Efficiency from the moment a vessel hits the water

More precisely, it’s the coating solution applied to the hull and its ability to discourage the build-up of biofouling which increases friction and ultimately fuel consumption.

Marine coatings technology has advanced significantly over the years and this has had a correspondently positive impact on its effectiveness. With over 100 years’ experience, worldwide coatings manufacturer Hempel works closely with the scientific community to unite modern science and effective marine technology with the aim of continuously improving coating performance.

The problem

Even modest micro-fouling such as slime can result in increased fuel consumption of up to 10 per cent. Macro-fouling - seaweed, barnacles, oysters and mussels - can increase fuel consumption by as much as 40 per cent or even more. The intensity of fouling is dependent on a variety of factors including water temperature, nutrients, light and vessel speed. Added to which, fouling is significantly more challenging in slow steaming and idling conditions, tropical and sub-tropical waters where the growth is usually faster and much more abundant. An effective coating must retain its protection in all these diverse conditions.

In response to this, Hempel’s Globic hull coatings range aims to provide very low hull roughness, reduce frictional resistance and maximise fuel economy while still combating fouling using active ingredients (known as biocides). This is achieved through a smart package of active ingredients (known as biocides) in combination with a premium self-polishing mechanism. The Globic range offers a stable polishing rate which releases the active ingredients at a steady pace and provides effective antifouling performance over an extended time.

The right protection

Hempel’s proven Globic range has been applied to more than 10,000 vessels since its launch in 2002. This range is founded on Hempel’s patented nano-acrylate technology: the nano-capsules when in contact with water enable a two-step water penetration enabling a fine control of the polishing process to bring the biocides to the surface at a stable rate in order to ensure a clean hull over the entire service life period. The Globic range also incorporates Hempel’s patented micro-fibre technology giving the coating best-in-class mechanical strength. As an added benefit, Globic’s unique technology allows the coating to start working as soon as the hull meets the water to deliver full and immediate antifouling protection. As a result, Globic coatings enable enhanced operational flexibility and are suitable for wide operational conditions including long idle periods and slow steaming.

Shipowners and operators who choose coatings based upon nano-acrylate technology not only enhance their operational efficiency but also protect their assets for the longer term. The microfibres increase the coating’s resistance to abrasion and impact damage and also protect against cracking and peeling. This strengthening of the coating minimises the area required for blasting and so significantly reduces maintenance costs during dry docking.

Hull coatings play a fundamental role in enhancing a vessel’s ability to operate efficiently and choosing the optimum solution from the outset will mean that a vessel will stay in better shape for longer. And that’s important in these increasingly competitive times when margins are thin and freight rates are squeezed.  

To learn more about Hempel’s Globic range please contact your local Hempel representative.