Underwater Hull Cleaning for Blue Wave Shipping

Underwater Hull Cleaning for Blue Wave Shipping

Blue Wave Shipping, a leading maritime company in the GCC region, operates a fleet of cargo vessels that navigate the busy trade routes of the Arabian Gulf. One of their primary vessels, the MV Al Noor, began experiencing increased fuel consumption and reduced speed efficiency. Routine performance checks indicated that the vessel's hull was heavily fouled with marine growth, including algae, barnacles, and other microorganisms, which was impacting its hydrodynamic efficiency.

Challenge

The accumulation of biofouling on the hull not only increased drag but also led to higher fuel costs and delayed shipping schedules. Dry-docking the vessel for cleaning was not feasible due to tight operational timelines and the significant costs associated with it. Blue Wave Shipping needed an immediate, cost-effective solution to clean the hull without interrupting their service schedule.

Solution

El Salam Ships & Boats Repairing Company was engaged to provide an underwater hull cleaning service. Leveraging our advanced underwater cleaning technology and experienced dive teams, we proposed an in-water cleaning operation at the Port of Dubai, eliminating the need for dry-docking.

Implementation

Our team mobilized quickly to perform the underwater hull cleaning:

• Preparation: Obtained all necessary permits and ensured compliance with environmental regulations to prevent the spread of invasive species during the cleaning process.
• Execution: A team of certified divers used specialized underwater cleaning equipment equipped with brushes and suction devices to remove biofouling efficiently.
• Safety Measures: Implemented strict safety protocols to protect both the divers and the marine environment.
• Quality Assurance: Conducted a thorough post-cleaning inspection using underwater cameras to ensure the hull was completely free of marine growth.

Outcome

The underwater hull cleaning was completed within a five-day window, aligning perfectly with the vessel's operational schedule. Post-cleaning sea trials showed:

• Improved Fuel Efficiency: Fuel consumption was reduced by approximately 15%, leading to significant cost savings.
• Enhanced Speed: The vessel regained its optimal speed, ensuring timely deliveries.
• Environmental Compliance: The cleaning process was conducted responsibly, with all waste materials properly managed.

Benefits to the Client

• Cost Savings: Avoided the high costs of dry-docking and reduced ongoing fuel expenses.
• Time Efficiency: Minimal disruption to the vessel's schedule, maintaining client commitments.
• Sustainability: Environmentally friendly cleaning methods supported Blue Wave Shipping's commitment to sustainable operations.

Client Testimonial

"El Salam's expertise in underwater hull cleaning provided us with a swift and efficient solution to our problem. Their professional approach minimized our downtime and maximized our vessel's performance. We highly recommend their services."
— Mohammed Al Saeed, Fleet Manager, Blue Wave Shipping

Conclusion

El Salam successfully delivered a high-quality underwater hull cleaning service that met Blue Wave Shipping's urgent needs. This project reinforced our reputation as a reliable and efficient marine service provider in Dubai and the broader GCC region.