In Riviera Maritime Media’s ‘Separating hype and hull coatings’ webinar, marine coatings experts explained that antifouling strategies should be ship-specific and based on performance data
With more than 100 marine coating products on the market and a multitude of operational profiles and environments to deal with, the extent to which a given protective hull coating can mitigate corrosion and deliver fuels savings can be difficult for owners to understand.
Panellists for the webinar covered antifouling challenges, outlining market drivers and regulations including how EU and IMO rules will impact coatings and how vessel profile and environmental data should guide product selection.
Experts in antifouling practice and regulation including Reed Smith partner Peter Glover, Chevron Shipping Co hull and coatings engineer Johnny Eliasson, Safinah Group general manager for marine consulting Carl Barnes, Jotun Performance Coatings global concept director for hull performance solutions Stein Kjølberg and Consulex principal consultant Terry Greenfield discussed issues above and below the waterline, coatings performance, emerging technologies and combined strategies to address fouling.
Mr Glover explained the regulatory aspects of antifouling and coatings, outlining the changing legal landscape as new environmental legislation is introduced in more nations and regions. He also described a growing interest in antifouling strategies from stakeholders such as charterers, banks and insurers.
“The environmental considerations will not go away and they need to be managed,” he said, adding that regional legislation is on the horizon.
“Owners need to consider their charterparties and time charter contract compliance,” he said, noting the need to address business practicalities such as contractual issues.
From a ship operator’s perspective, Mr Eliasson said performance management is complex as is the choice of antifouling and drydocking strategy. “Monitoring is critical,” he said, as are propeller polishing, surveys and antifouling product selection.
“None of the solutions will fit all ships. A strategy for hull management is ship specific,” he said, making reference to the importance of considering a vessel’s operational profile.
Mr Barnes agreed.
All ships have “different and complex requirements from fouling control,” he said, and there are multiple choices owners and operators could make.
“It is really complex and confusing, and not everything fits on all vessel types,” Mr Barnes said. “It is key to have all of the performance data and to understand how these products work on particular routes to help your product selection. As legislation comes in and products change for fouling control, it will be important to have the information available for the right decision.”
Mr Kjølberg agreed performance data and product information were important in shipowners’ decisions “to find the most effective solutions”. He said the ultimate solution for owners is not necessarily the most expensive. “What you consider to be best for the vessel could vary a lot,” he said. “You do not need to invest in the most advanced solution. Get to grips with the performance of the vessel and go forward from there.”
NACE International president Mr Greenfield said the installation and maintenance of coatings should also be considered in a vessel’s antifouling strategy.
“You make good decisions based on the data you have collected, the performance monitoring you have done and the testing you have done to qualify materials,” he encouraged, noting a vessel owner’s approach to installing and maintaining systems will affect the outcome of chosen solutions.
“Ultimately, the maintenance of the systems will have a lot to do with success,” he said.
For full results from the webinar polls, scroll down.
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Webinar panellists (left to right): Safinah Group general manager for marine consulting Carl Barnes, Consulex principal consultant Terry Greenfield, Chevron Shipping Co hull and coatings engineer Johnny Eliasson, Reed Smith partner Peter Glover and Jotun Performance Coatings global concept director for hull performance solutions Stein Kjølberg
Poll results:
Current fouling control products deliver acceptable performance over a full five years in service:
Strongly agree: 20%
Agree: 16%
Not sure: 25%
Disagree: 34%
Strongly disagree: 5%
Which region will next introduce unilateral standards on biofouling?
North America: 34%
Asia: 15%
Europe: 47%
Middle East: 4%
When problems occur, I typically call on:
Internal engineering support: 7%
The coatings manufacturer: 82%
External engineering support: 7%
Class: 4%
Will the future of hull coatings be biocide free?
Yes: 67%
No: 33%
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