Based in the historic maritime hub of Piraeus, Greece, Piccard Divers is a specialized marine contractor and equipment manufacturer focused on underwater ship maintenance. Established in 1973, the company has spent over half a century developing expertise in hull cleaning and propeller polishing, services critical to vessel efficiency and fuel conservation. While it began as a local diving service provider for ships entering Greek waters, it has since evolved into a dual-role entity that both executes underwater operations and manufactures the machinery used by diving companies worldwide.
The company’s trajectory changed significantly in the mid-1970s when it introduced mechanized hull cleaning technology to the Greek market. Recognizing the operational advantages of automated brushing systems, Piccard Divers transitioned from solely using third-party equipment to engineering and manufacturing its own solutions. By 1985, the firm had begun producing proprietary underwater cleaning units, known as the Brush-Kart system. This move allowed the organization to supply other professional divers and maritime service stations globally, effectively exporting Greek technical expertise to ports across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East.
Today, Piccard Divers operates a global network of service points, coordinating underwater husbandry tasks that include general inspections, hull cleaning, and propeller maintenance. These operations are essential for the commercial shipping industry, as removing marine fouling—such as barnacles and algae—drastically reduces drag, thereby lowering fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The company supports a wide array of vessel types, from bulk carriers to tankers, ensuring their underwater surfaces remain hydrodynamic.
In addition to its service coordination, the firm continues to refine its manufacturing capabilities. Over the decades, it has released various iterations of its cleaning machinery, including electric and hydraulic models designed to adapt to different hull curvatures and operational depths. This continuous development reflects a commitment to supporting the maritime sector’s need for speed and reliability during port calls. Through its long-standing presence in Piraeus and its international reach, Piccard Divers functions as a central node in the underwater maintenance industry, bridging the gap between hands-on diving labor and the technical equipment required to keep the global merchant fleet moving efficiently.