Eco-friendly in the shipyards

In the industrial world, there are many opportunities for harmful toxins and chemicals to be released into the environment - where they are then exposed to people and animals through the air and water.

Sandblasting old paint off giant cargo ships is one of those areas where traditionally there were limited options to complete the task in a way that didn't release millions of particles of metals and paint into the atmosphere.

Check out this video on CNET that provides a cool overview of a new robot that is being used at the BAE Systems San Francisco Ship Repair site. The robot is essentially a self contained unit that attaches to ships via super strong magnets and then crawls across the surface blasting off the paint while simultaneously capturing the dust in water waste (where it can then be transported and disposed of properly). Very cool!

If you'd like to read more about this process, you can also check out the article here.

A key point here: not only is this process obviously better for the environment (and all surrounding living creatures) but as is the case with many new green processes, it's also smart business. Previously other shipyard operations were halted when sand blasting was being performed due to health risks. Now that work can continue. And what used to be the work of many can now be performed by one - safely controlling the robot via wireless remote.

David R. Kaufer
Founder and Chief Green Officer