As per the Description of Action (DoA), the following three (3) overarching objectives (Automation, Overall Costs, End-user acceptance) is described for the project. The below objectives remain unchanged, though the actual results and methods of validation have been mitigated due to COVID-19.
Automation: To convert the remote-controlled cargo hold robot, CLIIN has used well-proven technology to enable the automation of the system. Every ship type has a unique hull design, and the HCR will be programmed to clean along a predefined route identified from the individual ships drawing. The activities performed to enable following a route, has been proven through testing.
Results on Automation:
a. The initial concept of loading the vessel drawings into the robot, has been conceptualized and further specified through customer workshops.
b. The winch controls the main navigation functions combined with data from the robot.
c. Combined with cameras and operator interface, this provides satisfying measures for safe assisted navigation.
d. The workshops have provided important information on the final navigation concept, which is simpler to setup and use and more robust in the end-user operation, with a satisfying error margin on the robot accuracy.
2. Overall Cost: CLIIN reduces the manufacturing costs without compromising the performance of the HCR. This is achieved through an improved design, implementation of design for manufacturing, batch production and the set-up of an efficient supply chain.
3. End-user acceptance: The HCR concept constitutes a paradigm shift and a completely new approach to biofouling in the shipping industry. CLIIN wanted to demonstrate the HCR system on ships in fully operational environments with end-users, to generate solid data on its economic and environmental benefits. However, we needed to find other methods to obtain this knowledge on the product performance and end-user acceptance, as COVID has prevented the on-board demonstrations, and still does.
Results on the End-user acceptance:
a. As the HCR is a paradigm shift from reactive to proactive cleaning of the biofouling on the vessel hull, we needed solid data to back the concept itself.
b. Acceptance through customer and partner workshops
i. The main concerns and critical findings in the workshops with Maersk, Norden and Ultra Bulk was the identification of critical performance measures, such as; System operation, availability when idle, technical abilities of core robot: paint scratching, passing welding seams and ability to adhere to the hull in strong currents.
Exploitation of HCR concept
It is expected that implementation of HCR will result in a saving potential from cradle to grave (25 years) of €12.95 million per ship as a result of i) less expensive coating system
ii) reduction in fuel consumption iii) decreased operational costs for maintenance and iv) less days for off-hire due to a 10-year frequency of dry dockings – as opposed to the current 5-year interval.
Additionally, the ship owners/operators will gain a greener company profile which may let them harvest further financial benefits and support them in meeting the increased requirements within environmental regulations.
Dissemination of HCR concept
CLIIN plans to leverage existing channels in the dissemination of the HCR concept.
CLIIN’s website contains a subsite concerning Robotic Antifouling which relates directly to the results of this project and the dissemination of results and benefits of implementing the HCR. CLIIN’s Linkedin page with more than 1400 followers along with newsletters will be used to engage with relevant professional audience and distribute HCR related information.
CLIIN will participate in relevant industry events (e.g. SMM Hamburg, Nor Shipping Oslo, Posedonia Athens) to promote the HCR system to potential end-users through presentation of the project results. CLIIN will seek to have articles focusing on the demonstration results published in relevant industry media and through State of Green, Denmark’s official green marketing consortium, exposing green solutions to a worldwide audience.
