Description

GN Ship Hull Cleaning Robot is a magnetic robotic cleaning platform developed for removing marine biofouling from ferromagnetic steel ship hulls. It is designed for both underwater and above-water hull areas and can be equipped with a cavitation water jet cleaning system or mechanical cleaning tools according to fouling severity, coating condition and project requirements.

The robot travels along the hull while the operator controls movement and cleaning remotely. The reference configuration works at depths from 0 to 20 m, provides an 800 mm cavitation cleaning width and supports real-time underwater visual monitoring. It is suitable for shipowners, shipyards and marine service contractors seeking a safer and more repeatable method for hull cleaning and biofouling control.

Customer Challenges

• Marine growth such as slime, algae and barnacles increases hull surface roughness and can affect vessel operating efficiency.
• Traditional diver cleaning is labor-intensive and exposes personnel to underwater hazards and high-force cleaning tools.
• Waterline, curved bilge and flat-bottom areas are difficult to clean consistently by manual methods.
• Different fouling levels and antifouling coatings require different cleaning intensity to avoid unnecessary coating damage.
• In-water cleaning may be subject to port or local environmental requirements for removed material and invasive species control.

GN Ship Hull Cleaning Robotic Solution

The GN robot adheres to suitable steel hull surfaces and carries the cleaning tool directly on the vessel. For general marine growth, the system can use cavitation water jet cleaning; for harder or localized deposits, a mechanical cleaning module can be selected. Remote control and underwater video allow the operator to monitor robot movement and cleaning progress from a safer position.

GN recommends selecting the cleaning head and operating parameters after reviewing hull material, curvature, coating condition, fouling type and local in-water cleaning requirements. A representative test area should be used to confirm the least aggressive effective cleaning process before full-scale operation.

Key Features & Advantages

Above- and Below-Water Cleaning: Supports cleaning from the waterline to submerged hull areas within the reference working depth.

Magnetic Hull-Crawling Mobility: Designed to travel on suitable ferromagnetic steel hull surfaces, including large vertical and curved areas.

Cavitation Water Jet Cleaning: Optional cavitation module provides an approximately 800 mm reference cleaning width with about 80 L/min water flow.

Mechanical Cleaning Option: Brush or mechanical cleaning tools can be configured for harder or localized marine growth.

Real-Time Underwater Video: Underwater camera and lighting support navigation, cleaning observation and remote supervision.

Remote Operation: Reduces the need for divers to continuously hold cleaning tools against large hull areas.

Technical Specifications

Note: Specifications are for reference only. Final configuration is subject to engineering confirmation and project requirements.

Typical Applications

In-Water Ship Hull Cleaning: Removal of slime, algae and marine growth from submerged hull areas where local regulations permit.

Waterline Biofouling Removal: Cleaning of fouling concentrated around the waterline and splash zone.

Pre-Inspection Hull Cleaning: Localized cleaning before underwater inspection, coating assessment or survey.

Shipyard and Repair Support: Hull cleaning before docking, coating maintenance or repair activities.

Customer Benefits

• Reduce diver exposure to continuous high-force cleaning work on large hull areas.
• Provide a more repeatable cleaning width and controlled travel pattern.
• Select cavitation or mechanical cleaning methods according to fouling severity.
• Support real-time visual monitoring of robot position and cleaning progress.
• Improve access to large underwater hull areas and reduce manual tool handling.
• Support planned hull biofouling maintenance for shipowners and marine service providers.

Information Needed for Selection & Quotation

1. Vessel type, hull dimensions, draft and target cleaning area.
2. Hull material and geometry, including curvature, bilge, flat bottom, welds and obstacles.
3. Antifouling coating type, coating age and current condition.
4. Fouling type and severity: slime, algae, barnacles, shell growth or other deposits.
5. Preferred cleaning method: cavitation water jet or mechanical cleaning.
6. Port / local requirements for in-water cleaning and capture of removed material.
7. Launch and recovery arrangement, available water/power and required operating depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the robot clean the hull without divers?

The robot is remotely operated and can reduce diver involvement in active cleaning. Divers may still be required for setup, launch/recovery, inspection or contingency tasks depending on the project.

Will cavitation cleaning damage antifouling coating?

Cleaning aggressiveness depends on nozzle configuration, operating parameters and coating condition. GN recommends confirming the process on a representative test area before full-hull cleaning.

Can the robot remove heavy barnacles?

For heavy hard fouling, a mechanical cleaning tool or multiple passes may be required. GN can recommend the cleaning head after reviewing fouling photos and hull condition.

Can it work in any port?

In-water hull cleaning regulations vary by country and port. The operator should confirm local environmental and biofouling requirements before operation.

Talk to GN Smart Control

Send GN the vessel type, hull coating information, fouling photos, draft, target cleaning area, port location and preferred cleaning method. Our team can recommend the suitable cavitation or mechanical cleaning configuration and help plan launch, tethering and operating requirements.