Page 47: of Marine Technology Magazine (January 2026)

fect that (almost) the entire laser power is available – even when components, lowers energy consumption, and minimizes the distances of up to one meter or more have to be bridged during release of potentially harmful particles or substances. In terms processing. Combined with laser powers of up to 6 kilowatts, of environmental protection and resource conservation, the this physical advantage opens up numerous new possibilities for diode-laser-based process clearly outperforms conventional force- and contact-free material processing directly underwater – mechanical or chemical methods—which often cause envi- without an air chamber or other complex infrastructure. ronmental damage and material degradation. This is especial-

Laserline diode laser systems also offer maximum precision: ly relevant for removing marine fouling, which until now has for example, the laser spot size can be adjusted with microm- often been treated with such methods, posing risks to both the eter accuracy, and the power can be precisely controlled within environment and the components.

milliseconds. This ability to quickly adjust the power makes the The system also offers new logistical advantages. While system particularly suitable for complex tasks at great depths. conventional heat treatment processes in the deep sea often require the use of large, specialized ships with daily costs in

Ef? cient, Flexible, Economical the