l to r: Roger Clasquin, Mark van den Akker, and Ray Girvan,
Antwerp, Belgium – Less than two years after its launch, GAC EnvironHull is celebrating a third award for its ground-breaking underwater hull cleaning system, HullWiper.
The latest triumph came when it was announced as the winner of the “Environmental Protection Award (Maritime)” category in the International Bulk Journal (IBJ) Awards presented in Antwerp, Belgium, this week. The news came in the same week that GAC EnvironHull was honoured at the Seatrade Maritime Awards Asia in Hong Kong.
The IBJ Environmental Protection Award was accepted on behalf of GAC EnvironHull by GAC Netherlands’ Managing Director Mark van der Akker. It was given in recognition of the contribution to reducing port and ocean pollution by the HullWiper technology, which has a special feature to collect debris removed during the hull cleaning process for safe disposal onshore. The diver-free ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) also offers ship owners and operators the added benefit of a spotless hull without having to schedule costly down-time, as the cleaning operation can be performed while the vessel is alongside loading or discharging its cargo.
It is the second time GAC EnvironHull has been honoured in the IBJ Awards. A year ago, the company took home the “Innovative Technology” title.
HullWiper was launched in 2013, and is now in use at the ports of Jebel Ali, Sharjah, Khor Fakkan and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, Sohar in Oman, Singapore, Spain and various ports and locations in Scandinavia.
GAC EnvironHull Managing Director Simon Doran says this latest award demonstrates the growing awareness in the shipping sector of the need to partner an environmental conscience with operational excellence. “The industry is acknowledging the lead GAC EnvironHull is taking by offering this safe and environmentally friendly option to shipping, ” he adds.
GAC EnvironHull is also among the finalists in this year’s Lloyd’s List Awards – Middle East & Indian Subcontinent. The winners will be announced in Dubai next month.
