MOL & Partners Company has Successfully Tested Laser Rust Removal from a Ship Hull
25.02.2025
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This will reduce the environmental impact, improve working conditions and increase the level of automation in ship maintenance and repair.
Furukawa Electric Company has been working on a laser-based rust and coating removal system for ship maintenance in collaboration with MOL and MOL Drybulk since 2021.
Ship maintenance requires the removal of rust and coatings for inspection and repainting. The conventional sandblasting process uses abrasives which results in the spread of garbage including paint particles and waste.
This method requires additional cleaning efforts. On the other hand, laser blasting produces minimal dust, noise and waste thereby reducing environmental pollution and improving work safety.
The system was tested on a real vessel operated by MOL in late 2024, but the results of the experiment have only now been presented. The project participants assessed the use of the laser as successful and announced plans to popularize laser blasting in ship repair. According to MOL representatives this will reduce labor costs.
Source: marineinsight
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