Chief Engineer reviews DragGone™ ultrasonic antifouling on superyacht
Superyacht MMM, designed for global exploration, has found the ideal solution for biofouling management with the DragGone™ ultrasonic antifouling system.
Superyacht MMM is designed for global exploration with reliable antifouling protection
Launched in 1993 and refit in 2014, MMM was the first-ever expedition yacht designed specifically for global exploration rather than being converted from another type of vessel. At 49 meters (161 feet) in length, she offers luxurious accommodations for 12 guests across five cabins. The yacht also features a helipad with a below-deck hangar and an all-weather design, making her ideal for worldwide cruising. Built with global expeditions in mind, MMM required reliable and proactive biofouling management to meet the strict local cleaning regulations in protected waters. A robust system was essential to keep the vessel’s hull free from marine growth, especially given the extended periods spent stationary in marinas.
We’ve cruised all over—Eastern Mediterranean, Western Mediterranean, from Turkey to Palma—and the hull has stayed in great shape throughout, which is impressive given the conditions.
How MMM’s hull stays pristine with DragGone™ ultrasonic antifouling
After several months of cruising through the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, as well as extended stationary periods in biofouling-prone marinas, MMM’s hull remained virtually spotless. Chief Engineer Liam Worden highlighted that the DragGone™ system delivered exactly as promised, effectively preventing barnacles and other marine growth from settling on the hull.
When MMM was hauled out for inspection due to an unrelated issue, the condition of its hull was remarkable. While other vessels in the same drydock had hulls encrusted with barnacles and hard fouling, MMM’s hull was in pristine condition. Worden confirmed that the hull had not been cleaned during the five-day period leading up to the inspection—what observers saw was the actual state of the vessel’s hull after months of cruising and remaining stationary. The difference between MMM and the surrounding yachts, which had all been cruising in the same waters and conditions, was a clear testament to the effectiveness of the DragGone™ system.
Without the system, I’d expect the hull to look a lot like the other yachts here—barnacles and fouling everywhere. Seeing the hull clean while other boats are covered in marine growth is like night and day.
DragGone™ delivers exceptional performance for extended cruising on MMM
One of the key benefits Worden emphasized was how unobtrusive the DragGone™ system is. Despite continuous operation, the transducers are virtually silent, with no perceptible vibrations inside or outside the vessel. This “fit and forget” nature is ideal for luxury yachts, where guest experience and comfort are paramount.
The DragGone™ system has been operational for eight months, and you can’t feel it or hear it, it’s like it’s not there. I’ve never once heard any sound, and it’s been working perfectly.
In terms of operational reliability, Worden reported that the system remained fully operational at all times, without any need for downtime. This level of reliability ensured that the crew could focus on other essential duties without having to worry about managing the antifouling system. Its performance over the eight-month period proved that DragGone™ was a valuable addition to MMM’s onboard systems, providing long-term protection with minimal maintenance.
Reliable biofouling protection during global expeditions on MMM
While MMM has not yet experienced noticeable changes in fuel efficiency, Worden mentioned that larger vessels could see fuel savings of up to 30% with a clean hull. This reduction in drag could translate into significant operational cost savings for superyachts and commercial vessels alike.
For MMM, which typically applies antifouling paints every two years to maintain the vessel’s aesthetics and protect against fouling, the DragGone™ system offers the potential to extend this maintenance interval. By preventing biofouling on the hull, the system reduces the need for divers and underwater cleaning operations, especially when operating in regions with strict biofouling regulations. This not only helps reduce maintenance costs but also ensures compliance with international guidelines designed to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species.
We had the DragGone™ system installed because the boss wants to go world cruising, including to protected areas with strict biofouling controls. Without this system, we’d need to clean the hull constantly, which gets expensive and time-consuming.
MMM sets the standard for biofouling protection with DragGone™
With the yacht’s global cruising itinerary, MMM frequently operates in regions with biofouling regulations that mandate clean hulls to prevent the spread of invasive species. The DragGone™ system’s environmentally friendly design, which uses ultrasonic sound waves to prevent biofouling, eliminates the need for harmful chemicals or frequent hull cleaning. This is particularly beneficial when cruising in protected waters, where traditional hull cleaning can be both expensive and risky for marine ecosystems.
Normally, after this long sitting still in marinas, the whole hull would be covered in barnacles and other fouling. But thanks to the system, it’s stayed remarkably clean. I was really surprised by how well it worked.
By maintaining a clean hull, MMM can seamlessly comply with biofouling regulations in sensitive areas, reducing the need for divers and expensive hull cleaning before entering protected waters. This proactive approach to biofouling management ensures that MMM remains in optimal condition for worldwide cruising, with minimal environmental impact.
Why do superyacht engineers trust DragGone™ for a cleaner hull?
Ideal solution for global exploration
As MMM continues its global explorations, the DragGone™ ultrasonic antifouling system remains a key factor in maintaining the vessel’s hull condition, ensuring compliance with international biofouling regulations, and minimizing maintenance efforts. With its efficient, quiet, and reliable operation, the DragGone™ system is the ideal choice for yachts looking to enhance performance and reduce their environmental footprint.
For luxury yachts like MMM, built for adventure and designed for long-term global cruising, DragGone™ provides the perfect balance of performance, convenience, and eco-friendliness. It is a proactive solution that not only protects the yacht’s hull from fouling but also aligns with the environmental standards of today’s yachting industry.