Operational efficiency remains at the top of every ship operator’s agenda, particularly during this sluggish market. But what influences the efficiency of a vessel’s hull and what can be done to optimise performance? We take a look at paint protection Perth and how it plays an important part in helping to preserve the value of your car.
Ship design, propellers, technical and operational factors all play a role and within this mix the right choice of hull coating can impact on fuel consumption and associated CO2 emissions. It is well known that a clean and smooth hull reduces friction between the ship and the sea, streamlining the movement of the ship through the water and delivering improved efficiency.
Hempel, the world-wide coatings manufacturer, understands that vessels’ hull coatings must deliver excellent hydrodynamics to meet ship operators’ efficiency needs and is exhibiting at Nor-Shipping this year to showcase its ground-breaking fouling defence coating, Hempaguard.
Hempaguard is the only hull coating on the market to combine the low surface friction of silicone with efficient fouling preventing biocides in a single coat, delivering a significant six per cent fuel saving compared with best-in-class antifoulings over the entire service interval.
Launched in 2013, Hempaguard has been very well received by ship owners thanks to its outstanding resistance to fouling, including during idle period of up to 120 days. Hempaguard releases 95 per cent less biocide than traditional antifoulings offering enhanced environmental performance. Significantly, it also retains its effectiveness when switching between slow and normal steaming giving fleet operators unrivalled flexibility over their fleet utilisation, providing competitive advantage in this difficult market.
A coat of paint for operational efficiency
Neptune Lines operates a modern fleet of 15 Pure Car & Truck Carriers (PCTCs) and transports finished vehicles for some of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers and logistics providers. The finished vehicle transportation market has very short lead times with tight delivery schedules meaning vessel speed and reliability is vital.
Not only is Neptune committed to ensuring excellent energy efficiency for its PCTC vessels with low fuel consumption at high speeds, but it is also dedicated to green shipping with very specific emission reduction targets. After trying a number of hull coatings, Neptune Lines decided to test Hempaguard X7 on its 6,580dwt car carrier, Neptune Dynamis.
It was soon found that Neptune Dynamis was clearly out-performing other vessels in the fleet in terms of efficiency, with reduced fuel consumption and emissions whilst maintaining high passage speeds. Due to this, Neptune Lines made the easy decision to switch a number of other vessels to Hempaguard X7.
Hempel is heavily investing in R&D to deliver more robust and flexible solutions, ensuring the company continues to offer products and services that contribute to optimising a vessel’s performance and minimising operational costs across its life cycle.
Please come and visit Hempel at booth no. 02-25 Hall D, Norway Trade Fairs, Lillestrøm, Oslo, to discuss optimised coating solutions to meet your efficiency needs.