Bunker-Saving HullWiper Cleans First Cruise Vessel in Copenhagen

The first hull cleaning of a cruise vessel using HullWiper has been completed in Copenhagen. Image Credit: GAC

The Gulf Agency Company (GAC) today announced that the first hull cleaning of a cruise vessel using GAC EnvironHull's bunker-saving hull cleaning system HullWiper has been completed in Copenhagen.

The operation saw the removal of marine fouling from the DFDS Group's 2,800 DWT Pearl Seaways, which serves routes between Copenhagen and Oslo.

"We pride ourselves on our environmental credentials, so it was essential that whatever system we chose could handle waste water and not contaminate the local marine ecosystem with debris and fouling material," said Gert Jakobsen, Vice President of the DFDS Group.

"DFDS also cares about safety – and the ability to use a remotely operated vehicle instead of divers and brush carts was a definite advantage. This made choosing HullWiper to clean the 'Pearl Seaways' an obvious choice."

As Ship & Bunker has reported, HullWiper has already been approved for use at various ports across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

"We are always looking at markets that can benefit from HullWiper's approach to cleaning, and the cruise industry ticks all the boxes," said Simon Doran, GAC EnvironHull Managing Director, adding: "time is critical in the cruise sector, so delivering a fast hull clean with minimum disruption is paramount.

"Further, as cruise liners generally have top-quality hull coatings, it's important to avoid any damage caused by brushes or abrasives. By using adjustable sea water jets to remove fouling, HullWiper eliminates that risk, and offers a huge long-term saving."