Leading global coatings manufacturer Hempel has announced an underwater Hull Inspection service using Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs), to provide complete hull coating inspections while a vessel is at port or anchorage. The service is now available in selected ports in China and Korea and Hempel plans to extended availability to key maritime hubs worldwide in the near future. 

“Under Hempel’s Hull Inspection Service, inspections are conducted by an expert Coatings Advisor operating an ROV which is navigated around the vessel’s hull using remote-controlled thrusters. The ROV captures high-resolution video footage and still images of the hull for assessment in real-time,” Hempel explained. 

“The ability to utilise remote hull inspections through the deployment of highly sophisticated and purpose-built ROV’s is a significant step-change in the ability to create advanced hull maintenance plans,” said Klaus Moeller, Group VP, Head of Services at Hempel. “The inspection is conducted by highly trained ROV experts who combine their unique expertise with information on the vessel’s trading activity to compile the final report which includes recommendations to optimise hull performance. This provides operators with tangible, accurate and consistent evidence upon which to base their operational decisions, while also providing proof of hull condition for relevant industry authorities.”

Using an ROV instead of divers means there is no need to shut down vessel systems for an inspection. The whole inspection process is much simpler, allowing more frequent and less costly hull inspections. Hempel says a hull inspection can be completed in two hours or less, even alongside cargo loading or discharge.

“All prudent owners and operators are moving toward evidence-based performance monitoring across all their systems and assets and are utilising a growing range of tools and applications that enable them to understand all of the influencing factors which have the potential to impact vessel performance,” said Christian Ottosen, Group VP, Head of Marine Business, Hempel. 

“Hull fouling is a significant contributor to speed loss and at its worst, has the potential to increase engine power requirements by close to 20 per cent over five years. Being able to routinely and consistently monitor hull condition between routine dry-dockings with ROVs enables shipowners and operators to implement an appropriate maintenance schedule which optimises vessel performance,” Ottosen concluded.