FAQ

General Operations

1. Does Hull Cleaning Gibraltar operate 24/7? Yes, our diving teams are available 24/7, 365 days a year, for both scheduled maintenance and emergency underwater repairs at Gibraltar.
2. Where in Gibraltar can underwater services be performed? We operate at the Western Anchorage, Eastern Anchorage, and within the Port of Gibraltar, depending on weather conditions and vessel requirements.
3. Can underwater cleaning be done during bunkering? We coordinate with port authorities and bunker suppliers to ensure cleaning or inspections are done simultaneously with bunkering to save time.
4. Do I need to inform the Port Authority before a dive? We handle all necessary permits and communications with the Gibraltar Port Authority (GPA) on behalf of the vessel.
5. How long does a full hull cleaning typically take? Depending on the vessel size (e.g., Panamax or VLCC) and fouling degree, a full cleaning takes between 6 to 14 hours.

Technical & Class Approval

6. Are your underwater services class-approved? Yes, our partner diving teams are certified by all major IACS members, including DNV, Lloyd’s Register (LR), ABS, and Bureau Veritas (BV).
7. Can you perform In-Water Surveys (IWS) in lieu of dry-docking? Yes, our class-approved IWS can often extend your dry-docking interval, provided the vessel meets class requirements.
8. Do you provide CCTV footage of the inspection? Yes, we provide high-definition live video feeds and recorded footage for all underwater inspections and surveys.
9. What standards do your underwater welders follow? Our diver-welders are certified according to AWS D3.6M standards for high-quality underwater welding.
10. Can you provide ultrasonic thickness (UT) measurements? Yes, we use calibrated UT meters to measure hull plate thickness during underwater surveys.

Hull Cleaning & Efficiency

11. How much fuel can a clean hull save? A professional hull cleaning can reduce fuel consumption by 5% to 15%, depending on the level of biofouling removed.
12. Will your brushes damage my anti-fouling paint? We use specialized brushes (nylon, Tynex, or soft wire) matched to your specific coating type to remove fouling without stripping the paint.
13. What is 'Hull Grooming'? Hull grooming is the frequent, light cleaning of the hull to remove slime before hard growth (barnacles) develops, preserving the coating and maximizing speed.
14. How often should a vessel have its hull cleaned? For vessels transiting warm waters or idling frequently, we recommend an inspection every 6 months and cleaning as required.
15. Does biofouling affect CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator) ratings? Increased drag leads to higher fuel burn and CO2 emissions. Hull cleaning is the fastest way to improve your CII rating.

Propeller Polishing

16. What is a Rubert Grade A finish? It is the highest industry standard for propeller smoothness. Our multi-stage polishing achieves this grade to maximize thrust.
17. How does propeller polishing improve performance? It reduces turbine stress and increases RPM efficiency, typically leading to a 3-5% improvement in fuel economy.
18. Can you repair a chipped or bent propeller blade underwater? Yes, we offer underwater grinding and cold-straightening services to restore propeller balance.

Specialized Maintenance

19. What is a Sea Chest cleaning? It involves clearing the internal cooling water intake chambers and grids of marine growth to prevent engine overheating.
20. Can you replace sacrificial anodes underwater? Yes, we replace zinc or aluminum anodes to maintain your vessel’s cathodic protection system.
21. What is a Cofferdam and when is it used? A cofferdam is an underwater seal used to create a dry environment for repairs on sea valves or hull plating below the waterline.
22. Do you clean bow thrusters? Yes, we perform comprehensive cleaning and inspection of bow and stern thruster units.
23. Can you clear a fouled propeller (rope/net removal)? Yes, our emergency diving teams are specialized in clearing entanglements from propellers and shafts.

Commercial & Logistics

24. How quickly can I get a quote? Our operations desk usually responds with a formal quote within 1 to 2 hours of receiving the vessel’s specs and ETA.
25. What information do you need for a quote? We need the vessel name/IMO, type of service required, last cleaning date, and ETA at Gibraltar.
26. Do you offer discounts for fleet contracts? Yes, we offer strategic pricing for ship managers and owners with multiple vessels calling at Gibraltar annually.
27. Is there a risk of invasive species transfer during cleaning? We follow BIMCO and local environmental guidelines to ensure cleaning is done responsibly and in compliance with local laws.
28. What happens if the weather is too rough for diving? Gibraltar has two sides (East and West). If one side is rough, we often move the operation to the sheltered side to avoid delays.
29. Do you work with local port agents? Yes, we coordinate seamlessly with all local port agencies in Gibraltar to ensure smooth logistics.
30. Where can I find ship supplies or provisions in Gibraltar? For logistics and supplies, we recommend our partners at Gibraltar Ship Supply for professional port support.