull and today we are thrilled to announce that the findings mark the first time this has been independently verified under real-world operating conditions,” said Helle Vines Ertsås, global category manager for HSS at Jotun.

The assessment covered in-water inspections on 33 vessels fitted with HSS, with inspections consistently confirming the absence of fouling throughout the review period. DNV also analysed performance data from 12 vessels over an average of 3.5 years of operation, including a one-year reference period, finding no measurable speed degradation.

Jotun’s HSS combines the company’s HullSkater robotic cleaning system with its SeaQuantum Skate coating technology, allowing early-stage fouling to be removed before it can establish and impact vessel performance.

The findings come as shipowners face increasing regulatory and operational pressure to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions through enhanced hull performance management.

“The analysis confirmed that the hulls remained clean throughout the review period and that no measurable loss of speed occurred,” said Olav Rognebakke, head of Section Hydrodynamics and Stability at DNV.

Morten Sten Johansen, global category director for Hull Performance in Jotun, said the verification demonstrates that ‘proactive, continuous hull maintenance through HSS can prevent fouling from developing in the first place’.

He added: “Independent verification, like through DNV, is how we turn claims into documented performance.”