Who we serve: Shipowners
Robotic hull cleaning for vessels operating in the GCC
Biofouling accumulates on vessel hulls between dry-docking intervals, increasing frictional resistance, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. For vessels trading regularly through the GCC, in-water hull cleaning is the principal lever available to control these costs without taking the vessel out of service.
BluFlow delivers robotic in-water hull cleaning at GCC ports and anchorages. The service is operated to a single procedural standard across the region, with documentation produced in formats accepted by class societies, flag administrations and charterers.
Operational challenges addressed
Fuel cost erosion
Biofouling increases hull roughness and drag, raising bunker consumption per voyage. Up to 15% fuel savings can be recovered through effective cleaning (vessel and conditions dependent).
CII rating exposure
Higher fuel burn translates directly to higher CO2 emissions per transport work, with consequences for the vessel’s CII rating and chartering options.
Off-hire avoidance
In-water cleaning during scheduled port calls avoids the off-hire days associated with dry-docking or extended port stays for hull maintenance.
Charter compliance
Hull condition is frequently a contractual matter. Documented cleaning records support performance claims and charterer warranty discussions.
Three service lines available to shipowners across the GCC
Hull cleaning
Robotic cleaning of vertical sides and flat bottom while the vessel is alongside or at anchor.
Inspection and reporting
Underwater visual inspection of the hull, with photo and video evidence and a written report.
Biofouling readiness
Pre-voyage assessment and cleaning ahead of port calls in jurisdictions with stricter biofouling regimes.
Measured outcomes
Up to 15%
Fuel saving (vessel and conditions dependent)
0
Off-hire days from in-water cleaning
Documented
Record for class, flag and charterer
From enquiry to documentation
Enquiry
Vessel particulars and port call schedule received.
Scoping
Cleaning scope, port permissions and HSE plan confirmed.
Mobilisation
Equipment and team mobilised to the agreed port.
Cleaning
Robotic in-water cleaning conducted alongside or at anchor.
Reporting
Before-and-after documentation issued in the agreed format.
“In-water cleaning is the most practical method of recovering hull performance between dockings for vessels on regular GCC rotations.”