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NJORD EXPLORES HULL MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES OF THE FUTURE
The conversation centred around hull management strategies, highlighting the increasing role of the technologies in driving fuel efficiency and lowering emissions.
Experts explored five essential approaches to hull management that are transforming the maritime industry. From advanced biocide-free marine coatings and ultrasonic anti-fouling systems to ROV-based hull grooming technologies, the panel highlighted how these solutions can significantly reduce fuel consumption and improve vessel efficiency.
Philippos Sfiris, Head of Market Strategy & Vessel Performance at GIT Coatings, discussed advanced marine coatings, emphasising the fuel-saving benefits of biocide-free, graphene-based coatings combined with regular hull grooming.
Darren Rowlands, CEO at SoniHull, explored ultrasonic anti-fouling systems that prevent biofouling during idle periods without the need for divers or manual cleaning.
Inder Mukhopadhyay, CEO at Alicia Bots, introduced portable, magnetic ROVs designed for proactive hull grooming, reducing fouling buildup before it hardens.
Ulf Hansen, Founder of Hansen Development, spoke on biocidal and non-biocidal anti-fouling coatings, discussing the industry’s shift towards more sustainable alternatives.
Jonas Rasmussen, Client Director at Njord, emphasised the importance of strategic planning and data sharing in creating unified biofouling management plans to enhance vessel performance and ensure compliance with evolving regulations.
Embark with us on the path to a more sustainable maritime future!
During the event, the panel explored five critical approaches to hull management, each contributing to optimising vessel performance, reducing fuel consumption, and minimising environmental impact. These methods highlight the importance of combining different technologies and strategies to address the diverse operational challenges faced by shipowners.
1. Advanced Marine Coatings
Presented by, Philippos Sfiris
Head of Market Strategy & Vessel Performance at GIT Coatings
Advanced marine coatings are essential for reducing hull friction and preventing biofouling. GIT Coatings, for example, offers biocide-free, graphene-based coatings that combine the smoothness of silicone coatings with the mechanical durability of hard coatings. The technology not only reduces fuel consumption by maintaining a low-friction surface but also requires less frequent maintenance. However, these coatings benefit from regular hull grooming, a proactive approach to prevent biofouling buildup.
Key Takeaways:
-Low-friction surfaces result in immediate power and fuel savings.
-Coatings need to be part of a broader hull management plan that includes routine inspections and cleaning.
-The environmentally friendly aspect of biocide-free coatings is particularly important for sustainability.
2. Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling Systems
Presented by, Darren Rowlands, CEO at Sonihull
Ultrasonic systems prevent biofouling by emitting ultrasonic waves through transducers placed on the hull, creating an environment that deters marine growth. SoniHull’s solution has been used extensively on niche areas such as propellers and cooling systems and is increasingly being applied to full hulls.
The system is particularly effective during periods when the vessel is stationary, preventing fouling without the need for divers or manual cleaning.
Key Takeaways:
-Ultrasonic systems offer a non-invasive, maintenance-free solution.
-The technology is ideal for stationary vessels, as it helps prevent the buildup of biofouling in idle conditions.
-Scaling up for full hull coverage requires careful planning and installation in dry dock, but the long-term benefits make it a viable option for many operators.
3. Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for Hull Grooming
Inder Mukhopadhyay, CEO at Alicia Bots
ROVs are increasingly being used for proactive hull grooming to keep the hull clean between major dry dockings. Unlike traditional cleaning, which is reactive, hull grooming involves the regular removal of slime and soft fouling before it hardens. Alicia Bots has developed portable, magnetic ROVs that can clean a hull without the need for divers, making the process more efficient and less labour-intensive. These robotic solutions are designed to be user-friendly and easy to integrate into a ship’s routine maintenance schedule.
Key Takeaways:
-Proactive grooming prevents hard fouling and reduces fuel consumption by keeping the hull clean at all times.
-The portability and ease of use of ROVs make them an attractive option for shipowners looking for an automated cleaning solution.
-As ROV technology evolves, fully autonomous systems are expected to become standard, improving efficiency further.
4. Biocidal and Non-Biocidal Anti-Fouling Coatings
Presented by Ulf Hansen, Hansen Development
Biocidal coatings remain a common solution for preventing biofouling by releasing chemicals that deter marine organisms from attaching to the hull. However, concerns over environmental impact have driven the development of non-biocidal alternatives. Ulf discussed how modern anti-fouling coatings balance the need for reducing fuel consumption and emissions with the challenge of limiting harmful substances entering the water. While biocidal coatings still play a role in hull management, there is a shift toward low-biocide or biocide-free solutions that are more sustainable.
Key Takeaways:
-Biocidal coatings are effective but face increasing regulatory scrutiny due to their environmental impact.
-Non-biocidal alternatives, such as silicone-based or foul-release coatings, are gaining traction as a more sustainable choice.
-The future of hull coatings lies in the reduction of biocides, combined with alternative technologies like grooming and ultrasonic systems to manage biofouling.
5. The Role of Data and Strategy in Hull Management
Presented by Jonas Rasmussen, Client Director at Njord
Jonas emphasised the critical need for strategic planning and data sharing in hull management. According to Jonas, one of the biggest challenges shipowners face is the lack of a unified strategy for hull maintenance. Too often, maintenance is approached on a vessel-by-vessel basis, without a comprehensive biofouling management plan for the fleet. Jonas stressed the importance of developing such a plan to maintain hull performance over time and optimise fuel savings.
Key Takeaways:
-Data sharing across the industry is limited, with many stakeholders holding fragmented information on vessel performance and coating effectiveness. A unified approach would enable better decision-making and improved outcomes.
-Having a well-defined biofouling management plan that encompasses inspection, cleaning, and maintenance strategies is key to staying ahead of regulatory requirements and improving long-term performance.
-Open communication and collaboration between shipowners, charterers, and service providers are essential to determining the best combination of hull management technologies for a particular vessel and trade route.
By combining cutting-edge technologies, shipowners can achieve more sustainable operations while staying ahead of regulatory requirements.
Each method addressed a unique aspect of hull maintenance, underscoring the need for a proactive and comprehensive approach to prevent biofouling and ensure long-term performance.
Additionally, the panel emphasised the importance of data-driven strategies and collaboration within the industry. Jonas Rasmussen from Njord underscored the critical need for unified biofouling management plans, rather than relying on a vessel-by-vessel approach. Better data sharing, strategic planning, and open communication between shipowners and technology providers will be key to optimising hull performance in the years to come.
As the panel concluded, it’s clear that the future of hull management lies in a combination of innovative technologies and a holistic, data-backed approach.
