Danish ports permit use of GAC EnvironHull’s HullWiper solution
GAC EnvironHull has received approval from the Danish ports of Copenhagen, Kalundborg, and Fredricia to use its diver-free, underwater HullWiper solution within the ports and outside of holding areas.
GAC EnvironHull has received approval from the Danish ports of Copenhagen, Kalundborg, and Fredricia to use its diver-free, underwater HullWiper solution within the ports and outside of holding areas.
Using brushless technology, the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) will be able to clean up to 2,000m² of hull per hour without causing any damage to anti-fouling surfaces.
The latest development follows the approval of the ROV to clean hulls at Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2014.
GAC EnvironHull managing director Simon Doran said: "The granting of permission to use HullWiper in these three Danish ports represents the latest in our growing list of approvals around the world.
"The GAC solution allows for hull cleaning during loading or discharging operations of the vessel."
"At a time when Scandinavian Governments are focused on building upon their strong and stringent environmental credentials, these approvals are testament to the faith that the authorities place on this pioneering technology to help further this."
According to GAC, a clean hull improves vessel speed and performance by minimising resistance, which also results in lower carbon emissions and fuel consumption.
As no divers are involved, the GAC solution allows for hull cleaning during loading or discharging operations of the vessel. Moreover, the solution cleans around five times faster than conventional cleaning methods.
Launched in 2013 in the Middle East, the solution entered the European market last year.
Denmark ranked 13th out of the 178 countries surveyed in the bi-annual Environmental Performance Index 2014.
The index was compiled by the Yale Centre for Environmental Law & Policy, and the Centre for International Earth Science Information Network at Columbia University.