Subsea’s Ecoshield protects against cavitation damage

These challenges, which routinely affect rudders, thruster tunnels, and other underwater components, often lead to costly drydockings and extended operational downtime. Ecoshield, however, is proving to be a transformative solution for shipowners seeking long-term protection and reduced maintenance expenditure.

Cavitation erosion—caused by the collapse of vapour bubbles near metal surfaces—can rapidly deteriorate steel, particularly around propulsion and steering systems. Traditional coatings typically fail to resist this level of mechanical stress, eroding within months and requiring frequent reapplication.

Ecoshield, developed specifically to counter this issue, forms a highly durable barrier that bonds tightly to the steel substrate. Applied in two layers, it delivers permanent protection, with only minor touch-ups needed even after many years in service. These touch-ups blend seamlessly with the original coating, extending its service life without compromising performance.

The coating’s effectiveness is not theoretical; it is backed by extensive field experience across a broad range of operators. German shipowner Ernst Russ first applied Ecoshield to the rudder of the Elizabeth Russ in 2004, after persistent cavitation damage. Since then, the company has adopted the coating across its entire fleet following its success. Similarly, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has applied Ecoshield to more than 100 vessels—including rudders, thruster tunnels, bulbous bows, and even boottops—highlighting its adaptability and reliability across different hull areas.

French shipping giant CMA CGM began using Ecoshield in 2011, with over 100 vessels treated to date. The coating has been used on rudders, Becker Twisted Fins®, thruster tunnels, and bow sections, consistently outperforming conventional systems. Canadian shipowner Seaspan also embraced Ecoshield in 2010, citing rudder protection lasting up to ten years without repairs—translating into drydock time savings of up to three days per vessel. Danaos Shipping, one of the world’s largest independent container charter owners, reports similar success, with around 40 vessels treated since 2008 and increasing use across additional submerged areas.

Application is streamlined to fit within standard drydocking schedules. After grit-blasting the steel, Ecoshield’s two coats are applied with just a three-hour interval. When cavitation damage is already present, Ecofix—a compatible steel-repair compound—is used to rebuild affected areas, eliminating the need for steel cutting or hot work. Once cured, Ecoshield seals the repaired surface, reinstating full protection.

Beyond erosion resistance, Ecoshield delivers financial and operational benefits. Operators report significant reductions in maintenance costs, drydock time, and labour requirements. The coating also eliminates the need for sacrificial anodes on rudders, offering further simplification and weight savings.

With more than 1,000 applications in service there is a growing number of major shipowners making it a standard part of their maintenance strategies.