The Hidden Cost of a Compromised Hull

Battling an unseen enemy, biofouling.

When biofouling takes hold, even a seemingly minor increase in hull roughness can lead to a disproportionately high increase in hydrodynamic drag.

Industry data indicates that as little as 10% hull underperformance due to fouling can result in a 25-30% increase in daily fuel consumption. For a large merchant vessel consuming 50 metric tonnes of fuel per day, this translates to an additional 12-15 tonnes of fuel expended daily.

This silent drain quickly adds up to millions of dollars in unnecessary expenditure over an annual operational cycle. It's like pouring money directly into the ocean.

The Hull Cleaning Robot from CLIIN Robotics: A Strategic Asset for Efficiency
The hull cleaning robot (HCR) can transform this cost burden into a proactive advantage.

Unlike costly and disruptive traditional methods, which often involve dry-docking or in-water cleaning by divers once fouling is severe, the hull cleaning robot (HCR) enables the robot to effortlessly navigate the hull, both above and below the waterline, maintaining stable operation even in challenging current conditions.

With specialized brush technologies, the robot meticulously removes marine growth, from nascent slime films to established macro-fouling, thereby restoring the hull to its optimal condition.

The most immediate benefit from the hull cleaning robot (HCR) is the profound reduction in fuel consumption. By effectively eliminating the drag induced by biofouling, vessels regain their hydrodynamic performance.

Advantages beyond Fuel cost reduction:
The hull cleaning robot advantages extend beyond direct fuel savings, contributing to a broader reduction in overall operational expenditures:

• Extended Antifouling Life:
  Ships rely on expensive antifouling coatings to prevent marine growth. The CLIIN robot's gentle and effective cleaning methods preserve the integrity of these coatings by preventing heavy build-up that would otherwise necessitate aggressive, potentially damaging cleaning. This extends the lifespan of the antifouling paint, delaying the need for costly reapplication in dry dock.
• Reduced Dry-Docking Frequency:
  By maintaining a consistently clean hull in-water, the need for frequent dry-docking specifically for hull cleaning is significantly reduced. This translates into considerable savings on docking fees, associated labor costs, and crucially, maximizes the vessel's operational time, enhancing its earning potential.
• Minimized Wear and Tear:
  A consistently clean hull reduces the wear on primary engines and propellers, extending the operational lifespan of these critical components and lessening the risk of unexpected malfunctions and expensive emergency repairs.

Environmental advantages
Proactive cleaning with the hull cleaning robot also affects the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides, contributing to climate change and air pollution. Regular hull cleaning reduces the consumption of fuel and a corresponding decrease in harmful emissions.

Furthermore, by preventing the long-distance transport of invasive species attached to hulls (biofouling), cleaning helps protect marine biodiversity in different ecosystems. This proactive approach minimizes the need for more aggressive and potentially environmentally damaging cleaning methods or antifouling coatings in the long run, thereby reducing the release of biocides into the marine environment.

The hull cleaning robot has proven to be versatile and effective, accessible anytime and anywhere. You can operate the cleaning robot remotely, ensuring the safety of the crew.

The robot can board any vessel in a secure cage, where all necessary equipment for hull cleaning is packed and secured. Ready to be lifted on board the vessel and used whenever the demand for hull cleaning arises.

Discover how CLIIN Robotics can transform Hull Cleaning!

Get more information www.cliin.dk

Contact us: 
Global Sales & Business Development Director, Lasse Ekdahl
e-mail: lek@cliin.dk