Feature 2 | MIDDLE EAST Robots make a splash in Dubai
Chariot Robotics has broken into the Middle East market with a key contract in Dubai.
U
S-based Chariot Robotics has signed a contract with Drydocks World Dubai, with the result
that four of its ‘Envirobot’ machines are now operating round the clock at the Middle East’s leading ship repair yard. Te Envirobot attaches to the ship’s hull using patented magnetic air gap technology and is used to strip coatings and corrosion from the exterior surfaces of a vessel, using ultra high pressure water capable of 12 gallons per minute (GPM) at 40,000 psi. John Odwazny, chief operating officer at
Chariot Robotics, says: “Drydocks World Dubai initially acquired their envirobots to implement VHP surface preparation. Te yard recently fulfilled a contract with BP, to meet the client’s requirement for hull treatment using environmentally friendly water-based systems as opposed to grit blasting. Drydocks World evaluated a lot of systems but eventually chose ours.” Drydocks World Dubai started using the
Envirobots earlier this year and the machines are now said to be regularly employed at the yard. Mr Odwazny adds: “Tey have a very environmentally aware philosophy and the object is to stop using grit eventually. Envirobots are now in use at several
yards worldwide, including Lisnave and Keppel, and will shortly be deployed in Brazilian yards, undertaking work for Petrobras. Te system has also been used this year at Gibdock in Gibraltar, to fulfill a containership hull treatment project. Chariot Robotics highlights the high
productivity rates of the system compared with conventional UHP technology. According to Mr Odwazny: “One man operating a robot via wireless joystick can do the work of over 20 men with VHP guns.” In addition it is said to be much safer and faster than vacuum based robot systems and can be used in drydocks with limited space allowing work to continue on nearby vessels. SCRT
The Envirobot in action. 28 Shiprepair and Conversion Technology 4th Quarter 2010
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