MSC to install Jotun HullSkater solution on MSC Eva

Jotun noted that MSC EVA‘s flexible sailing pattern, with exposure to differing water temperatures and environments, meant it experienced severe biofouling challenges.

MSC EVA will install HSS at GWD Guangzhou Shipyard in China later in 2020, at the same time as it undergoes class renewal and scrubber installation. The installation includes SeaQuantum Skate antifouling, as well as the Jotun HullSkater, the innovative proactive cleaning solution that uses robotic technology.

The Jotun HullSkater, which utilises magnetic wheels to cling to vessel hulls, works to remove individual bacteria and biofilm before macro-fouling grows. At such an early stage, fouling can be removed without risk of damage to, or erosion of, coating or brushes. This minimizes the need for reactive cleaning, cutting costs, lowering environmental risk and optimizing fleet flexibility.

The HSS solution will then proactively work to ensure an “always clean” vessel hull, with no biofouling, optimal efficiency, reduced fuel costs and significantly lower CO2 emissions.

“We are acutely aware that the shipping industry needs to adopt innovative solutions to meet ambitious environmental goals,” states Giuseppe Gargiulo, Head of Newbuildings, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company. “We believe HSS will help solve the problem of biofouling, equating to strong benefits for the natural world – through reduced emissions and decreased spread of invasive species – and better results for our business, customers and society. This is the embodiment of what we’re looking to achieve at MSC.

“Clean hulls are only one piece of the jigsaw when it comes to delivering a more sustainable shipping industry, but a central piece nonetheless. MSC is committed to exploring and trialing new scalable solutions to minimise overall environmental impact, for both our business and the shipping industry as a whole.”