Underwater Hull Cleaning Robots: Designing and Assessing System

One of the extra charges imposed on marine services is the expense of cleaning living organisms (fouling) that grow on hulls. Moreover, the algae and animals on hull surface increase the frictional resistance of boats and marine vessels as they move which results in additional fuel cost. Fouling has a significant effect on the increased frictional resistance. The amount of this increase depends on the biology (types of microorganisms and their covering area) as well as the underwater hull shape and the vessel’s operating speed. In this research, information related to different types of underwater hull cleaning robots (HCR) has been gathered. By studying many underwater HCR projects, their main specifications including cost, type of attachment to hull, and cleaning system have been assessed. Regarding the results of this research, it has been revealed that construction of an underwater HCR in Iran is feasible. The net cost of construction, maintenance, repair and operation of the robot is small compared to the long-term expenditure for the periodical hull cleaning in a shipyard. The main conclusion of this research shows the current situation in technology, challenges, and opportunities and all in all the starting point to create these underwater robots in Iran.