Cleaner seas for France with HullWiper and Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque
DUNKIRK : Marine sustainability and vessel operational efficiency has received a boost at one of France’s largest commercial ports as HullWiper Ltd has signed a lease agreement with Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque.
This will enable the company to provide innovative hull cleaning solutions for vessels calling at Dunkirk, the 7th port in the North Europe Range which stretches along the world’s busiest seaway from Le Havre to Hamburg.
Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque, part of the Damen Shipyards Group, specialises in the repair, maintenance and conversion of all types of vessels, ranging from commercial ships to naval vessels and offshore vessels.
Eco-friendly and efficient
“France’s location serves as a critical gateway between Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia,” says Arnaud Chotard, Managing Director of Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque.
“By partnering with HullWiper, we will offer a sustainable, high-performance hull cleaning solution that meets strict environmental regulations, reduces downtime and ensures vessels meet both local and international anti-biofouling standards.”
HullWiper’s Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) provides a safe, efficient and eco-friendly in-water hull cleaning solution that uses adjustable seawater jets to remove biofouling without damaging hull coatings. This brush- and diver-free system helps vessels cut down on fuel costs and maintain peak operational performance whilst supporting environmental sustainability by collecting fouling material for safe disposal onshore, preventing the spread of invasive marine species.
HullWiper’s technology is designed with a robust hydraulic and waste pump system, allowing for high waste removal capacity. The system’s cleaning mechanism, along with an integrated cleaning skirt, ensures effective cleaning performance.
For locations with strict environmental regulations, the ROV can be integrated with topside capture and filtration systems. This eliminates the limitations of smaller onboard filters and allows operators to demonstrate the captured and filtered waste, ensuring more effective waste management and compliance with disposal standards.
Sustainable shipping
“Our partnership is a natural fit with France’s commitment to sustainable shipping, particularly in ports like Dunkirk,” says John Armstrong, HullWiper Managing Director. “HullWiper supports initiatives for the protection and enhancement of habitats, cold ironing and LNG ship bunkering, by helping vessels comply with environmental standards while reducing their ecological footprint.”
Since its launch in late 2013, HullWiper has expanded from its first base in Dubai to key locations across the Middle East, as well as ports in Australia, South Korea, Mauritius, Panama, Denmark and Sweden. HullWiper has performed more than 2,000 hull cleans for vessels worldwide.