Manly Fast Ferry: AI-powered underwater robot slashes fleet’s fuel bills, emissions
A futuristic AI-powered underwater robot, used to clean the hulls of a popular Sydney Harbour ferry service, has led to a dramatic drop in the fleet’s fuel bills.
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A futuristic AI-powered underwater robot, used to clean the hulls of a popular Sydney Harbour ferry service, has led to a dramatic drop in the fleet’s fuel bills.
The decision by the NRMA’s Manly Fast Ferry to trial the Australia-designed and manufactured autonomous Hullbot cleaning system has slashed diesel use by 13 per cent.
The NRMA boasts that its partnership with Sydney-based Hullbot means diesel pollution and emissions from its ferries have been cut as a result.
Hullbot’s robotic drones are armed with rollers, brushes and sensors, which work to prevent biofouling — the build up of marine organisms on a vessel’s hull.
Fouling increases drag, which increases fuel consumption and emissions.
The robots can operate at all times of day or night and eliminate the need for antifouling paints and replace inefficient, and often potentially, hazardous manual cleaning.
Hullbot says its “dedicated to building the world’s most advanced underwater robotics platform to decarbonise the global maritime industry”.
Its chief executive officer, Tom Loefler said the AI-powered technology was designed to make cleaning hulls safer as well as more efficient and environmentally sound.
The NRMA Group says it is committed to reducing its operational emissions by 30 per cent by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.
NRMA chief operating officer marine, Nigel Ellsmore, said the Hullbot robot trial had
delivered significant outcomes by reducing fuel consumption and diesel pollution.
“We’ve seen first-hand how Hullbot delivers real results for our fleet. These robots have
seamlessly integrated into the Manly Fast Ferry’s daily operations,” he said.
“By reducing our fuel consumption it is helping our bottom line, removing diesel pollution from Sydney’s beautiful harbour and helping NRMA meet its carbon emission targets.”
Mr Loefler said the technology was designed to make cleaning hulls safer as well as being more efficient and environmentally sound.
“Our technology enables fleet operators to drastically cut fuel use and emissions while eliminating antifouling practices,” he said.
“We are pleased to have partnered with one of Australia’s most trusted brands, the NRMA-owned Manly Fast Ferry.”
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