At the forefront of this ambitious initiative is the IMO’s goal to reduce GHG emissions by 50 per cent by 2050, against 2008 baselines. Simultaneously the IMO has adopted legally binding energy-efficiency measures across the whole industry. All new ships will be 30 per cent more energy efficient by 2025 than those built in 2014, whilst existing ships are required to have energy efficient management plans in place. Shipowners and operators are seeking new solutions to help meet and support these targets and the right hull coating solution can play a big part.
A piece of the puzzle
It is well known that the impact of fouling on a hull is significant as it creates friction as the ship moves through the water. This friction increases the power required by the ship to maintain a given speed, which in turn leads to higher fuel consumption and related emissions. Leading global coatings manufacturer, Hempel, is no stranger to understanding the needs of its customers and has recently launched a new innovative fouling defence system – Hempaguard MaX – in support of this.
The Hempaguard MaX coating system achieves a significantly low average hull roughness. The result is a smooth hull which reduces drag and fuel consumption. Its improved fouling protection delivers a guaranteed maximum speed loss* of 1.2 per cent over five years (according to the ISO 19030). Hempaguard MaX is applied in a unique coating system, in just three layers. This potentially reduces dry docking time by up to two days compared to a conventional silicone system.
Hempaguard MaX retains its effectiveness in all water temperatures and at all vessel speeds. This facilitates full trading flexibility for ship operators across the world.
A unique three coat system
The three coats comprising Hempaguard MaX are Hempaprime Immerse 900, tie-coat Nexus II, and Hempaguard X8. The topcoat - Hempaguard X8 – drives the exceptional antifouling performance and incorporates Hempel’s enhanced patented Actiguard technology that combines the smoothness of a silicone coating with an improved fouling defence solution.
This innovative technology was first used in the revolutionary Hempaguard X7 fouling defence solution. Since its launch in 2013, this coating has been applied to over 1500 vessels enabling those owners to collectively reduce their annual bunker bill by an astonishing USD 500 million and, by association, to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 10 million
As the industry continues to move towards a greener and cleaner future, choosing a hull coating such as Hempaguard MaX will maximise efficiency, reduce operational costs and help owners and operators meet their environmental obligations.
Hempaguard MaX at a glance:
- Powerful advanced fouling defence coating system with increased smoothness.
- Low Average Hull Roughness driven by the whole coating system – improving fuel efficiency and boosting out of dock fuel savings.
- 1.2 per cent maximum guaranteed speed loss1 over five years.
- Enhanced anti-corrosive capabilities.
- Three coat system that saves up to two days in dock – saving time and money.
- Improved idle time antifouling guarantee of 120 days.
To find out more please click here - https://www.hempel.com/en/marine/hempaguardmax
1 Speed loss: If a vessel’s main engine is set at a certain power output, it will propel the ship through the water at a certain speed. Over time, fouling accumulation will increase drag and cause the speed of the ship to reduce even if the main engine power output remains constant. This reduction in speed is termed “speed loss”.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited. Add Seatrade Maritime News to your Google News feed.
