Lloyd’s Register Grants First Ever Approval for Coating & Robotic Cleaning System

Lloyd’s Register has awarded the world’s first Recognised Enhanced Antifouling Type Approval to Jotun for its SeaQuantum Skate antifouling coating, alongside type approval certification for Jotun’s HullSkater robotic hull cleaning equipment.

The approval covers both the HullSkater robotic cleaning device and the SeaQuantum Skate coating, making it the first fully integrated hull cleaning and coating solution to be certified by a classification society. 

Developed by specialist coatings provider Jotun, the HullSkater has been designed to remove early-stage biofouling without damaging antifouling coatings. HullSkater is always teamed with the SeaQuantum Skate coating, to create a complete cleaning and coating solution.

In a statement, Lloyd’s Register described the Recognised Enhanced Type Approval as, ‘the highest level of certification under LR’s Antifouling Coatings programme. The Recognised approval status, now achieved by Jotun, is based on extensive in-service performance data from at least three vessels. This includes inspection reports before and after cleaning, time-to-refoul measurements, coating condition assessments, and third-party water quality testing conducted during the cleaning process’. 

With the LR Approval secured, ship operators will now have verified operational guidance for the solution. This operational guidance includes specifying appropriate cleaning heads, optimal pressures, recommended cleaning cycles, and maximum allowable fouling levels before intervention becomes necessary. 

Commenting on the approval, Heather Hughes, Principal Specialist at Lloyd’s Register, said: 

“Ship operators are approaching LR seeking authoritative guidance on which coatings can be effectively used as part of their comprehensive hull management planning. We provide independent verification of antifouling coating performance both before and after cleaning, ensuring operators can make informed decisions with confidence”.

The CEO of Jotun, Morten Fon, warmly welcomed the approval, saying: 

“This approval validates the long-term performance of the HullSkater and SeaQuantum Skate. We’re proud to set the standard for integrated solutions that protect both vessels and the oceans they operate in”.

The Enhanced Antifouling Type Approval has been developed by Lloyd’s Register in response to a regulatory and scientific gap in hull cleaning practices. The approval ensures that ship operators have access to objective, evidence-based guidance. It also enables vessels to qualify for LR’s Clean Hull (CH) notation under the ECO class, which requires an Enhanced Antifouling Type Approval for any applied coating. 

Require assistance with coating selection? 

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