Proving the benefits of a clean hull

For Ro-Ro specialist Wallenius Wilhelmsen, sustainability is at the very heart of their ethos. An innovative organisation in their own right – they were developing and displaying their renowned emission-free concept vessel Orcelle as far back as 2005 – Wallenius Wilhelmsen recognises that collaboration and taking a proactive approach are essential elements in achieving their ambitious goals.  

Kim Helge Brynjulfsen, Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s Senior Manager Biofouling, Cargo and Stability, explains that the organisation first encountered the HSS system in 2017 and has since collaborated with Jotun and Kongsberg Maritime to test and fully apply HSS on ships in service.  

“HSS was seen as a groundbreaking solution in the maritime industry. It promised to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by keeping hulls free of biofouling, which can significantly impact a ship’s performance. The combination of advanced robotics and the specially designed, eco-friendly coating was particularly impressive, as it addressed both operational efficiency and environmental concerns.” 

HSS addresses shipping industry’s key challenges

In common with most shipping companies Wallenius Wilhelmsen faces several challenges in maintaining the efficiency and environmental compliance of the fleet including maintaining cleanliness between drydockings, optimizing performance to reduce fuel consumption, and complying with numerous global regulations.  

Brynjulfsen says the HullSkater robotic inspection and cleaning device allows for continuous cleaning while ships are in operation preventing biofouling from accumulating in the first place and by keeping the hull clean, HSS reduces drag, leading to significant fuel savings and lower GHG emissions.  

“The solution also helps shipping companies meet environmental regulations by reducing emissions and minimizing the spread of invasive species through biofouling.“ 

He also makes the point that since the HSS can operate while the ship is at sea, it eliminates the need for dry-docking for hull cleaning, thus reducing maintenance-related downtime. Another plus is that HSS continuous cleaning could potentially decrease the need for biocidal antifouling coatings, thereby lowering the discharge of chemicals into the ocean. 

“Overall, HSS supports Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s ESG strategy by enhancing environmental performance, demonstrating social responsibility, and ensuring robust governance practices. This holistic approach not only helps Wallenius Wilhelmsen achieve their ESG targets but also positions the company as a leader in sustainable shipping.” 

Exemplifying the importance of strategic partnerships

“The cooperation between Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Jotun, and Kongsberg exemplifies how strategic partnerships can drive technological advancements and create solutions that benefit the entire maritime industry,” says Brynjulfsen. 

In this case, the collaboration accelerated the development of the HullSkater, bringing the technology to market more quickly than if any single company had worked on it alone. The combined expertise of the partners resulted in a highly effective solution that addresses both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. 

“The successful partnership positioned all three companies as leaders in maritime innovation, setting a benchmark for future collaborations in the industry,” adds Brynjulfsen.

Describing Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s role in the testing and commercial deployment of HSS, Kim Helge Brynjulfsen explained that the initial trials were carried out on the Ro-Ro vessel Talisman in 2018. This involved three large strips of different hard coatings applied on the port side of the vessel from above water line to the keel and a container housing the HullSkater. The vessel was employed globally on Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s various lines. This testing was followed by a full-scale trial onboard Tysla, another Wallenius Wilhelmsen vessel. 

At her 2021 drydocking, Tysla was given a coating of SeaQuantum Skate - the coating specially developed by Jotun for use with HSS - on the vertical side and a hard coat on the flat bottom.  Since then, the HSS has been deployed on Tysla’s sister vessels which have SeaQuantum X200-3 applications and some 18 vessels in the Wallenius Wilhelmsen fleet are using HSS.

Keeping costs down and performance up

Commenting on the outcomes of the trials, Kim Helge Brynjulfsen mentions that as with any new idea there have been teething troubles, but these can be overcome. “While traditional antifouling coatings provide a passive defence against biofouling, the HSS offers an active, ongoing solution. This combination can work together synergistically to provide comprehensive hull protection and maintenance.” He believes the “HSS works best for vessels without short drydocking intervals and says it remains the most promising system currently, as no other systems offer improved hull cleanliness.”

While specific figures can vary based on the ship type, route, and operational conditions maintaining the clean hull will of course have a benefit in the long run. “Initially, we anticipated a 0.5 speed loss with HSS compared to ordinary antifouling. However, since late 2017, Wallenius Wilhelmsen has shifted their docking and maintenance approach, moving away from traditional KPIs to focus on cost-saving opportunities during docking. This change, along with other efforts, has greatly reduced the expected speed loss, positioning our fleet as a leader in performance with antifouling and vessel cleanliness.”

A strategic investment

Asked if Wallenius Wilhelmsen experienced any resistance from port authorities around hull cleaning in port, Brynjulfsen points out that while many ports do not allow underwater hull cleaning, the numbers are reducing.

 “A problem is that many authorities look only at reactive hull cleaning with capture, which is not optimal if you look at the future of clean hull, we cannot limit it to just one technique of hull cleaning, as long we can prove the vessel is clean or cleaned on a regular basis”, says Brynjulfsen.

“Proactivity is crucial for minimizing our footprint and saving the environment. We should embrace testing and lead change to create a better future for everyone”, says Brynjulfsen who goes on to list some of the benefits he believes adopting HSS will bring.

“By continuously maintaining a clean hull, HSS ensures that Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s fleet operates at peak efficiency, leading to ongoing fuel savings, reduced operational costs and achieving Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s ambitious ESG targets. Regular hull cleaning can help prevent long-term damage caused by biofouling, potentially extending the lifespan of the vessels and reducing the need for costly repairs.”

By adopting cutting-edge technologies like HSS, Wallenius Wilhelmsen can differentiate itself from competitors, positioning themselves as a leader in maritime innovation and sustainability and at the same time demonstrating to their customers a commitment to environmental stewardship and operational excellence.

Adaptability and scalability are other key elements. The flexibility of HSS to operate in various marine environments ensures that Wallenius Wilhelmsen can maintain efficiency regardless of changing conditions or new routes, and as the fleet grows or evolves, HSS can be scaled and adapted to meet the needs of different vessel types and sizes, ensuring consistent performance across the board.

“We are delighted that HSS is supporting Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s goals of operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. An ethos that mirrors Jotun’s own clean shipping commitment of cutting carbon emissions, protecting diversity and preserving fuel,” says Helle Vitnes Ertsås, Global Category Manager Hull Performance, Jotun Performance Coatings.

“In summary, HSS is not just a short-term solution but a strategic investment that will support Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s long-term goals of operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and industry leadership. By integrating such innovative technologies, Wallenius Wilhelmsen is well-positioned to navigate the future challenges of the maritime industry,” Kim Helge Brynjulfsen concludes.