Demonstration of ITCH v.1 onboard a 4.900 Dwt Platform Supply Vessel
On 23rd of February we were invited to perform demonstration of ITCH v.1 for a major Charterer onboard a tier 1 PSV.
Despite the ambient condition being in excess of the operation window for ITCH v.1 we are able to, through top of the class cooperation with the vessel’s crew, perform beyond what we thought would be possible. We believe that under improved weather conditions we could have done even better, but it is good to have a target to stretch for.
Footage from 8 hours of video recorded in the dark await close studies from Shipshave. We aim and hope to be able to share uplifting news as a result of this demonstration.
Thanks to the crew, their management and Charterer allowing Shipshave to perform speed tests for hours in the fjords around Stavanger.
The image shows that the well-established fouling has foliated the self-polishing antifouling thereby preventing the antifouling to function as intended. The fouling has been removed with soft brushes reestablishing contact between the red colored antifouling and the ambiance.
At constant power, the vessel increased speed by 5.6% after the cleaning. This may indicate a 17% more efficient hull.
Testing of ITCH on a 5780 Dwt General cargo vessel
22nd of February we were invited to perform successful development testing on a general cargo vessel departing Knarvik outside Bergen for Storasund on Karmøy. The 106m long vessel made the transit in ca 11 knots.
Thanks to the crew and management making the vessel available to Shipshave.
Proper, The Missing Link in Under-Water Hull Cleaning
Shipshave has secured funding with Innovation Norway to develop Proper. Proper is a new remotely operated technology to clean underwater ship surfaces such as hulls, propellers, rudders, thrusters and niches. Proper will be a small and robust and can be handcarried and operated by the vessel’s crew.
Propeller surfaces are keys to maintain fuel efficiency and the speed of the vessel. Since many engines will be derated with the new IMO efficiency regulations, ensuring your propeller is clean will allow you to stay competitive.
We aim to introduce Proper to the market during the 2nd half of 2022. Our warp speed R&D guys have already been able to start testing a functional prototype on a ship 4 months after the grant.
The image below shows a surface cleaned of barnacles (left bottom in the picture) vs. uncleaned (right and middle). The final tool will of course clear all fouling. The first prototype is doing well and we are working hard to make your life easy.
Demonstration and testing of ITCH on a Cement carrier
February 3rd we were invited to perform development testing on a Cement carrier departing from Ølen to Karmøy. For the second time within a week, the west coast of Norway presented itself at its finest. Ice was only present in the inner part of the fjord, so we were able to do valuable development testing for most of the trip as well as train our representative in the ARA-area, Rens Gerritsen. We believe that our presence in the ARA-area will open doors in the major marine hub.
Thanks to the crew and management for making the vessel available to Shipshave.