Hull cleaning robot

A hull cleaning robot is a remotely operated crawler that attaches to a submerged hull and removes biofouling in the water, avoiding the cost and downtime of dry-docking. It clings by magnets, thrusters, or suction and uses rotating brushes, cavitation, or water jets to strip slime and weed, often with a capture shroud and filter so the removed biofouling and any anti-fouling paint particles are collected rather than released. In-water cleaning is governed by IMO biofouling guidelines and by tightening port and flag rules on biosecurity and on the discharge of biocidal coating residues. Captured-debris (proactive grooming) systems are preferred over reactive cleaning that can damage the coating.