Seatrade Clean Shipping Award goes to GAC EnvironHull

Accolade recognises benefits of brush and diver-free underwater hull cleaning technology

Dubai, 17 May, 2016 –  GAC EnvironHull’s innovative HullWiper hull cleaning technology has won the Clean Shipping title in this year’s Seatrade Awards presented this week in London. It is the fourth major industry award the diver-free remote-controlled system has won since it was launched at the end of 2013.

The Clean Shipping Award is presented to new or improved technology which makes a significant contribution to reducing the negative environmental impact of shipping. By presenting the title to GAC EnvironHull, the panel of judges recognise its ability to deliver a foul-free hull quickly, conveniently, economically and without risk to human life or the delicate marine environment.

Since its launch in Dubai two and a half years ago, HullWiper has been approved for use at ports in the Middle East, Europe and Asia, and more than 400 hull cleaning operations have been conducted using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to date. Not only does HullWiper effectively clean vessels’ hulls of fouling with water jets rather than brushes or other abrasives, it also collects debris from the operation for ecological disposal on land, thus reducing the risk of cross-pollination of waters with alien species.  

The Clean Shipping Award was presented to Simon Doran, Managing Director of GAC EnvironHull. He says: “Even in a depressed market place where oil prices have taken the pressure off of vessel efficiency and operating costs to some degree, there will always be room for greater safety and the protection of the environment. This Award win is a valued endorsement from the industry that the HullWiper revolutionary hull cleaning system meets the stringent and vital marine environmental protection standards.”