Hempel unveils reformulated antifouling coating

Hempel’s Olympic+ and Oceanic+ antifouling coatings have been protecting vessels since 2009 and 2012 respectively and the introduction of the new, reformulated products delivers an even higher performance through better control of the leached layer and an enhanced mechanical strength.

Coupled with this, higher volume solids, higher dry film thickness per coat and lower volatile organic compounds reduce costs, time and emissions during application. These new antifouling solutions are designed to suit different trading patterns.

Olympic Protect, Olympic Protect+ (for medium to high activity levels) and Olympic Flex+ (for low activity levels) are based on ion-exchange technology and give protection for up to 25 idle days and up to 60-month service intervals.

Oceanic Protect+ (for medium to high activity levels) and Oceanic Flex+ (for low activity levels) are based on zinc carboxylate technology and protect for up to 30 idle days and 60-month service intervals. These coatings also deliver a maximum of 5.5% speed loss*.

Commenting on the new products, Hempel marine group product manager, antifouling coatings Marianna Sioni said “Hempel’s antifouling product range caters for every vessel and every owner and we are proud our Oceanic+ and Olympic+ range has been able to deliver through the years reliable fouling control at such an effective cost.”

“Building on this success, we have invested in reformulating these products to enhance their performance so we can continue to offer proven solutions for a low upfront investment, supported by Hempel’s world-class global service. In short, this is proven antifouling performance reinvented".

All five reformulated products take advantage of Hempel’s reinvented Smartfibre technology which delivers a stronger and smoother hull.

Each coating now contains a 20% higher fibre content, which significantly improves its mechanical strength and allows the increase of the hydrophobic characteristics of the products leading to reduced leached layer thickness.

As water flows over the coating, enhanced fibres, which fit parallel to the surface, ensure a smooth and uniform removal of the leached layer which facilitates a well-controlled polishing rate and biocide release. This enables the coating to achieve a smoother and fouling-free hull throughout the service period.

*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” and increasing power to maintain speed results in increased fuel consumption and emissions.

Hear and see more at the Maritime Air Pollution Asia Webinar Week, 14-17 December 2020.