Hismar - Underwater Hull Inspection And Cleaning System As A Tool For Ship Propulsion System Performance Increase

Abstract

The cost of ship operation is dominated by the cost of fuel. The efficiency of ship propulsion depends on number of parameters. After selection of the most important we can further analyze them for taking relevant action to increase the ship propulsion efficiency. Biofouling of underwater part of ship’s hull has direct influence on vessel resistance and engines power required to maintain the speed or keep optimal fuel consumption. HISMAR is a name of the project directed on development of robotic system that can be used to introduce new approach to keep ship hull clean and almost free of bio-fouling. Frequent cleaning using HISMAR robotic system could be a new tool to increase ship performance as well as conduct specific types of ship hull surveys underwater. New approach for inspection and cleaning needs field research to validate the financial and technical benefits. The HISMAR Project no 012585 was founded by EU-FP6 Framework Program.