Hempel has launched Hempelguard MaX with claims of reduced biofouling drag, significantly lower fuel requirements, and a guaranteed maximum speed loss* of 1.2% over five years
Hempel has launched a new coating system incorporating advanced anti-biofouling properties. Hempaguard MaX is applied in three layers, meaning it can be applied more quickly, reducing time in drydock by up to two days. The combined savings generated by Hempaguard MaX through reduced time in drydock and increased fuel savings could payback the cost of the coating within three months**.
Hempel’s head of marine group product management, Davide Ippolito, said "The high level of fuel savings and hull protection are achieved due to the low average hull roughness level delivered by the whole coating system, very low speed loss over the entire operational period and improved anticorrosive capabilities."
"Hempaguard MaX is the next logical step for shipowners and operators seeking to maximise their efficiency and reduce associated CO2 emissions. At a time where marginal gains are of importance and environmental regulations are becoming stricter, the choice of hull coating can make a significant difference."
Hempel’s new system builds on the success of its flagship hull coating Hempaguard X7. Since its launch in 2013, this coating has been applied to over 1,500 vessels. According to Hempel, this has allowed those owners to collectively reduce their annual bunker bill by a US$500M and over 10M tonnes in CO2 emissions.
Hempaguard MaX exploits the synergies between its three different layers: Hempaprime Immerse 900, tie-coat Nexus II, and Hempaguard X8.
The top coat Hempaguard X8 is built on Hempel’s enhanced patented Actiguard technology. This unique coating combines the smoothness of a silicone coating with an improved hydrogel microlayer and active ingredient to provide outstanding antifouling performance, full operational flexibility and smooth hull.
Hempaprime Immerse 900 and Nexus II contribute significantly to Hempaguard MaX’s low AHR. A smoother hull delivers less drag and improved fuel efficiency from day one.
Hempaprime Immerse 900 is an anticorrosive primer that can be applied in one coat, while Nexus II is a next generation tie-coat technology with improved anticorrosive capabilities. Together, they 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.
The new three-coat Hempaguard MaX system used together with Hempel’s System for Hull and Propeller Efficiencya fuel efficiency management software suite available to commercial shipowners and operators.
*Speed loss: 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.
** Based on a VLCC with activity level of 70% and burning low sulphur fuel costing 35% more than standard bunker fuel over a five-year lifecycle. Hempaguard MaX system delivers an annual saving of around US$1.8M compared to a market average antifouling. This equates to a return on investment of three months.
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