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56 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • FEBRUARY 2014 NEW PRODUCTS GAC Launches Eco-friendly Hull Cleaning Solution GAC EnvironHull, part of global shipping, logis- tics and marine services provider GAC Group, has launched HullWiper, its new offering diver-free, cost effective and eco-friendly underwater hull cleaning. Despite its compact size of 3 x 1.5 x 0.80 m, the high-speed, remotely-operated vessel cleaning ve- hicle is capable of cleaning up to 2,000 sq. m. of hull per hour without causing any damage to anti- fouling surfaces. After cleaning, vessel speed and performance is signifi cantly improved as a result of reduced resistance, which in turn decreases carbon emissions and fuel consumption. And as the system does not use divers to carry out the cleaning, the risk to life is also signifi cantly reduced. HullWiper cleans the vertical sides of a VLCC (approximately 8,000 sq. m.) in seven hours, half the 14 hours the same job would take using conventional cleaning methods with divers. The easy-to-operate machine enables hull cleaning to be carried out alongside during loading or discharge, reducing or even eliminating the need for off-hire time. The entire process is in line with the GAC Group’s stringent HSSE and compliance policies as well as all local and regional environmental regulations. Residues and harmful marine growths captured during cleaning are disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner instead of being discharged into the sea as done using traditional methods. www.gac.com/hullwiper photo: GAC CS Unitec’s Trelawny Floor Planer tackles the most demanding surface prepara- tion and material removal applications. The TFP 200 is ideal for the removal of coatings and corrosion from concrete and steel surfaces to prepare for recoating. In addition, this walk-behind planer roughens concrete and produces a keyed or grooved profi le on concrete for water- proofi ng and non-slip surface applications. The TFP 200 has an 8” cutting width and 1/8” max. cutting depth per pass. Depth control enables removal of surface materials without damaging the substrate, maximizing performance and extending cutter life. Other features include a fully adjustable handlebar, in- tegrated vacuum connection and hold-to-run handle. Three models are available with different motors to meet the needs of the working environment. The 3.5 HP, air-powered unit, Model 320.2012T, consumes 165 CFM of air at 90 PSI. Model 320.2000T is powered by a 5.5 HP Honda GX160 gas motor. The electric-powered Model 320.2004T features a 3HP, 220V-240V motor. CS Unitec MR #2 (50-58).indd 56 2/4/2014 4:20:37 PM
