---

Oman's Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs has granted GAC EnvironHull permission to conduct underwater hull cleaning operations using the brush-and-diver-free HullWiper system at the port of Sohar, just outside the Gulf of Hormuz.

It is the fourth port in the Middle East at which the revolutionary Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) is now available to provide what GAC describes as "fast, efficient, safe and eco-friendly hull cleaning services for ships".

This latest expansion adds Oman to the growing GAC EnvironHull network which already covers Dubai, Fujairah and Sharjah in the UAE, as well as Gothenburg in Sweden.

GAC explains that the green hull cleaning solution uses adjustable pressure sea water jets as the cleaning medium rather than brushes or abrasives, resulting in minimal damage to the antifouling surface. Residues and harmful marine growths captured during cleaning are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner instead of being discharged into the sea as done using traditional methods. Further, the cleaning operations can be carried out while the vessel is alongside for loading or unloading and, as it does not use divers, the risk to human life is eliminated.

GAC EnvironHull Managing Director Simon Doran commented: "Sohar was a natural choice for the next base for HullWiper due to its strategic location just outside the Middle East Gulf and close to international trade routes. As such, it is a port of call for many ships carrying general cargo, liquid shipments and containers – all of which can benefit from the increased efficiency and cost-savings that come with a foul-free hull.

"Sohar is also home to a branch of GAC Oman, which provides a range of shipping, logistics and marine services for local, regional and international clients."