It is well known that the regulatory landscape changed significantly in January this year with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) sulphur cap coming into force, but it does not end there. Environmental initiatives that are championed by the IMO are at the forefront for the industry to operate not only efficiently, but also as environmentally and sustainably as possible for generations to come.
One such example is the ambitious IMO goal to reduce GHG emissions by 50 per cent by 2050, against 2008 baselines, and it is in full swing. Here is where everyone needs to play their part in order to meet this target. Savvy shipowners and operators understand the role of each player and are constantly seeking new solutions and technologies to help set them apart.
Efficiency is key
Having introduced the world’s first marine antifouling solution in 1917, worldwide coatings manufacturer Hempel is no stranger to understanding the important role a coating can play in operational efficiency. The impact of fouling on a hull is significant as it creates friction as the ship moves through the water. This in turn increases the power required by the ship to maintain a given speed which leads to higher fuel consumption and related emissions. Hempel has invested heavily in R&D to create trusted coatings that meet the needs of its customers and its latest fouling solution – Hempaguard MaX - is the new peak in efficiency.
Not only does Hempaguard MaX provide vessels with a smoother hull, reducing drag and resulting in significantly lower fuel requirements, it also delivers a guaranteed maximum speed loss1 of 1.2 per cent over five years (according to ISO 19030). This is a considerable saving for owners facing rising and uncertain fuel costs. The unique system is applied in just three layers, meaning it can be applied more quickly, reducing time in dry dock by up to two days. The combined savings generated by Hempaguard MaX could pay back the cost of the coating within three months2.
Hempaguard MaX also protects a vessel from fouling when idle for up to 120 consecutive days. Unlike many other hull coatings, the vessel only has to move small distances before it can sit idle for a further 120 days. This delivers unparalleled flexibility in fleet utilisation.
One, two, three
The three coats comprising Hempaguard MaX are Hempaprime Immerse 900, tie-coat Nexus II, and Hempaguard X8. These three existing Hempel coatings create a unique synergy that delivers even more savings in dock and in-service.
Built on Hempel’s leading hull coating Hempaguard X7, the topcoat Hempaguard X8 is the power behind the unrivalled antifouling performance. It incorporates Hempel’s enhanced patented Actiguard® technology that combines the smoothness of a silicone coating with an improved hydrogel microlayer and active ingredient.
Hempaprime Immerse 900 is an anticorrosive primer that can be applied in one coat, while Nexus II is a tie-coat technology with improved anticorrosive capabilities. Together, these layers provide the same protection delivered by two standard maintenance epoxy coats, reduce time in the dock for faster return to service and ultimately save money for the shipowner and operators.
A coating solution such as Hempaguard MaX can help owners and operators maximise their efficiency and reduce associated CO2 emissions. As the maritime industry moves away from just improving bottom line and is taking significant steps to operate cleaner and greener, the choice of hull coating has never been so important.
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.
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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”.
2 Based on a VLCC with activity level of 70 per cent and burning low sulphur fuel costing 35 per cent more than standard bunker fuel over a five-year life cycle. Hempaguard MaX system delivers an annual saving of around USD 1.8 million compared to a market average antifouling. This equates to a ROI (return on investment) of three months.
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