11 Ways to Clean Ship Hulls Fast and Cheap

We explore the top 11 ways to clean a ship’s hull, ranging from traditional techniques to cutting-edge technologies that save time and reduce expenses. These methods include local diving teams at economical ports, advanced robotic cleaners, and eco-friendly biological agents, each offering unique advantages tailored to different needs and operational scales.

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1. Local Diving Teams at Budget-Friendly Ports

Description: Certain ports around the world, especially in regions with lower labor costs, offer services of local diving teams who specialize in underwater hull cleaning. These teams use manual tools and small machinery to scrape and remove marine growth from the hull.

Estimated Time: The time required depends on the size of the vessel and the extent of fouling but generally ranges from 6 to 24 hours.

Estimated Costs: Costs vary widely by location but tend to be significantly cheaper in countries with lower labor costs. For example, ports in Southeast Asia or parts of Central America might charge between $1,000 to $5,000 for a full cleaning service, which is often half the cost compared to more developed countries.

2. Hiring or Buying an Underwater Cleaning Robot

Description: Underwater cleaning robots offer a technologically advanced solution. These robots attach to the hull and use rotary brushes or jets to remove fouling. They are highly efficient and can be operated remotely, reducing the need for diver intervention and increasing safety.

Estimated Time: Robots can clean at a rate of approximately 1,500 square feet per hour, meaning an average-sized commercial ship could be cleaned in about 10 to 20 hours, depending on fouling severity.

Estimated Costs: The upfront cost of purchasing a cleaning robot can be high, typically ranging from $50,000 to $200,000. However, the long-term savings and the ability to reuse the robot make this a cost-effective option over time. Alternatively, hiring a robot or a service that uses such technology can range from $2,000 to $10,000 per use, depending on the location and fouling condition.

3. Utilizing Specialized Services at Strategic Ports

Description: Opting for specialized cleaning services at major ports can also be cost-effective. These ports often have the latest technology and trained divers who can perform the cleaning quickly. This option is particularly useful for ships that operate on fixed routes and can schedule regular cleanings at these ports.

Estimated Time: Professional teams using advanced equipment can usually complete the cleaning process in 8 to 15 hours, depending on the ship’s size and the type of equipment used.

Estimated Costs: While more expensive than local teams in low-cost regions, these services offer value through faster turnaround times and potentially lower dry-docking needs. Prices can range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the port and services provided.

4. In-House Scuba Diving Crew with Handheld Cleaning Devices

Description: Utilizing a ship’s own crew members who are trained scuba divers equipped with handheld, battery-operated cleaning devices offers a highly personalized and immediate solution to hull maintenance. This approach leverages the skills of the crew and the availability of portable cleaning technology, allowing for regular maintenance and quick response to fouling without the need for external services. It also ensures that crew members are familiar with the specific needs and vulnerabilities of their vessel.

Estimated Time: The time required can vary based on the size of the ship and the extent of fouling but generally ranges from a few hours for light cleaning to a full day for more extensive maintenance.

Estimated Costs: The primary investment is in the training of crew members and the acquisition of portable cleaning equipment. Training costs can vary, but comprehensive scuba certification and specialized training in underwater hull cleaning can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 per crew member. The cost of handheld, battery-operated cleaning devices typically ranges from $500 to $3,000 each, depending on their capabilities. Once this initial investment is made, the actual cost of cleaning is relatively low, primarily involving maintenance of the equipment and occasional replacement of parts.

5. Dry Docking Alternatives: In-Water Surveys and Light Cleaning

Description: This method involves the use of floating dry docks or lift boats that can raise a ship partially out of the water, allowing access to the hull without the full cost of dry docking. In-water surveys can identify areas that need more intensive cleaning, which can be done selectively to save time and resources.

Estimated Time: The partial lifting and cleaning process typically takes about 12 to 36 hours, depending on the ship’s size and the specific areas needing attention.

Estimated Costs: The costs are generally lower than full dry docking, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000. This option is particularly cost-effective for ships that do not require extensive hull cleaning or repairs.

6. Eco-Friendly Chemical Cleaners and Gels

Description: Recent advancements have introduced eco-friendly chemical solutions that can be applied to the hull underwater. These solutions break down biofouling without harming marine life. The application involves divers or robots that coat the hull with these chemicals, which are then left to act before being washed off, taking the fouling with them.

Estimated Time: Application and reaction time can vary but typically total around 8 to 24 hours, depending on the chemical’s formulation and the extent of fouling.

Estimated Costs: While the chemicals themselves can be expensive, the overall cost is often offset by the reduced need for physical cleaning and the less frequent cleanings required due to the long-lasting effects. Costs can range from $3,000 to $8,000, including the service of applying the chemicals.

7. Cooperative Cleaning Programs at Maritime Cooperatives

Description: Some maritime cooperatives offer shared resources among members, including access to cleaning services at discounted rates. These programs often have pre-negotiated rates with service providers at various ports and can include the use of advanced cleaning technologies such as robots or specialized dive teams.

Estimated Time: Depending on the technology used and the extent of cooperation, cleaning times can be as efficient as those of private services, typically ranging from 10 to 20 hours.

Estimated Costs: Membership in such cooperatives might come with an annual fee, but the per-use cost of hull cleaning is typically reduced, ranging from $2,000 to $7,000. This model also offers flexibility, as ships can access services at various ports along their routes at consistent rates.

8. Scheduled Maintenance via Fleet Service Agreements

Description: Fleet service agreements involve long-term contracts with professional hull cleaning companies that provide scheduled cleanings at predetermined intervals and ports. This approach ensures consistent maintenance, which can significantly extend the ship’s operational efficiency and reduce emergency cleaning needs. Services under these agreements often utilize the latest cleaning technologies, including eco-friendly methods.

Estimated Time: The timing and duration of cleanings are typically predetermined and optimized based on the fleet’s operational schedules. Cleanings can usually be completed within 8 to 16 hours, depending on the vessel size and the extent of fouling.

Estimated Costs: These agreements are tailored to the size of the fleet and the frequency of cleanings, leading to bulk pricing that can offer substantial savings. Costs might range from $3,500 to $9,000 per cleaning session per ship, but this can be offset by the reduced operational costs and better fuel efficiency due to maintained hull cleanliness.

9. Automated In-Water Cleaning Systems

Description: This method uses fully automated systems that can be installed in a port or marina, where ships can dock and undergo cleaning without special arrangements for each session. These systems use advanced sensors and robotic mechanisms to detect fouling and apply precise cleaning procedures, minimizing human labor and maximizing consistency.

Estimated Time: One of the key benefits of automated systems is their efficiency; a full cleaning cycle can be completed in as little as 6 to 12 hours. The system’s availability on a dockside also reduces the ship’s downtime, as cleanings can be scheduled during regular loading and unloading operations.

Estimated Costs: The initial setup cost for an automated cleaning system can be high, often exceeding $100,000. However, the per-use cost is relatively low, typically around $2,000 to $5,000, since the system is reusable and requires minimal additional resources once installed. Over time, the investment can pay off, especially for busy ports and fleets that require frequent cleanings.

10. Portable Underwater Cleaning Units

Description: Portable underwater cleaning units are compact, mobile systems that can be transported to and operated at any port, offering flexibility for ships that operate under unpredictable schedules or in remote areas. These units typically include handheld tools and small, portable machines that divers use to manually clean the hull. This approach is ideal for targeted cleanings and can handle specific problem areas more efficiently than larger, fixed systems.

Estimated Time: Depending on the area being cleaned and the level of fouling, the process can take anywhere from a few hours for spot cleaning to a full day for more comprehensive needs.

Estimated Costs: The cost of using portable underwater cleaning units is generally lower due to the reduced need for permanent infrastructure and the ability to avoid the higher fees charged at major ports. Prices for a cleaning session can range from $1,500 to $4,000, making this a cost-effective option for smaller operations or less frequent cleanings.

11. Biological Cleaning Agents

Description: This cutting-edge approach involves the use of specially cultivated marine organisms, such as certain types of bacteria or enzymes, that naturally consume biofouling organisms without damaging the ship’s hull or harming the marine environment. These biological agents are applied to the hull in a controlled manner, where they digest the organic material, leaving the surface clean and significantly reducing the need for mechanical cleaning.

Estimated Time: The application process itself is quick, but the agents need time to work effectively. The cleaning process can take from several days to a week, depending on the extent of fouling and environmental conditions.

Estimated Costs: While the research and development costs for bio-cleaning agents can be high, the actual application cost is competitive, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 per treatment. This method is particularly cost-effective over the long term, as it reduces the frequency of cleanings needed and is environmentally friendly.

Companies and Research Initiatives

While specific companies offering these services on a commercial scale are still few, various research groups and startups are exploring the application of biotechnology to marine maintenance. Here are a few examples of entities involved in similar technologies or research:

1. Marine Biofouling and Biocides: An article providing an overview of current biofouling issues and treatment methods, including biological options. Link to Marine Biofouling and Biocides article
2. Pharem Biotechnology: Learn more about the innovative environmental solutions offered by Pharem Biotechnology, which includes enzyme-based treatments for various applications. Pharem Biotechnology Homepage
3. International Maritime Organization (IMO) – Biofouling: This page offers details on the guidelines and regulations concerning the management of biofouling. IMO Biofouling Management
4. Research on Enzyme-based Cleaning Solutions: An academic paper discussing the potential and effectiveness of enzyme-based cleaning solutions in various industrial applications. Research on Enzyme-based Cleaning Solutions
5. Sustainable Shipping Initiatives: A report by a leading environmental organization on sustainable practices in shipping, including the use of biotechnology for hull cleaning. Sustainable Shipping Practices Report