Drag
The boat feels heavy
Slime, weed and marine growth add resistance. You notice it in slower acceleration, higher revs, more fuel burn and a boat that no longer feels clean through the water.
Robotic hull cleaning in Malta.
In-water hull cleaning for yachts and pleasure boats across Malta and Gozo. We use the Italian-made Keelcrab underwater drone to lift routine slime, algae and early biofouling while your boat stays at berth — no haul-out needed.
Prefer to call? +356 7943 5587
Malta & Gozo
Keelcrab robotic cleaning
For yachts and pleasure boats around Malta.
- Keelcrab robotItalian-made equipment
- Routine cleaningBest before hard fouling
- Captain-ledRun by Filippo Marini
- Malta & GozoMalta is the main service area
Why clean regularly
In Malta, biofouling is not something to leave until next season.
Warm Mediterranean water, busy marinas and long idle periods make marine growth show up quickly on yachts and pleasure boats around Malta. Keelcrab cleaning is meant to be routine maintenance: come in before the hull is badly fouled, clean what is there, and keep the boat easier — and cheaper — to run through the season.
Time
Small growth becomes a bigger job
A quick clean is easier before growth hardens. Once barnacles get a proper hold, the options become more limited and more expensive — often involving a haul-out.
Paint
Antifouling works better when it is exposed
Regular, gentle maintenance helps keep the antifouling coating doing its job instead of sitting under a layer of Mediterranean biofouling.
Official Keelcrab demonstration showing the underwater drone cleaning an in-water hull.
The equipment
A small robot for regular hull maintenance.
The Keelcrab attaches to the hull with a marinised suction pump. It moves on tracks while rotating brushes lift routine slime, algae and early biofouling. It is not meant for years of hard fouling — it works best when used early, before growth becomes a haul-out problem.
The operator follows the work through the on-board HD camera and adjusts the cleaning approach to the hull condition. The filter-bag system collects removed algae and vegetation during cleaning where conditions allow, so the work stays controlled without abrasive scraping or harsh chemicals.
For awkward areas, propellers and fittings, Filippo can advise what should be handled separately or with a traditional diver.
- Cleaning capacity
- 6 m² / minute
- Cable length
- 20 m (extendable)
- Drone weight
- Approx. 10 kg
- Operating depth
- Up to 30 m
What owners usually care about
Less time arranging maintenance, more time with a usable boat.
Keeps the season moving
Useful when you want the hull cleaned without organising a lift-out for a routine maintenance job.
Protects the antifouling routine
Regular cleaning helps the paint stay exposed instead of sitting under slime, weed and early biofouling.
Done at the berth
For suitable hulls and conditions, the work happens in-water at your marina or agreed location across Malta and Gozo.
Better fuel efficiency
A cleaner hull means less drag, which generally translates into smoother handling and improved fuel efficiency over the season.
Visible while we work
The HD camera feed lets the operator see the surface being cleaned and keep an eye on the general hull condition.
Less guesswork
You get a quote based on the boat, location and fouling level, instead of a generic price that ignores the real job.
Cleaner process
No abrasive scraping and no toxic chemicals. The Keelcrab filter-bag can collect removed algae and vegetation during cleaning where conditions allow.
Booking
Simple enough to arrange by WhatsApp.
- 01
Send the basics
Length, type of boat, marina or mooring, last hull clean and antifouling date if you know it. Photos help too.
- 02
We confirm the job
Filippo checks whether Keelcrab is the right method for the hull condition, then sends a quote before booking the visit.
- 03
Clean in-water
The robot works over the suitable hull areas while the operator follows the camera feed and keeps the clean controlled.
- 04
Agree the next clean
If the boat is staying in the water, we can suggest a sensible interval rather than waiting until the growth is heavy again.
Time on site
A normal clean is usually measured in hours, not days.
These are only working estimates for a hull in normal seasonal condition. Heavy growth, awkward appendages or poor conditions can change the job, so the quote is confirmed before we start.
Hull cleaning cost in Malta
Pricing is quote-only. Send the boat length, marina and a few photos and we'll come back with a transparent fixed quote — usually within the day.
| Vessel size | Typical time | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 12 m (40 ft) | ≈ 1 hour | Day boats, small cruisers, RHIBs |
| 12 – 16 m (40 – 53 ft) | ≈ 1.5 hours | Sailing yachts, mid-size motor yachts |
| 16 – 18 m (53 – 60 ft) | ≈ 2 hours | Performance yachts, motor yachts |
| Up to 20 m (65 ft) | On request | Larger pleasure yachts |
Who is behind it
A practical service from someone who knows boats.
Keelcrab Malta is part of Filippo Marini Nautical Services, a captain-led business with over a decade and a half of hands-on experience caring for boats at sea, in port and through every season in between. Read more about Filippo's captaincy background or see the full yacht services we offer.
The robot is useful, but judgement still matters. If the hull is too heavily fouled, the weather is wrong, or a different method is safer, the answer should be honest before any work begins.
- Captain-led service, not an anonymous marina listing
- Local coverage in Malta and Gozo
- Keelcrab equipment maintained to manufacturer guidance
- Quote agreed before the job starts
- Straight advice when a hull needs a different approach
Service area
Malta is the main market. Gozo is covered too.
We come to the boat where the job is practical and conditions allow. If the berth is awkward, send the location and a few photos so we can advise before quoting.
Malta
- Msida Marina
- Ta' Xbiex Marina
- Manoel Island Marina
- Grand Harbour Marina, Vittoriosa
- Portomaso Marina, St Julian's
- Kalkara Marina
Gozo & Comino
- Mġarr Harbour
- Marsalforn
- Xlendi
Berthed somewhere else? Just send us a message and we will tell you what is possible. You can also see recent yacht and boat work in our gallery.
Questions owners ask
A few straight answers before you book.
Will the Keelcrab damage my antifouling paint?
The Keelcrab is designed for routine hull maintenance, not aggressive scraping. Its A.N.C.C.P.-certified counter-rotating brushes are selected to respect compatible antifouling systems, including hard-matrix, silicone and modern biocide-free coatings. Before each clean, we consider the paint type and hull condition so the method fits the boat.
How often should I clean my boat's hull in Malta?
In Maltese waters most boats benefit from a hull clean every 1–3 months during the season, and a thorough clean after long periods of idle berthing. A boat that's used regularly may only need quarterly maintenance, while a stationary boat in a closed marina can need monthly attention. We'll recommend a schedule based on your usage and antifouling system.
Do you service sailing yachts, motor yachts and catamarans?
Yes, when the hull shape and condition are suitable. The Keelcrab can work on displacement, semi-planing and planing hulls, including sailing yachts, motor yachts, sport boats, RHIBs and catamarans. Coverage depends on appendages, hull shape and access.
Do I need to haul my boat out of the water?
For routine Keelcrab cleaning, no. The service is designed to happen in-water at the berth or an agreed location, provided conditions are suitable.
Where in Malta do you operate?
Malta is the main service area, including Msida, Ta' Xbiex, Manoel Island, Grand Harbour, Portomaso and Kalkara. Gozo is covered too, including Mġarr, Marsalforn and Xlendi. If your berth is not listed, send the location and we will advise.
How much does hull cleaning cost?
Pricing is quote-only for now because the right price depends on your boat's length, hull condition, berth location and cleaning frequency. As a guide, Keelcrab lists typical cleaning times of around 1 hour for a 12 m boat, 1.5 hours for a 16 m boat and 2 hours for an 18 m boat. Send your vessel details and we'll come back with a transparent fixed quote.
What's included in the hull cleaning service?
The core service is an in-water hull clean using the Keelcrab drone at your berth or agreed location. The drone's HD camera lets us monitor the hull during cleaning, and we can discuss inspection footage or follow-up notes when you request your quote.
Is robotic hull cleaning better than a traditional diver clean?
For broad hull surfaces, robotic cleaning is consistent, coating-conscious and easy to monitor through the drone's HD camera. There's no abrasive scraping and no harsh chemicals, and the filter-bag system can collect removed algae and vegetation during cleaning. Traditional diver work can still be useful for tight or complex areas — propellers, fittings or unusual hull shapes — so the best approach depends on your hull, fouling level and berth conditions. Many owners use both: the robot for regular maintenance, a diver when something specific needs attention.
Does cleaning the hull really improve fuel efficiency?
A clean hull moves through the water with less drag, which generally translates into smoother handling and better fuel use compared with a fouled hull. The size of the benefit depends on the boat, the antifouling system and how much growth has built up since the last clean — which is why we recommend routine maintenance rather than waiting for a heavy cleaning job.
Does Keelcrab remove heavy barnacles?
Keelcrab is best positioned as routine, frequent maintenance. Official Keelcrab guidance says aggressive, deeply rooted barnacles or hard fouling may require a different approach because removing them underwater can risk damaging antifouling or gelcoat. The goal is to clean earlier and more often, before fouling becomes severe.
Get a quote
Tell us where the boat is and what state the hull is in.
The fastest route is WhatsApp. Include the boat length, type, marina or mooring, last clean date and a few photos if you have them. We will quote before booking the clean.
Operating hours: Mon–Sat, 08:00–18:00 (Malta time)