NS United Kaiun Kaisha relies on CLIIN Robotics for cargo hold cleaning

In an innovative step towards safer and more efficient cargo operations, NS United Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. has partnered with CLIIN Robotics to streamline the cleaning process of their cargo holds. The Japanese shipping giant recently integrated four of CLIIN Robotics’ Cargo Hold Robots (CHR) into their fleet, marking a significant advancement in maritime maintenance practices.

Cargo hold cleaning is a critical aspect of bulk carrier operations, essential for ensuring the safe transportation of various types of cargo. Failure to maintain clean holds can result in damage claims, additional cleaning requests from shippers, and even suspension of hire payments. Moreover, traditional cleaning methods pose risks to crew members, particularly when working at heights.

Recognizing the imperative for a safer and more efficient solution, NS United Kaiun Kaisha sought assistance from CLIIN Robotics. The CHR presents a revolutionary approach to hold cleaning. CLIIN Robotics’ robots can scale the walls and even the topsides of cargo holds, efficiently removing residue with high-pressure water while being remotely controlled by the crew.

In a statement regarding its adoption of CLIIN Robotics’ technology, NS United Kaiun Kaisha emphasized the significance of ensuring crew safety and optimizing work efficiency. It affirmed that the deployment of CHR exceeded its expectations, enabling it to carry out hold cleaning tasks with unparalleled safety and precision.

“We have integrated four CLIIN Robotics’ hold cleaning robots into our management vessels. These robots, easily operated remotely by the crew, excel in safety and efficiency. They effortlessly scale cargo hold walls, utilizing high-pressure water to achieve superior cleanliness. Their performance aligns perfectly with our expectations,” states Hideharu Eguchi, General Manager/Philippine Standard Shipmanagement Inc. (Manila Branch of NS United Kaiun).

CLIIN Robotics expressed its enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing its commitment to pioneering solutions that revolutionize maritime maintenance practices. The successful integration of CHR into NS United Kaiun Kaisha’s fleet stands as a testament to the transformative potential of robotics in the shipping industry.

hard-to-reach areas. Recently, CLIIN Robotics introduced a new addition to its product lineup: a hull cleaning robot launched in May, expanding its range of innovative robotic solutions.

CLIIN Robotics’ equipment, particularly the CHR, is designed to clean a wide range of dry bulk commodities using only fresh water, without the need for chemicals. The CHR can effectively clean cargoes such as petcoke, coal, concentrates, bauxite, cement, and clinker. It utilizes a combination of dry and wet cleaning methods to ensure thorough cleanliness, even reaching up to 90% of the cargo hold surface area depending on its structure. The robot’s magnetic setup enables access to challenging areas including the upper hopper, while its adjustable high-pressure tools allow functionality on pipes, inner corrugations, and surfaces with angles up to 75°.

CLIIN Robotics’ innovative spray pattern further enhances its capability to clean both between and behind frames. Moreover, the CHR’s robust design enables cleaning operations even during rough weather conditions, achieving cleaning rates of up to 800m2/hour, albeit varying based on the cargo hold’s structure. For instance, on a SUPRAMAX vessel, the CHR typically requires six to eight hours per cargo hold with a water consumption of 10–12 tonnes per hold, demonstrating its efficiency and environmental sustainability benefits.

CLIIN Robotics has many clients, including major companies such as Oldendorff Carriers and NS United Kaiun Kaisha. The company stays competitive by leveraging its extensive industry experience and focusing on sustainability through alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It fosters close client collaborations to create tailored, valuemaximized solutions, and prioritizes simple, user-friendly technology for easy integration. CLIIN Robotics’ innovative culture, driven by diversity and empowerment, ensures continuous technological advancements. Additionally, its strategic global presence allows it to effectively respond to market demands and expand its influence across the shipping industry.

In terms of recent contracts, NS United Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. has partnered with CLIIN Robotics to streamline the cleaning process of its cargo holds (see box).

In terms of technological developments,

CLIIN Robotics has made significant advancements in its robotic technologies. In November last year, it launched the latest version of its robot, the RAW11, which offers enhanced robustness and improved performance across its entire operational width. Additionally, in May 2024, CLIIN Robotics introduced its newest innovation, the Hull Cleaning Robot, designed specifically for cleaning and grooming ship hulls. This robot represents a major step forward in maintaining vessel efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, by September 2024, the Hull Cleaning Robot is set to achieve ATEX certification, ensuring it meets rigorous safety standards for operation in explosive atmospheres. These developments underscore CLIIN Robotics’ commitment to providing cutting-edge, reliable, and safe robotic solutions for the maritime industry.

About Cliin Robotics

CLIIN Robotics tackles diverse industry challenges with simple, safe, and sustainable robotic solutions. Specializing in cuttingedge magnetic robots, CLIIN makes the unreachable reachable. Its mission is to provide versatile robotic solutions that redefine possibilities across various environments and industries. While its robots have wide-ranging applications, CLIIN excels in the shipping and oil & gas industries. In shipping, the robots excel in cargo hold cleaning and robotic antifouling, which includes grooming and cleaning hulls. Additionally, CLIIN’s robots are adept at cleaning the external and internal walls of storage tanks.

These robots are remotely operable, enhancing safety by allowing operators to remain securely on the ground while accessing challenging areas. This efficiency is achieved using only water, eliminating the need for harmful chemicals and setting new standards for safety and sustainability. CLIIN Robotics envisions transforming heavy industries like shipping and oil & gas into more sustainable contributors to global infrastructure, benefiting present and future generations worldwide.

CLIIN Robotics’ solutions not only streamline operations and reduce environmental impact but also contribute significantly to the safety of workers by minimizing the need for them to work at heights during cleaning operations. Its userfriendly robotic systems are designed to optimize vessel turnaround times and increase cargo intake, offering substantial value to industry stakeholders worldwide.