HullGuard®: Diverless ICCP System for Offshore Asset Protection

The Offshore Hull Protection Challenges

Maintaining effective hull protection for floating production assets has long been a complex and costly endeavour. Traditional methods often require frequent dive operations, posing significant safety risks and financial burdens.  

The industry faces several key challenges: 

  • High operational costs for dive-dependent maintenance 
  • Substantial CAPEX for conventional ICCP installations or sacrificial anodes 
  • Safety concerns associated with underwater operations 
  • Unexpected failures of existing ICCP systems

These challenges underscore the need for innovative solutions that can enhance safety, reduce costs, and provide long-term reliability.

offshore ship hull protection Hullguard EM&I

The Solution: HullGuard Diverless ICCP System

HullGuard is a cutting-edge diverless system, tested in the harsh North Sea conditions and class-approved for optimal performance.  

This system has advanced technology. Utilises a retractable cylindrical anode, inserted through a specially designed hull port. The system is optimised using Beasy computer-based modelling, ensuring precise protection at minimal cost. 

The patents for this system are pending. Please go to Patents and Trademarks section for further information

In which asset types can this system be used?

This versatile and innovative cathodic protection system is designed for various types of floating assets.  

The primary asset types that can benefit from this service include: 

  • Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels 
  • Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs) 
  • Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs) 
  • Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) units 
  • Other floating offshore installations (both production and drilling) 

How does this Diverless ICCP System work?

Installation and Maintenance

  • A special port is welded to the inside of the asset’s hull. 
  • A cylindrical anode with an integral dielectric shield is inserted through this port.  
  • The anode can retract into the hull for protection and maintenance. 
  • Requires only a 3-4 person team for installation and maintenance. 
  • Can be installed and maintained at any stage of the asset’s life. 
  • Eliminates the need for weather-dependent 15-person dive spreads and support vessels. 

Operational Mechanism

  • The anode is connected to a standard Transformer / Rectifier system. 
  • It provides cathodic protection to the underwater hull, preventing corrosion below the waterline. 
  • The system is optimised using Beasy computer-based design modeling for precise protection. 

Key features

diverless ICCP system HullGuard

  • Easy installation during construction or retrofit; 
  • Effortless maintenance throughout asset lifecycle; 
  • Low life cycle costs with reduced or eliminated CAPEX; 
  • Available on a lease basis; 
  • No diving costs for hull inspection or maintenance; 
  • Modular design for cost-effective anode management; 
  • Compatible with most Transformer/Rectifier systems; 
  • EM&I offers complete ICCP system design, installation, and lifetime care packages; providing a turnkey solution for offshore asset protection. 

The benefits of a diverless ICCP system

  • Cost-Effective: Significantly lower life cycle costs compared to conventional systems; 
  • Diver-Free: Eliminates the need for costly and risky diver interventions; 
  • Scalable: Modular design allows for tailored protection as assets age; 
  • Flexible Financing: Lease options available to minimise or eliminate CAPEX; 
  • Enhanced Safety: Zero risk to divers, improving overall operational safety; 
  • Efficient Performance: Effective design ensures optimal energy usage and protection; 
  • Sustainability: Significantly reduces carbon emissions associated with traditional diving operations and lowers overall energy consumption due to its efficient design.

diverless ICCP system for hull protection emialliance

Experience the HullGuard® advantage: a safer, smarter, and more economical approach to the traditional ICCP system and hull protection. Contact us to learn more about this service!