In order to modernize ship repair and maintenance, Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), in collaboration with MOL Dry Bulk, Furukawa Electric and Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, has successfully completed a demonstration test of the InfraLaser system on an actual ship . This advancement promises to replace traditional sandblasting, reducing environmental impact and optimizing ship maintenance processes.
An alternative for cleaning helmets
Boat maintenance requires the removal of rust and paint to ensure the structural integrity of the vessels . Traditionally, this process is carried out by sandblasting, an effective but polluting technique that generates large amounts of waste.
InfraLaser, developed by Furukawa Electric, is presented as an efficient and ecological alternative. Laser technology allows the removal of rust and coatings without generating abrasive waste , minimizing dust and noise in shipyards. In addition, it improves working conditions by eliminating the exposure of operators to toxic particles.
This technology, in addition to reducing the environmental footprint of shipyards, optimizes operating costs by requiring less labor and improving maintenance efficiency. It also enables the automation of processes, opening up the possibility of safer and more profitable naval maintenance.
InfraLaser testing on a real ship
In December 2024, MOL conducted the first InfraLaser test on a vessel in its fleet , using coatings from Kansai Paint Marine. During the demonstration, the laser ‘s effectiveness in removing paint and rust was proven, allowing for more precise and less invasive treatment of the ship’s metal structures.
Tsuneishi Shipbuilding provided feedback to adapt the technology to the needs of the sector, while MOL and MOL Dry Bulk supported the development and evaluation of its applicability in real operations.
In the future, the companies involved plan to continue perfecting the system and exploring its application in different types of vessels. With this innovation, the maritime industry is moving towards a sustainable and technologically advanced maintenance model.
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Source and photos: MOL
