Subsea wins Singapore approval for C-ROV hull cleaning

This approval marks a significant milestone in maritime operations, allowing underwater cleaning services to minimize vessel downtime while maintaining strict environmental compliance.

Central to the process is the Cleaning Remotely Operated Vehicle (C-ROV), a cutting-edge system designed to clean hulls efficiently while capturing and reclaiming biofouling debris. The integrated filtration technology ensures that pollutants are not discharged into the water, adhering to Singapore’s stringent environmental regulations and protecting marine ecosystems.

“Singapore is experiencing increasing demand for hull cleaning services,” said Karl Lander, Director of Environmental Services at SGS. “The C-ROV’s approval allows us to meet this demand with environmentally friendly, high-performance solutions.” Captain Satnam Kumar, Chief Operating Officer at SGS, emphasized the importance of this milestone: “Operating in one of the world’s busiest ports, this development allows us to expand our services and reinforce our commitment to sustainable innovation.”

The C-ROV technology reflects years of research and development, offering a diver-less, remote-controlled system that enhances safety, reduces operational risks, and ensures thorough biofouling material reclamation. Since 2022, SGS has deployed the portable C-ROV system in Singapore using the dive support vessel Achiever. This system has demonstrated its adaptability across various vessel types, including cruise liners, bulk carriers, tankers, and offshore platforms. To date, SGS has successfully completed hundreds of operations in Singapore, showcasing the technology’s capability to handle diverse and challenging cleaning scenarios.

By integrating the C-ROV into its global service portfolio, SGS is setting new standards in sustainable maritime operations, meeting regulatory demands while addressing the growing need for efficient hull cleaning solutions. This achievement underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and technological innovation.