Gothenburg is the latest port to be added to the growing GAC EnvironHull network of bases offering HullWiper, its eco-friendly, brush-and-diver-free hull cleaning service. The port on Sweden’s west coast is the first in Europe to host the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), GAC said in a news release.
This comes after GAC EnvironHull Ltd. launched HullWiper in Dubai in November 2013. It started offering the service at Fujairah, UAE, last month. Now, another HullWiper unit is available at Gothenburg, operated through Frog Marine Services AB, a local underwater services provider in partnership with GAC EnvironHull.
Managing Director Simon Doran says: "We have maintained a steady competitive position in the Middle East since last year’s launch of our hull cleaning technology. Now, it’s time for us to broaden our horizons, to approach and better serve international clients seeking a cost-effective and "green" solution.
"Europe, and especially Scandinavia, is home to many major international and domestic ship owners, managers and operators who need effective and efficient vessel maintenance, cleaning and repairs. By bringing the HullWiper service to Gothenburg, we are meeting that need and offering them a greater choice."
The HullWiper ROV is an unmanned hull cleaning unit which uses adjustable pressure sea water jets as the cleaning medium rather than brushes or abrasives, resulting in minimal damage to the antifouling surface. Residues and harmful marine growths captured during cleaning are disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner instead of being discharged into the sea as done using traditional methods.
Doran adds: "Because HullWiper ROV’s operation requires no divers, cleaning may be performed round-the-clock, whilst vessels calling at the port are at berth to load or discharge cargo. There is also no issue working during the hour of darkness or at the very low temperatures that the long Scandinavian winter can bring."
The GAC Group is a provider of integrated shipping, logistics, marine and related services throughout the world with 10,000 professionals working around the clock at more than 300 offices in over 40 countries. GAC’s globalisation strategy is to use steady and consistent geographical expansion, achieved through organic / opportunistic growth, joint ventures, partnerships and acquisitions.
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