Enviro Hull

Based in Saldanha Bay, South Africa, Enviro Hull operates as a specialized maritime service provider focused on underwater ship husbandry and biofouling management. The company has established a distinct presence in the Southern African maritime sector, utilizing the strategic location of Saldanha Bay—a deep-water port often used for Outer Port Limits (OPL) operations—to service commercial vessels, offshore units, and support fleets passing around the Cape. The core of the company’s identity revolves around the critical intersection of vessel efficiency and environmental protection. In the maritime industry, the accumulation of marine growth, known as biofouling, creates significant drag on ship hulls. This drag drastically increases fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously posing a biosecurity risk through the transport of invasive aquatic species. Enviro Hull addresses these challenges by providing in-water cleaning services designed to restore hull hydrodynamics without the need for dry-docking. Central to their operations is the deployment of advanced hull cleaning technologies that emphasize a "capture and contain" approach. Unlike traditional cleaning methods that often release debris and stripped paint into the surrounding water, Enviro Hull utilizes systems capable of enclosing the cleaning area. This process filters effluent and captures removed biological matter, ensuring that local marine ecosystems are protected from contamination and that vessels comply with increasingly tracking international environmental regulations. Their approach is non-abrasive, prioritizing the preservation of a vessel’s anti-fouling coatings while effectively removing slime, algae, and hard fouling. Beyond cleaning, the company functions as a comprehensive diving contractor. Their teams perform a wide array of underwater maintenance tasks, including propeller polishing, which further aids in propulsion efficiency. They also conduct underwater inspections in lieu of dry-docking (UWILD), allowing shipowners and classification societies to assess hull integrity, rudder condition, and sea chests without interrupting the vessel's commercial schedule. Enviro Hull serves a diverse client base ranging from large commercial shipping lines to offshore energy operators. By offering services at anchorage and off-port limits, they provide logistical flexibility to operators who cannot afford extended downtime. Through these activities, the company plays a supportive role in the global maritime effort to decarbonize shipping operations and maintain biosecurity standards across international waters.