ACCOLADE RECOGNIZES BENEFITS OF BRUSH AND DIVER-FREE UNDERWATER HULL CLEANING TECHNOLOGY
GAC EnvironHull’s innovative HullWiper hull cleaning technology has won the Clean Shipping title in this year’s Seatrade Awards presented this week in London. It is the fourth major industry award the diver-free remote-controlled system has won since it was launched at the end of 2013.
The Clean Shipping Award is presented to new or improved technology which makes a significant contribution to reducing the negative environmental impact of shipping. By presenting to title to GAC EnvironHull, the panel of judges recognize its ability to deliver a foul-free hull quickly, conveniently, economically and without risk to human life or the delicate marine environment.
Since its launch in Dubai two and a half years ago, HullWiper has been approved for use at ports in the Middle East, Europe and Asia, and more than 400 hull cleaning operations have been conducted using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to date.
Not only does HullWiper effectively clean vessels’ hulls of fouling with water jets rather than brushes or other abrasives, it also collects debris from the operation for ecological disposal on land, thus reducing the risk of cross-pollination of waters with alien species.
The Clean Shipping Award was presented to Simon Doran, Managing Director of GAC EnvironHull. He says: “Even in a depressed market place where oil prices have taken the pressure off of vessel efficiency and operating costs to some degree, there will always be room for greater safety and the protection of the environment. This award win is a valued endorsement from the industry that the HullWiper revolutionary hull cleaning system meets the stringent and vital marine environmental protection standards.”
HullWiper is now in use at the ports of Jebel Ali, Sharjah and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, Sohar in Oman, Singapore, Spain and in Scandinavia.
ABOUT GAC GROUP
GAC is a global provider of integrated shipping, logistics and marine services. Emphasizing world-class performance, a long- term approach, innovation, ethics and a strong human touch, GAC delivers a flexible and value-adding portfolio to help customers achieve their strategic goals.
Established since 1956, GAC employs over 9,000 people in more than 300 offices worldwide.