Odfjell becomes pilot partner with ECOsubsea for improved hull cleaning

Odfjell has been following ECOsubsea’s progress with interest over time.

“Underwater hull cleaning has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, driven by advancements in technology.

Traditionally, hull cleaning relied on divers performing manual operations underwater. Now, we see the emergence of technology start-ups. Powered by capital, they intend to disrupt this market with robotics and streamline the operations by embracing transparency.”

Kristoffer Ramstad, Manager Fleet Performance and Digitalizati

Because of differences in location and their use of ROVs loaded from trucks, with access limitations in terminals, a direct partnership was not a good fit at first. But in 2024, after more than 5,000 hull cleaning operations under their belt, ECOsubsea announced plans to expand their business to Singapor—one of Odfjell’s key hubs.

As part of this move, they also unveiled their next-generation, ultra-efficient hull-cleaning robot.

To support new innovations in hull cleaning, Odfjell signed up as a pilot partner.

Beyond acting as a sponsor and sharing operational insights, we provided hands-on assistance by having Port Captain Odd Arne Hansen on-site to help fine-tune the concept specifically for chemical tankers.

“Safety is always our top priority at Odfjell, along with improving fleet performance and reducing our environmental footprint. Partnering with ECOsubsea on their new hull cleaning ROV is a crucial step to achieve these goals." 

Odd Arne Hansen, Port Captain, Asia Pacificon, Odfjell

Read more in Odfjell`s Sustainability newsletter: https://www.odfjell.com/about/our-stories/supporting-bergens-maritime-cluster