The first ever
ROV propeller
cleaning
Using the first ever remote propeller cleaning system, we perform quayside cleanings to further reduce your fuel consumption.
How does our ROV propeller cleaning work?
We clean propellers using the Shipshiner – the first-ever propeller ROV. We conduct the cleaning in terminals where divers are not allowed to operate and while you carry on with your other operations, making it safe and efficient.
The Shipshiner cleans 70%-80% of the propeller where biofouling has the largest negative effect on your fuel consumption and emissions – resulting in improves fuel efficiency by up to 5-10%.
As in our hull cleanings, our collection system collects the cleaned biofouling and sends it topside to our workboat, where it’s filtered, collected, and disposed in a sustainable manner.
What happens when you book an propeller cleaning with us?
1. You book an propeller cleaning
When we receive your booking, we plan the job together with the captain and the agent before the vessel comes in. Everything is prepared beforehand so that your crew doesn’t have to deal with additional work during the port call.
2. We clean your propeller
Whether you are in port or at anchorage, we will clean with our ROV from our workboat. How long it takes depends on a number of factors, such as propeller size and biofouling level, but we normally complete a hull cleaning within a standard port call.
3. We prepare the report
As soon as the propeller cleaning has been completed, we prepare the report with before and after photos, clearly showing draft marks where available. Our Digital Cleaning Log documents where on the propeller the photos were taken, which gives us absolute control of where the ROV is and has been. We always aim to send you the cleaning report within 48 hours.
4. We follow up and discuss next steps
Our team will follow up with you to discuss the next steps based on the report and the condition of your propeller and antifouling coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the propeller cleaning done?
We use a field-proven ROV with our in-house cleaning system to perform a safe, gentle and sustainable cleaning of your propeller. Our ShipShiner cleaning ROV is launched from our workboat, and the ROV and winch are remotely operated from our ROV Pilot cabin, so we have no people in the water while cleaning, ensuring the safety of our staff.
Will the cleaning damage my anti-fouling coating?
The cleaning technology is based on water jets that are gentle to the vessel’s antifouling paint. Our experienced crew will start each cleaning with the lowest possible pressure to preserve the condition of the antifouling paint and only increase the pressure if needed (the harder the fouling, the more pressure will be needed)
What happens to the biofouling?
While cleaning, our collection system will collect the cleaned biofouling and send it topside to our workboat, where we filter and collect the biofouling. We then dispose of the biofouling in a sustainable manner using dedicated onshore disposal facilities.
When should I clean?
We recommend to clean your propeller if you have more than x% biofouling coverage. This will help to preserve your antifouling system and keep your carbon emission and fuel consumption low.
Why do you only clean 70-80% of the propeller and what does mean for the fouling?
Our remote ROV cannot reach the last 20-30% of the propeller due to the room it needs to maneuvre, but those last percentages are not what will make a difference to your fuel and operating costs. A ROV cleaning is also much safer than divers. We believe that the safety and efficiency of our ROV solution far outweighs those last 20-30%.
See our other services
Hull cleaning while bunkering
With our remote ROV cleaning system we perform safe, gentle and sustainable hull cleanings during port calls and at anchorage – saving you valuable time.
Detailed ROV inspections
No matter which type of inspection you need or what the weather is like, we can inspect your hull and niche areas in around two hours and report back to you without delay.