Anthony Locicero, Associate editor03.24.21
Jotun introduced HullKeeper, a proactive hull optimization program, the company said enables ship operators to improve hull efficiency, lower costs and improve environmental performance.
HullKeeper combines Jotun’s extensive digital capabilities, ROV inspections and trusted analytical and technical expertise to help operators keep fuel, inspection and cleaning costs under control, the company said.
Designed by Jotun’s team of hull performance experts, the four-part program optimizes hull performance, regardless of the chosen coating, the company said.
Ship operators can take full control of their operations through-hull monitoring, fouling risk alerts, inspections and advisory services, according to Jotun.
Operators can benefit from the complete package or select only the parts that work for them, Jotun said.
The HullKeeper program is grounded in Jotun’s proprietary fouling risk algorithm, supported by data from different sources to make fouling control and efficiency more predictable, the company said.
By providing insight into issues before they occur, ship operators can take planned corrective actions, Jotun said.
And as more data and information accumulate, best practices can be identified and implemented across the whole fleet, according to Jotun.
“Jotun has a proven record of developing products and services that help customers meet the demands of a changing industry,” said Stein Kjølberg, Jotun’s Global Category director Hull Performance. “HullKeeper extends the range of our services, helping operators make well-informed and proactive decisions to improve hull efficiency as they push for optimal performance, efficiency and regulatory compliance.”
“HullKeeper is a market differentiator in the sense that it offers unique support that both adds value and meets the needs of customers,” Jotun’s Global Digital & Data Director Andreas Krapp, Ph.D. said. “Ship operators that use HullKeeper will be able to identify potential problems long before fouling impacts vessel performance, allowing them to make better decisions, faster."
Increased fuel consumption related to biofouling accounts for about nine percent of the 919 million tons of CO2 and 21 million tons of other greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted by shipping annually, according to Krapp.
“In addition to offering ship operators a cost-effective program that can reduce GHG emissions, HullKeeper helps them save on bunkering costs,” he said. “In this way, HullKeeper incentivizes improved environmental performance.”
