Modern Methods of Hull Cleaning Using Remote Operated Vehicles

During vessel operation, hulls are subjected to corrosion and biofouling by marine organisms, which negatively impacts hydrodynamic performance, increases fuel consumption, and elevates operational costs. Conventional hull cleaning methods typically require dry-docking and involve techniques that may pose environmental risks. The dynamic development of robotics has facilitated the deployment of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for in-water hull inspection and cleaning, eliminating the need to take the vessel out of service. ROVs utilize electromagnets to maintain stable adhesion to the ship’s surface, high-pressure water jets to remove biofouling and debris, and integrated filtration systems to capture and contain contaminants, thereby minimizing environmental impact. This paper provides a comprehensive review of innovative hull cleaning technologies employing ROVs, highlighting their advantages over traditional methods and assessing their contribution to operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.