World News
Bunker Saving HullWiper Launched in Rotterdam
Gulf Agency Company Ltd. (GAC) Monday announced that GAC EnvironHull's diver-free and bunker saving hull cleaning technology, HullWiper, has been officially launched in Rotterdam after the port became latest to allow the system to operate in its waters.
"There is a real and pressing need to decarbonise the shipping industry, and [HullWiper] is just one way that vision can be achieved," said the Port of Rotterdam's Senior Manager, Peter Mollema, noting that the technology aligns with the port's vision to be the most sustainable port of its kind.
To mark the launch, GAC EnvironHull and the Port of Rotterdam co-hosted an event called "Smart Ship Technologies and Measures for Greener Ports," a discussion which is said to have addressed the technological and regulatory context for ports and operators, as well as cost saving strategies for owners and operators working to remain compliant.
The event is noted to have seen participation from a panel of experts, including Christer Sjödoff, GAC's Group Vice President, John Willsher, Global Accounts Manager at AkzoNobel's Marine Coatings Business, Gavin van Popering, former Performance Manager of Underwater Services for A.P. Møller-Maersk Shipping (Maersk), and Ron van Gelder, Senior Advisor to the Port of Rotterdam.
"The advantages speak for themselves. The versatility and value is still there, despite the drop in fuel prices. HullWiper is a positive step forward for the shipping industry in general," said van Popering.
The event is said to have concluded with a live demonstration of HullWiper, with inventor and GAC EnvironHull Technical Director, Robert Andersen, present to answer questions and demonstrate the technology's online fuel calculator.
"Ports around the world are under a lot of strain when it comes to the environment. GAC, as part of the maritime community, has realised that we must change and evolve, and part of that evolution is the creation of innovative products with world class partners," said Sjödoff, adding: "new technologies and initiatives are contributing to a cleaner, safer and healthier shipping world."
In May, Ship & Bunker reported that HullWiper had won the Clean Shipping title at the 2016 Seatrade Awards in London.
Key Bunker Prices More
| VLSFO | MGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/mt | +/- | $/mt | +/- | |
| Singapore | 511.00 | 11.50 | 602.50 | 10.00 |
| Rotterdam | 479.00 | 1.00 | 618.50 | 1.50 |
| Houston | 464.50 | 4.00 | 615.50 | 5.00 |
| Fujairah | 506.00 | 2.50 | 703.50 | 7.50 |
| Global 20 Ports Average | 532.00 | 4.50 | 708.50 | 4.00 |
| Global 4 Ports Average | 490.00 | 4.50 | 635.00 | 6.00 |
| Global Average Bunker Price | 570.00 | 1.00 | 752.50 | 6.00 |
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