FoulFighter

Fouling costs the shipping industry $30 billion each year, and maritime transport emits around 1,076 million tons of CO2 annually. Frictional resistance is also a factor, since even at an early stage, microbial sludge leads to a 10-20% increase in frictional resistance, and thus to greater consumption

FoulFighter has developed a way to reduce environmental impact, while enhancing business for ship owners and operators. The company helps cut back on maritime transport CO2 emissions, reducing the spread of invasive species and lowering the operational costs of ships by proactively attacking hull fouling. Its emissions-reducing, crew-friendly automated hull cleaning device proactively prevents the formation of marine growth and fouling organisms.

The FoulFighter solution consists of 3 major components:

1. A rail built on the side of the vessel or integrated with the side rail.
2. A wagon runs between the bow and aft to carry the line. The wagon has rotating and tightening systems.
3. The line has a cleaning function. To be efficient, it needs to have the correct pressure on the hull.

A user interface enables easy control and safe operation. Remote access to the unit is also routed through the user interface and its automation system.
 

FoulFighter contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through its innovative approach to sustainable shipping:

• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – By reducing the need for divers to work beneath ships, FoulFighter significantly improves safety and working conditions.
• Goal 13: Climate Action – Their solutions help decrease emissions from shipping, with the potential to reduce up to 1,076 million tons of CO₂ annually.
• Goal 14: Life Below Water – FoulFighter reduces the risk of invasive species spreading through ships and cuts both air and water pollution in maritime transport.
• Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The company values diversity and actively seeks collaborations to address these high-stakes challenges.

In addition, FoulFighter supports sustainable practices by eliminating the use of biocide paints in anti-fouling operations and promoting safer anti-corrosion alternatives.

FoulFighter benefits from accessing design, simulation, and collaboration tools through a single user interface provided by Dassault Systèmes. These capabilities support the development of their products throughout the entire lifecycle, from initial concept sketches to the production and delivery of systems to shipowners worldwide. The company also looks forward to leveraging digital prototyping tools more extensively in collaboration with a broader network of partners.

FoulFighter has assembled a multidisciplinary team whose combined expertise strengthens the company’s value proposition. Each core team member shares a strong commitment to cleaning up the seas and contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. While the team has never met in person due to COVID-19, they collaborate effectively using online tools and regular virtual meetings to advance their physical product development. The partnership with Dassault Systèmes will further expand their network, enabling collaboration with a broader circle of experts and attracting additional talent with complementary skills.