Page 40 - 2021 - Q2 - Minerva in Focus

MARITIME TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

Innovative technology key into vulnerable harbours. This advantage comes on top of reduc-

to addressing biofouling ing fuel consumption and adds to the sustainability gain of the
system.
“We think the new solution will help combat the global issue of
challenge biofouling since it will be installed on vessels and can be used
anytime, anywhere,” say Espen Myhre, key account manager, and
Bjørn Kristiansen, Internet of Things partner manager, at Telenor.
by Jotun Maritime Insider “This, as we understand it, makes the solution unique compared
to other solutions currently in the market and will help operators
to address fouling settlement at a very early stage.”
Industry partners agree there is no quick fix to the biofouling Solutions that address biofouling do a great service to the eco-
issue, but Jotun Hull Skating Solutions (HSS) can disrupt the systems of this planet, so any progress toward this goal, in what-
coating and hull cleaning markets and help ship operators ever form, is to be commended. However, DNV head of maritime
tackle one of the industry’s most pressing challenges. technical advisory Ellen Olsvik and principal consultant Sarath
Raj argue that the HullSkater in this particular form may con-
Together with its partners, Jotun has launched an HSS that uses tribute significantly towards this end. “Biofouling is a pressing
a remotely operated robotic hull cleaning device called the industry issue. It increases ship hull resistance and decreases
HullSkater, designed to be carried on the vessel and regularly propeller efficiency, leading to higher fuel consumption and as-
deployed to remove early-stage fouling. Jotun Maritime Insider sociated emissions to air. The prevention of biofouling, therefore,
asked Jotun’s industry partners to share their perspectives on remains critical to sustainable operations.
this new technology and how it can help address the global bio- As biofouling continues to attract an increasing amount of at-
fouling issue. tention from states, regulators, and port authorities worldwide,
“Shipping is a traditional business, and it takes time to estab- it is likely that sustainability-focused companies will seek best
lish new solutions as trustworthy products and services. It is practices and standards to improve hull maintenance and in-wa-
likely that many operators will continue to use divers to clean ter cleaning.
their hulls and propellers, but robotic cleaning will become an Commenting on the subject, Ashok Srinivasan, manager, maritime
important part of the mix going forward as operators strive for safety & security at the BIMCO maritime trade group, said, “It is
fuel-efficient, sustainable operations,” says Egil Haugsdal, Presi- BIMCO’s standpoint that our industry needs more environmen-
dent Kongsberg Maritime. tally sustainable solutions. Ship biofouling plays a part in the
Hans Peter Havdal, business development manager of the Swed- spread of invasive aquatic species (IAS) and indirectly impacts
ish multinational technology company Semcon, points out that the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Ships need to be cleaned
having access to a vessel’s own device for this purpose, rather to curb the spread of IAS and reduce GHG emissions. In BIMCO’s
than relying on port-based cleaning regimes, robotic or other- opinion, ships need to be cleaned while they are in the water
wise, is key to the appeal of the service. as the cost of going for an out-of-water cleaning is prohibitively
“We believe the HullSkater will significantly reduce the risk of high. BIMCO looks favourably at newer technology that tackles
transferring harmful biological fouling across the oceans and these challenges while ensuring a clean environment.”

38 MINERVA IN FOCUS – ISSUE 16 / Q2 2021