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GAC EnvironHull's fuel-saving underwater hull cleaning system, HullWiper, has won the technical innovation category at the 8th Seatrade Maritime Awards Asia, presented in Hong Kong last night (November 16).

The Seatrade Maritime Awards Asia brought together more than 400 industry leaders to celebrate outstanding performance and achievements of accomplished individuals and companies from the maritime sector.

The award, which was received on behalf of GAC EnvironHull by GAC Hong Kong's Senior Marketing Manager, Clarence Chan, recognises the safety and the ecological benefits of the diver-free remotely operated vehicle (ROV), which offers ship owners and operators the benefit of a spotless hull without having to schedule costly down-time, as the cleaning operation can be performed while the vessel is alongside loading or discharging its cargo.

HullWiper was launched in 2013, and is now in use at the ports of Jebel Ali, Sharjah and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, Sohar in Oman, Singapore, Spain and in Scandinavia.

Simon Doran, GAC EnvironHull's Managing Director, remarked: "With HullWiper, we are driving our business forward with a strong focus on safety and the environment. This award is an acknowledgement by our peers of what we have achieved so far, and it will spur us on to continue to innovate for the benefit of the industry we serve and the oceans in which we operate."