Shiprepair & Maintenance: September 2020
Jotun has signed its first commercial contract for the installation of its robotic antifouling technology, Hull Skating Solutions (HSS), with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). The earliest installation will take place later this year, when MSC plans to install Jotun’s HSS on its 14,000TEU container ship, MSC Eva, at the GWD Guangzhou Shipyard in China.
According to Jotun, HSS is the world’s first robotic technology designed for proactive cleaning and works in conjunction with the company’s specially designed antifouling coating SeaQuantum Skate, avoiding damage to the vessel hull and its paint during inspection and cleaning procedures.
HSS, which was launched in March, also combines antifouling and robotic proactive cleaning technology with condition monitoring, technical service, performance and service level guarantees. Jotun’s own operators will conduct HSS cleaning and inspections through a 4G connection.
Alberto Genovesi, marine global key accounts manager for performance coatings at Jotun, says: “We have worked with [MSC] as a partner to provide premium antifouling coatings to their advanced fleet over many years and knew that HSS would chime with their ambitions to deliver both improved environmental performance and enhanced efficiency and cost control for business stakeholders. HSS is a clear win-win in that respect.”
While receiving its HSS installation at the GWD Guangzhou Shipyard, MSC Eva will also undergo class renewal and scrubber installation. This is due to the severe biofouling challenges the ship faces as a result of its flexible sailing pattern and consequent exposure to varying water temperatures and environments.
“Clean hulls are only one piece of the jigsaw when it comes to delivering a more sustainable shipping industry, but a central piece, nonetheless. MSC is committed to exploring and trialling new scalable solutions to minimise overall environmental impact, for both our business and the shipping industry as a whole,” explains head of newbuildings at MSC, Giuseppe Garguilo.
Garguilo adds that the company is acutely aware of the industry’s need to adopt innovative solutions to meet ambitious environmental goals, and is confident in Jotun’s solution: “We believe HSS will help solve the problem of biofouling, equating to strong benefits for the natural world – through reduced emissions and decreased spread of invasive species – and better results for our business, customers and society.”
