HullWiper triumphs at IBJ Awards

HullWiper recognised for ground-breaking features

Rotterdam, The Netherlands – Just one year after its launch, HullWiper’s revolutionary underwater hull cleaning system has earned the company the Innovative Technology accolade at the prestigious International Bulk Journal (IBJ) Awards 2014.

Run by the International Bulk Journal, the Awards salute achievements in the maritime bulk industry. The Innovative Technology Award – sponsored by Caravel is presented to an organisation which can demonstrate how recently introduced equipment is reaping benefits for the bulk business.

HullWiper’s clean, green, cost-saving machine does just that by delivering the benefits of foul-free hull in a fraction of the time required for traditional methods using divers with brushes. The remotely operated vehicle requires uses adjustable pressure sea water jets to remove fouling and collects debris for environmentally-sound disposal instead of discharging it into the sea. And because no divers are involved, cleaning can be done alongside during loading or discharging operations. HullWiper was launched in Dubai in November 2013 and is now available in the UAE ports of Fujairah and Sharjah, Gothenburg in Sweden and Sohar, Oman.

HullWiper Managing Director Simon Doran says: “There could be no better way to celebrate the first anniversary of HullWiper operations than this award. It confirms that our efforts to enhance and modernise shipping services meet a very real need, and spurs us on to continue pioneering innovations that help our clients maximise efficiency and returns.”

The Award was presented to Mark Van Den Akker, representing HullWiper, at a gala ceremony held at Rotterdam’s Beurs-World Trade Center this month.