Antifouling aims to cut overall costs

The new high-solids versions of Globic, Oceanic and Olympic, known as Globic 9000, Globic 6000, Oceanic+ and Olympic+, offer optimised binder systems, polishing rates, biocides and solids levels. In addition, they incorporate microfibre technology, said to reinforce the coating to deliver greater mechanical strength and elasticity The company claims the antifoulings can help shipowners to reduce the environmental impact of their vessels, by protecting against fouling and hence cutting fuel consumption and associated emissions. VOC emissions are said to be very low.

Globic 9000 is an evolution of Globic NCT, which can be specified for 90-month docking intervals. Globic 6000 is a new lower-cost version, using similar technology, suitable for 60-month intervals. Both Globic 9000 and Globic 6000 employ patented nano-capsule binder technology, which has consistently been refined by Hempel over the last ten years. Tests have shown little evidence of fouling, even after five years at sea. Oceanic+ is a more economical solution for 60-month intervals, suitable for most trading waters, and also available in a version for flat-bottom applications. Olympic+ is an evolution of Olympic, an antifouling intended for less aggressive fouling waters, with improved performance for 36-month service intervals.

According to Torben Rasmussen, group product manager at Hempel, the company’s new antifoulings offer shipowners security in uncertain times: “We are proud that our new antifoulings offer our customers the confidence that comes with proven performance. All our new products are built on tried-and-tested technology and are developed using our unique method for evaluating and optimising antifoulings.”

Hempel says its website offers a means for customers to quickly find the antifoulings that best meet the specific demands of their fleets.