DNV Verifies Effectiveness of Jotun’s “Always Clean Hull” Solution

Why It Matters

The third‑party proof eliminates uncertainty around biofouling‑related fuel penalties, enabling ship owners to rely on proactive cleaning for operational efficiency and emissions targets. It also sets a new industry benchmark for measurable hull‑cleanliness performance.

Key Takeaways

• DNV verified zero speed loss on 12 vessels using HSS
• 33 ships inspected showed no fouling during 3.5‑year span
• HullSkater robot enables continuous, onboard hull cleaning
• Proactive hull maintenance reduces dry‑dock frequency and emissions

Pulse Analysis

Biofouling has long been a hidden cost for the maritime sector, increasing drag, fuel consumption, and greenhouse‑gas emissions. Traditional mitigation relies on periodic dry‑docking and reactive cleaning, which disrupts schedules and adds significant expense. Jotun’s Hull Skating Solutions tackles the problem at its source by pairing its SeaQuantum Skate coating with the HullSkater robotic cleaner, delivering a continuous, on‑board maintenance loop that removes early‑stage growth before it can mature.

The recent DNV verification provides the first independent, data‑driven confirmation that this proactive approach works in real‑world conditions. Over an average of 3.5 years, physical inspections of 33 vessels showed no visible fouling, while performance data from 12 ships demonstrated no measurable speed loss—a key indicator of fuel efficiency. By adhering to ISO 19030 protocols, the study offers a transparent benchmark that ship operators can trust, turning marketing claims into quantifiable performance metrics.

For the broader industry, the validation of HSS signals a shift toward measurable, sustainability‑focused hull management. Operators can now justify investments in robotic cleaning as a means to meet tightening emissions regulations and decarbonization roadmaps, while also cutting dry‑dock downtime. As more fleets adopt continuous cleaning solutions, competitive advantage will hinge on proven fuel‑saving data, making third‑party certifications like DNV’s increasingly valuable. Jotun’s breakthrough thus not only solves a technical challenge but also aligns with the maritime sector’s economic and environmental imperatives.