In-water Hull Cleaning Assessment
Assisting to ensure planning and procedures around hull cleaning are effective and safe
Clean hulls mean faster journey times, less fuel consumption, fewer emissions and a lower risk of the transfer of non-native species around the world.
However, in-water hull cleaning has the potential to contaminate the environment and cause damage to coatings. Without the correct planning & procedures, it could have legal implications for ports, vessels, operators and the environment.
Internationally, in-water hull cleaning is increasingly being seen as an important tool for effective and compliant hull husbandry. The UK in particular is seeing a steady reintroduction of ‘next generation’ closed circuit devices to its ports, designed to capture both biological and chemical debris.
‘Next generation’ closed circuit hull cleaning devices are paving the way for an environmentally sound solution for hull maintenance between dry-dock intervals, maintaining hull performance and environmental status. However, even if correctly managed, in-water hull cleaning inherently introduces an element of risk, both for the port and for the vessel.
We provide a range of services for device manufacturers, ports and ship owners/operators to ensure the best possible outcome for all parties and the environment, including:
Independent efficacy testing of in-water hull cleaning devices – Bespoke sea trials to answer specific questions for your needs
Coating Compatibility Trials – Whether its matching antifouling coatings with in-water hull cleaning methods, or other bespoke cleaning requirements, we can design and implement an impartial test to ensure that your coatings perform when you need them to.
Environmental monitoring – Collection of baseline data, and continual monitoring to evaluate effects of in-water hull cleaning in port sediments and sub-tidal habitats
Port baseline and continual surveys for non-native species – understanding your current ecological status and ensuring a rapid and compliant response in the event of a biosecurity breach.
Regulatory advice to ensure hull cleaning is conducted within national and regional legislation, and international guidelines
Biosecurity plans to ensure all risks have been appraised and mitigation actions identified, and to provide evidence of ‘best practice’ and help with regulatory compliance
Independent & impartial technology reviews of hull cleaning devices to find the best system for your needs