Hapag-Lloyd has successfully reduced both emissions and operational costs by adopting Shipshave’s In Transit Cleaning of Hull (ITCH) solution.
The effectiveness of this proactive hull-cleaning approach was independently verified through an analysis conducted by the classification society DNV.
To assess the benefits of proactive fouling removal, Hapag-Lloyd and Shipshave commissioned DNV to evaluate operational performance data from two of the company’s container ships equipped with the ITCH technology. These vessels, with capacities of 8,750 TEU and 18,800 TEU, differed in age and trading profiles, providing a broad basis for analysis.
Over a 17-month period, data collected from both ships enabled a detailed examination of performance trends over time. DNV’s report confirmed that the ITCH solution delivered notable improvements in energy efficiency, resulting in significant fuel savings and emission reductions for both vessels.
The study revealed that fuel and emissions savings varied due to the ships’ differing dimensions and operating patterns, but the results were positive. One vessel recorded a 16% performance improvement, translating to a daily fuel savings of approximately 8.4 tons—equivalent to eliminating the emissions of over 4,900 fossil-fuel vehicles during the same period.
The second ship, while already performing efficiently, achieved nearly a 5% reduction in fuel consumption. These results were consistently maintained through regular use of the ITCH system.
“We are very pleased that this analysis from DNV confirms our internal assessment of the result achieved by the implementation of ITCH. This method reflects our proactive approach to reducing emissions caused by biofouling,” stated Nikhilesh Bhatia, Director of Fleet Energy Efficiency, respon