By Capt. Neeraj Bharti, Founder, Master Mariner · Published · 3 min read
What does underwater hull cleaning cost? The factors behind every quote
"How much to clean the hull?" is the first question most owners ask, and the honest answer is: it depends on things the question does not say. Two contractors can quote very different prices for the same ship because they are quoting different jobs. Understanding what drives the price is the best way to compare quotes fairly and avoid surprises.
The factors that set the price
Hull area
The wetted surface area to be cleaned is the base of most quotes. A Capesize and a Handysize are very different jobs. Some contractors price per square metre; others price per job based on vessel type and draught.
Fouling level
Slime comes off quickly with gentle passes. Heavy barnacle growth after weeks at anchor takes far longer and may need different tools. This is why an inspection, or at least recent photos, makes a quote more accurate.
Niche areas
Sea chests and gratings, thruster tunnels, bilge keels, rudder recesses and the stern frame are hand work. They take time out of proportion to their area, and some quotes leave them out. Check what is included.
Propeller
Propeller polishing is usually a separate line item. Combining it with the hull clean in one mobilisation is normally cheaper than two jobs.
Capture and disposal
Cleaning with debris capture needs more equipment, more time and disposal ashore. If the port requires capture, the price reflects it.
Location and access
Mobilisation from a nearby base costs less than flying a team in. Anchorage work needs launch hire; alongside work may be limited by cargo operations. Port fees, permits and agency costs vary.
Conditions
Visibility, current, tide and weather affect how many hours divers can work productively. Some ports only allow daylight diving.
Reporting
A full report with before-and-after video, fouling and coating assessment takes time and is worth paying for. A cheap quote with "photos on request" is not the same product.
How hull cleaning is priced
- Lump sum per job: simple, but only fair when the scope is clearly defined
- Per square metre: common for hull area, with separate items for niche areas and propeller
- Day rate: for uncertain scopes or inspection-led work
Whatever the model, a good quote states the scope, the method, what is excluded, and what happens if conditions stop work.
Comparing quotes fairly
Put quotes side by side against the same checklist:
- Areas included: vertical sides, flat bottom, boot top, niche areas
- Propeller included or separate
- Method, and capture if required
- Pre-clean inspection included
- Permits, launch hire and port costs
- Report content
- Weather and standby terms
The lowest price is often the smallest scope.
The number that matters more
Compare the cleaning cost with what fouling is costing in fuel. A fouled hull burns more fuel every day the ship trades. Our complete guide to ship hull cleaning explains how to measure the effect on your own vessel using noon report data.
Getting an accurate quote
Send us the vessel name or IMO, the port and dates, time since the last clean or docking, and any recent photos. We will quote a defined scope from our bases in the UAE and India. See our underwater hull cleaning service or request a hull cleaning quotation.
Sources & further reading
Frequently asked questions
How much does underwater hull cleaning cost?
It depends on hull area, fouling level, niche areas, propeller polishing, capture requirements, location, access, conditions and reporting. A quote for a defined scope is the only reliable figure.
Is hull cleaning priced per square metre?
Often, for the hull area, with niche areas and the propeller priced separately. Some contractors quote a lump sum per job or a day rate.
Why do hull cleaning quotes differ so much?
Usually because they cover different scopes: niche areas, propeller, capture, inspection, permits and reporting may be included in one quote and missing from another.
Is it cheaper to clean the hull and polish the propeller together?
Usually yes, because both are done in one mobilisation with one set of permits and launch costs.
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