Carnival Pride Tests HullSkater Robot to Boost Efficiency
The robot can be kept aboard in a portable unit with a launch and recovery ramp, and inspection and grooming missions typically run two to eight hours.
Carnival Cruise Line has begun testing Jotun’s Hull Skating Solutions aboard Carnival Pride, the first ship in its fleet to use the HullSkater underwater inspection and cleaning robot. The Spirit-class vessel is carrying the system during the pilot, and Carnival is collecting operating data to evaluate its effect on hull maintenance and ship efficiency.
The trial targets biofouling below the waterline. Marine growth on underwater surfaces can raise propulsion power demand by 25% to 30%, while propulsion accounts for about 60% of a cruise ship’s total energy use.
“Maintaining a clean hull is essential for efficient ship operations, and the Hull Skating Solutions allows us to take a more proactive approach to hull maintenance,” said Jari Oinas, AVP of fuel performance and decarbonization at Carnival Cruise Line. “As we evaluate the technology aboard Carnival Pride, we see strong potential to support ship performance while advancing our long-term sustainability goals.”
The HullSkater is a remotely operated vehicle that moves along the hull using cameras and sensors to assess underwater conditions and clean the surface before fouling builds up. Jotun’s system is designed for frequent grooming rather than periodic heavy cleaning, using non-abrasive brushes intended to remove early-stage growth without damaging antifouling coatings.
Jotun’s HullSkater can be kept onboard in a portable unit with a launch and recovery ramp, and it can be operated from shore-based control hubs. Typical inspection and grooming missions run from two to eight hours depending on vessel size and hull condition.
“Carnival is demonstrating real leadership by embracing new technology that ensures consistently clean hulls and reduced environmental impact,” said Stein Kjolberg, regional vice president Americas for Jotun.
Carnival did not announce a pilot duration or identify additional ships for the technology.
See current Carnival Pride fares and itineraries on Cruise Lookup.
