Bunker Saving Fleet Cleaner Marks First Ship Hull Cleaning Operation

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Wednesday February 8, 2017

Netherlands-based Fleet Cleaner has announced that its bunker saving Fleet Cleaner system has completed its first hull cleaning trial, cleaning the hull of the largest vessel of the Royal Netherlands Navy, HNLMS Karel Doorman.

The operation, conducted by the hull cleaning remotely operated vehicle (ROV), is said to have been "unique" as both under and above water cleaning was performed by the device.

"Due to loading and unloading, up to 20 percent of the fouled surface can be above the waterline in port," explained the company, which notes that it "aims to offer the most complete ship hull cleaning service, significantly reducing fuel costs for shipping companies."

Fleet Cleaner says its system's high pressure waterjets ensure that coating damage does not occur while cleaning is underway, as was confirmed by coating experts with several coating measurements during the cleaning of Karel Doorman.

All removed fouling is collected by the ROV and filtered by the support system to provide an environmental friendly hull cleaning solution, says the company.

"Fleet Cleaner is launching its innovative ship cleaning technology in March this year in the Port of Rotterdam," said the company, noting that the ship cleaning services will be offered by OH Ship Cleaning.