Damen hires hull maintenance robots

They have been developed with AMBPR, a subsidiary of SERCEL Group, the designer and manufacturer of high-tech equipment for the geophysical and seismic industries. 

The robots also tick the ’sustainability’ box with the promise that while they are powered by hybrid energy today, in the future they could well be upgraded to 100% electric.

And because they are so precise, far less of material used – such as paint and water – results in cost as well as pollution savings.

“The health and safety benefits are derived from the fact that the personnel responsible for the equipment no longer need to be in the immediate vicinity of the hazardous, high-pressure blasting activities using water and grit,” said Jeroen Heesters, managing director of the company’s Shiprepair division, during the signing ceremony.

“The blasting agents, overspray and the other residues from the painting are also contained to protect personnel in the area from inhaling them as well as preventing pollution of atmosphere. An additional benefit of this is that other activities nearby can continue without interruption.”

AMBPR has been working on the technology for 12 years, using Damen Shipyard as a ‘perfect testing ground’ as the designs evolved.

Damen has 35 shipyards, and the robots will be deployed at the one in Dunkirk, France.