Fuel efficiency, reduced CO2 and associated emissions go hand in hand, meaning many operational decisions are not only good for business (fuel savings) but also good for the environment (reduced carbon footprint)
Maximum operational efficiency requires a unique mix of operational, technical and maintenance measures, and this is where the right choice of hull coating can deliver significant savings.
Good for business
Fouling on a hull can result in an eye-watering impact on fuel consumption. It is well known that fouling increases friction and this requires a vessel to generate more power to maintain a given speed. Interestingly it has been calculated that over five years, in the worst-case scenarios, engines may need to generate an astounding 20 per cent more power. Investing in an advanced hull coating makes sound business sense.
Hempel, the worldwide coatings manufacturer, fully appreciates the complexities and impact of fouling and draws on more than 100 years’ experience to develop ground-breaking trusted coating solutions. The company’s most recent fouling defence coating – Hempaguard MaX – has become an industry game changer.
Setting this coating apart is its innovative technology that achieves a significantly low average hull roughness to deliver an ultra-smooth hull. This reduces both drag and fuel consumption, and with its improved fouling protection delivers a guaranteed maximum speed loss* of 1.2 per cent over five years (according to ISO 19030).
During these challenging times Hempaguard MaX also allows full trading flexibility as the coating system retains its effectiveness in all water temperatures and at all speeds. Additionally, it can be applied in just three layers, compared with the traditional five coat systems more often used. This reduces time in dry dock by up to two days and significantly reduces costs also.
Good for the environment
The effectiveness of the solution lies in the ability of its three distinct layers working perfectly together. They are; primer Hempaprime Immerse 900, tie-coat Nexus II, and Hempaguard X8.
The topcoat – Hempaguard X8 – drives the exceptional antifouling performance and incorporates Hempel’s 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 X7’s launch in 2013, this technology has been applied to over 1,700 vessels enabling those owners to collectively reduce their annual bunker bill by an astonishing USD 500 million and cut CO2 emissions by more than 10 million tonnes. This means that it not only reduces operational costs but also minimises the carbon footprint of owners and operators.
At a time of so much uncertainty, it is important to be able to rely on solutions that deliver robust and reliable results. Hempaguard MaX ensures all shipowners and operators can maximise fuel savings and minimise their impact on the natural environment.
Hempaguard MaX at a glance:
*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”.
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