Save 20% in fuel costs per year while maintaining hull condition close to the standard achieved immediately post dry-dock.

In a global operating environment where fuel prices and supply chains are increasingly influenced by geopolitical instability, maritime operators are under sustained pressure to maximise vessel efficiency while meeting strict environmental and regulatory requirements. Hull condition plays a critical role in this equation, and regular, low‑impact cleaning has emerged as one of the most effective tools available to operators seeking to control costs, reduce emissions, and maintain operational readiness.

 

Greensea IQ’s EverClean remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is proving to be a game‑changer in this space. Through BlueZone Group’s (BZG) close partnership with Greensea IQ, EverClean is now being deployed with confidence in complex regulatory and operational environments, delivering measurable efficiency gains while extending the life of antifouling coatings.

 

From Reactive Cleaning to Efficiency‑Driven Maintenance

Biofouling can develop rapidly, even on vessels coated with modern silicon‑based antifouling systems. During recent operations, one vessel inspected had been cleaned as recently as December yet still displayed early signs of fouling; highlighting the importance of regular, proactive hull cleaning rather than reactive, periodic interventions.

 

EverClean is specifically designed to address fouling up to and including FR20, enabling operators to stay below the threshold where capture cleaning is mandated under Australian regulations. Above FR20, capture cleaning is required, where debris must be collected and filtered; an approach that is significantly more expensive, energy intensive, and operationally complex. By maintaining hull condition through frequent low‑impact cleaning, EverClean allows operators to avoid capture cleaning entirely, delivering substantial cost and energy savings.

 

Understanding the Balance: Robotics and Dry Docking

Modern hull maintenance is not about replacing dry docking, but about using robotics to minimise its frequency and impact. Experience gained throughout training and operational use reinforced a pragmatic approach: up to 80% of the underwater hull can be maintained robotically, with the remaining 20% addressed during dry dock, typically in harder‑to‑reach areas such as complex appendages or bulbous bows.

 

During the recent cleaning, EverClean successfully cleaned approximately 75% of the vessel’s underwater surface, with the remaining 25% comprising geometrically challenging features. Importantly, visible results were observed during cleaning operations, reinforcing operator confidence in the system’s efficacy.

 

Intelligence‑Led Cleaning

Not all parts of a vessel foul at the same rate. Marine growth is highly dependent on sunlight exposure, meaning different sections of the hull require different cleaning frequencies. The first two metres of the vessel’s sides—those most exposed to sunlight; typically require weekly attention, while the bottom of the hull may only need cleaning every second month.

 

EverClean’s integrated sonar and Greensea IQ software suite, already proven across multiple platforms including the Bayonet Autonomous Underwater Ground Vehicle (AUGV), allows operators to work methodically around complex hull features and hazards. These include retractable stabilisers, pockets, and overboard discharges used for engine cooling, where water flow can either push the robot away or draw it in. Sonar‑assisted operation proved critical in safely navigating these areas.

 

Training, Collaboration, and Capability Growth

BZG, in collaboration with Greensea IQ, delivered in‑country EverClean training, working with an engaged and technically capable audience. The training program combined classroom instruction with hands‑on operation, resulting in a strong understanding of how to break a ship into manageable sections and clean methodically to achieve a true, consistent outcome.

 

“The training week demonstrated EverClean’s ability to efficiently clean fouling up to and including FR20, and their system is low impact with a light training burden,” said Josh Cox, Technical Sales Manager at BlueZone Group. “In the current geopolitical climate, where changes in oil price are outside the control of the state, being able to maximise full efficiency is pivotal to maintaining an effective maritime industry.”

 

BZG personnel were actively involved throughout, assisting behind the scenes, supporting the training delivery, and “getting on the tools” to operate the system firsthand. This experience enabled BZG’s technical and training teams to better understand operational challenges and gather insights that will directly support future servicing and sustainment activities.

 

Extending Coating Life and Reducing Inspection Burden

EverClean’s low‑impact cleaning approach not only improves fuel efficiency, but also extends the life of antifouling coatings, including advanced silicon‑based systems. Additionally, the availability of a hull thickness measurement head attachment presents a potential future benefit: reducing or even eliminating the need for certain dry‑dock‑based hull plate thickness measurements; particularly valuable for older vessels subject to regular inspection requirements.

 

Strengthening Partnerships for the Future

The success of the recent EverClean operations strengthened the relationship between BlueZone Group and Greensea IQ, with both organisations aligned on delivering practical, compliant, and efficient solutions to maritime operators.

 

“We saw visible results in real time, and the collaboration reaffirmed the strength of the partnership,” said Ryan Burgess, BlueZone Group Technician. “We’re keen to continue working together and build further opportunities for joint capability delivery.”

 

As fleets face growing pressure to balance efficiency, environmental compliance, and readiness, EverClean stands out as a proven, practical solution; one that keeps vessels cleaner, more efficient, and closer to their post‑dock performance standard throughout their operational lives.

 

For more information on Greensea IQ’s EverClean, please Contact the BlueZone Group sales team.

 

Read More:

Efficiency Meets Agility: The U.S. Army’s Push for Autonomous Hull Maintenance – BlueZone Group

EverClean: Revolutionising Hull Cleaning with Robotic Precision – BlueZone Group

 

EverClean ROV cleaning ship hull (Photo credit: BlueZone Group).