MOL Successfully Tests High-Tech Laser Rust Removal on Ships

MOL & partners have successfully tested a groundbreaking laser-based system to remove rust and coatings from ship hulls—marking a major shift in maritime maintenance.

This innovative "InfraLaser" system, developed since 2021, aims to replace traditional sandblasting, reducing environmental harm and improving safety.

Unlike conventional methods, which create hazardous debris and require extensive cleanup, laser technology produces minimal dust, noise, and waste.

The successful trial on an MOL-operated vessel proved the system’s efficiency, confirming its potential to streamline ship repairs.

With zero reaction force, the laser system ensures smoother operation, making it a safer and more precise alternative for rust and coating removal.

MOL, Furukawa Electric, and TSUNEISHI Shipbuilding now plan to fast-track development, aiming for automation and labor-saving advancements.

This breakthrough could redefine ship maintenance, cutting costs, improving efficiency, and setting new industry standards for sustainability.