More hull
resistance
Changing vessel performance
Greater
maintenance demand
Biosecurity risk
Fouling develops in stages
LIGHT SLIME & MICROFOULING
A thin film forms on submerged surfaces. This is the stage most suited to regular, coating appropriate maintenance.
SOFT GROWTH
Algae and soft organisms become more established. Suitability depends on the hull, coating and local requirements.
HARD OR ESTABLISHED FOULING
Barnacles, mussels or heavy growth may require haul out, specialist treatment or another cleaning method.
Look beyond the hull surface
Marine growth can also develop on propellers, shafts, rudders, seawater intakes and other underwater fittings.
Our robotic system provides scheduled cleaning of suitable, accessible hull surfaces, while professional divers complement this work by manually cleaning agreed underwater components and hard-to-reach areas.
Within our CARE programmes, professional diving cleaning is performed at the intervals included in the selected plan: one initial diving clean for CARE 4, and one diving clean every six months for CARE 6 and CARE 12.
This coordinated approach helps maintain both the main hull surfaces and agreed underwater components, with visual observations and service reporting to document the work completed.
All cleaning remains subject to vessel condition, coating compatibility, safe access, marina permissions and applicable environmental requirements.
Why a cleaner hull matters
Sailing performance
Added hull roughness can increase drag and reduce efficient movement through the water.
Powered vessels
More resistance may increase the power and fuel needed to maintain speed.
Antifouling care
Early, coating appropriate maintenance can help avoid the need for more aggressive cleaning later.
Underwater visibility
Regular observations create a clearer record of accessible hull and component condition.
Maintain early or react later?
The difference is when maintenance is planned. Robotic services, divers and boatyards can all form part of a proactive programme, depending on the work required.
PROACTIVE CARE
Scheduled assessment
Suitable soft growth managed earlier
Inspection and report at each visit
Next service already planned
REACTIVE CLEANING
Wait until growth is noticeable
Higher chance of established fouling
Suitability may be reduced
Haul out or another method may be required
The right approach depends on the vessel, coating, fouling level, berth and local rules.
Clean hulls help protect Auckland waters
Marine organisms can move on hulls and underwater equipment. Before travelling or arranging in water cleaning, owners should check current marina, Auckland Council and regional biosecurity requirements.
Check before
you move
Follow
marina rules
Keep service
records
Designed for suitable early stage maintenance
Where vessel condition and local requirements allow, our operator guided robot maintains suitable hull areas and records what is visible below the waterline.
Every service begins with a suitability assessment.
Heavy or hard fouling may require a different method.
