The Dutch company Fleet Cleaner, specialized in hull cleaning and fouling removal, has received additional scaling-up financing from Rabobank. This funding will help in doubling the fleet by purchasing three new work vessels. In 2020, Fleet Cleaner already received a Rabobank Growth Loan to promote innovation.
Fleet Cleaner has developed a system to help shipowners improve their efficiency and reduce fuel consumption and emissions by removing the biofouling that accumulates over time. The system consists of a remotely operated vehicle that removes the fouling and a work vessel that collects the removed material for safe disposal. The current ships in the fleet are named Thunderbird 1, 2, and 3. These are converted inland vessels operating in ports in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The first new ship will be launched in July and will be similar to Thunderbird 1-3. The fifth ship also has a similar design, while the last vessel is a seaworthy support ship. Each ship can clean about 150 ships per year. In addition to the fouling removal service, Fleet Cleaner also offers an inspection service, providing shipowners with insight into the status of the fouling and the hull coating, as well as the condition of the propeller, sea chests, and rudder. Class-certified inspections are conducted in collaboration with diving companies.
Alex Noordstrand, CEO and co-founder of Fleet Cleaner, says: “We are honored and grateful for this new scaling-up financing, which acknowledges our successes of the past three years. We have helped shipowners operate cleaner and more efficient ships and contributed to combating invasive species. Due to new IMO regulations, all ships are now required to do more to reduce CO2 emissions, and removing fouling is one of the most effective ways to achieve this.”
Robbert Lut, startup & scale-up banker at Rabobank, adds: “We are very pleased to contribute to the next growth phase of Fleet Cleaner by providing them with scaling-up financing. The company perfectly aligns with our ambition to support innovative and rapidly growing companies. Cleaning ships has a direct impact on CO2 emissions and thus contributes to the sustainability of the sector. With our financial products and services, our (international) network, and our expertise, we can help them in their growth and success.”
In the photo (from left to right): René Boutkan, Finance Manager Fleet Cleaner; Patrick de Ruiter, Relationship Manager Rabobank; Alex Noordstrand, CEO Fleet Cleaner, and Robbert Lut, Scale-up Banker Rabobank.
Text: Stuart Brewer, Beacon Communications
