Marlow Navigation is leveraging Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) to inspect underwater hulls and propellers of fully managed vessels. This technology offers significant advantages, including enhanced safety, cost efficiency and improved accuracy.
While remotely operated technology isn’t new, it continues to evolve, becoming more accessible and usable in the maritime industry. “This is just one example of how effective use of technology can modernise our approach to ship maintenance” explains Technical Director, Marlow Navigation, Demetris Makaritis.
A game-changer for underwater assessments, ROVs allow for quick inspections of hard-to-reach or hazardous areas of a vessel – tasks traditionally performed by specialised diving teams. Within minutes an ROV can be unpacked from a suitcase and safely deployed to check critical areas for foreign objects such as ropes and fishing nets which may have been caught in the propeller. The high-resolution and real-time data can also reveal any corroded elements, marine growth, barnacles and other debris, without the need of a dedicated diving team. In addition, it is also possible to assess potential damage after an incident or verify the condition of anti-fouling systems at a moment’s notice, reducing downtime and speeding up the repair process, all the while reducing human exposure.
Back in December 2024, the technical team at Marlow Navigation were concerned that the anti-fouling paint on one of the managed container vessels was underperforming according to data received by the control room, located at the company’s headquarters. Upon anchoring at Balboa in Panama, ROV technology was successfully employed for an unplanned underwater inspection. The real-time footage relayed to shore teams revealed significant marine growth on the port and starboard sides around the middle section of the hull, while the bottom and aft parts of the vessel remained clean. Subsequently an underwater hull cleaning was performed prior to the ship’s next voyage to maintain optimal efficiency until the next scheduled drydock.
Regular use of ROVs can help boost the efficiency and performance of a vessel. Hull surface roughness increases hydrodynamic drag, notably impacting speed and fuel consumption. Similarly, a poorly maintained propeller can have similar effects. Regular monitoring of the anti-fouling system ensures that necessary measures are taken to maintain optimal performance. These can improve fuel efficiency by up to 10%. Considering that bunker costs typically account for most of the voyage expenses of a vessel - significant savings throughout vessel operations can be achieved. Furthermore, ROVs also allow to better plan proactive maintenance. Adopting a pre-emptive approach can further reduce costs considerably compared to reactive strategies.
“In technical ship management, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are paramount,” Makaritis emphasises. “The use of ROVs is just one of many methods and technologies we employ at Marlow to assess vessel conditions. Regular underwater inspections ensure our vessels operate at peak efficiency, contributing to cost savings and environmental sustainability, without affecting a vessel’s schedule, unlike to the use of diving teams.”
As the maritime industry continues to embrace innovative technologies like ROVs, the benefits extend beyond operational efficiency and cost savings. By prioritising safety, environmental sustainability, and proactive maintenance, all contribute to setting a new standard for responsible and forward-thinking ship management. The future of maritime operations is not just about navigating the seas but doing so responsibly.
