How implementing a global industry standard on proactive hull cleaning will benefit ship operators and ports
The Clean Hull Initiative was launched at Nor-Shipping in 2022 to address the increasing focus on biosecurity and ship efficiency.
The environmental non-governmental organisation Bellona Foundation is behind the initiative and is working with stakeholders, including Jotun, and spanning regulators, operators, ports, coatings manufacturers, technology and service providers, academic and research institutions to develop an ISO standard for proactive cleaning.
Explaining why it is so important to develop the standard, Jotun regulatory affairs manager Petter Korslund tells CST, “Regulatory inconsistencies worldwide create a major barrier to ship operators wanting to manage biofouling proactively, and for in-water cleaning (IWC) providers operating in multiple locations. Compounded by the absence of any international regulation or standard for hull cleaning, today there is no international regulating body for ports and anchorages where IWC takes place. Local biofouling and IWC management guidelines vary hugely, if they exist at all.”
He points out that proactive cleaning is recommended on the revised draft of IMO’s Biofouling Guidelines, while the development of an IWC performance standard is one of the key recommendations in an IMO-commissioned report comparing biofouling management regulations and practices globally.
Mr Korslund adds, “Developing the new standard will also drive innovation and the market for commercial solutions that will help solve the biofouling issue on a large scale.”
The development of the standard is at an early stage and the requirements will be developed through expert discussions in the working group. “Ultimately, the international nature of an ISO standard will promote a common approach to proactive hull cleaning and ensure such cleaning is conducted in an environmentally safe manner,” Bellona explains.
Highlighting the importance of the standard, Mr Korslund says, “The development and implementation of a global industry standard on proactive hull cleaning is key for greener shipping. With the increasing focus on ship efficiency measures and biosecurity worldwide, leading to the revision of the IMO Biofouling Guidelines and proactive hull cleaning as an emerging technology, it is important to establish best practices in a standard, so these operations are performed in an environmentally safe manner.”
He adds from a ship operator’s perspective, keeping underwater hulls clean is one of the most effective levers for energy efficiency so implementing a standardised approach and best practices will enable them to improve hull performance, reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions.
A standardised cleaning approach will also favour port authorities requiring a recognised and accepted way for ships to comply with before arriving in their waters, Bellona notes.
Mr Korslund sums up, “In short, the new standard will enable safe and effective proactive cleaning practices that facilitate the means to increase fuel efficiency while decreasing pollutants and biosecurity risk.”
The Clean Hull Initiative has moved forward since it was launched. Bellona explains that the new work item proposal for an ISO standard was approved in January, and a clear majority of the voting countries are in favour of developing a standard on proactive hull cleaning.
Furthermore, Bellona adds, “We held a kick-off meeting recently, which gathered almost 40 key stakeholders from various industries and research communities to discuss hull cleaning matters and to initiate the work on the approved work item.”
In addition, the Clean Hull Initiative continues its efforts to increase awareness of proactive hull cleaning through participation in relevant arenas such as the HullPIC/PortPIC conferences, and “we have followed IMO’s work on the revised guidelines for biofouling management closely, providing feedback and suggestions for improvements”, Bellona informs.
The ISO standard will be technology neutral, and open up for any proactive cleaning technology that can safely clean microfouling at an early stage. On the back of the issue of proactive hull cleaning, Jotun has developed Jotun Hull Skating Solutions to help ship operators to combat early stages of fouling and significantly reduce fuel costs, CO2 emissions and the spread of invasive species.
Mr Korslund explains, “The solution is comprised of several key components, including SeaQuantum Skate, a high-performance coating developed specifically to optimise performance in combination with the HullSkater technology. Proactive condition monitoring of the vessel, meanwhile, enables the operator to predict when inspections and proactive cleaning are needed.”
The HullSkater is the first robotic technology purposely designed for proactive cleaning and inspection. It is installed during docking and remotely operated by a Jotun Skate Operator, for 24/7 support. It is kept on board in a portable station with a launch and recovery ramp, is always available and can be used when the ship is in harbour or at anchor.
The high-end technical service includes a dedicated project manager in dock who follows paint application, HullSkater installation, operation by a Skate Operator and service support. The solution is delivered with extended performance and service level guarantees fitting the most challenging operations.
Highlighting what container operators should do to combat biofouling, Mr Korslund warns, “Although new antifouling technology will bring benefits as it is developed and rolled out, chemistry is not the only answer, and ships, including container vessels, will need to change their operational profiles.”
Adopting sustainable business practices and performance monitoring in accordance with recognised standards will help operators meet the increasing performance demands and regulatory requirements, and cut operating costs, he said.
The availability of more data concerning biofouling risks and the effectiveness of coatings may lead, Mr Korslund says, to a methodology whereby coating choice can be built into the calculations for existing and newbuildings, both for meeting regulatory and commercial needs.
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