PPG to develop eco-friendly hull film system

The eSHaRk project is working to establish an automatic application process for allowing an innovative self-adhesive/fouling release film to be used on commercial sea-going vessels.

Christophe Cheikh, PPG’s product manager, said: “It aims to bring to the market a fouling protection technology which is superior to existing paint-based solutions in terms of eco friendliness, easiness of application, robustness and drag reduction effects, all of which will lead to fuel savings and the reduction of GHG emissions.”

The project’s development group includes PPG, MACtac, Meyer Werft/ND Coatings, VertiDrive and Hamburg Ship Model Basin HSVA.

As a part of the project, new application technology is being developed by VertiDrive to apply the film on large commercial vessels in an automated way. This will aim to enhance drag reduction, fuel savings and emissions reduction benefits.

The system incorporates a fine-tuned fouling release system, based on PPG’s premium 100% silicone binder technology, and a self-adhesive film specially designed by MACtac for underwater use.

Mr Cheikh added: “Fouling is a constant challenge for the shipping industry. A number of fouling protection technologies currently exist, the most widely used being spray-on anti-fouling and fouling release coatings.”

“However, these solutions face a number of challenges concerning their environmental impact, the efficiency of their application on ship hulls, and their effectiveness in protecting vessels against fouling.”

A number of trial applications have been taking place and advantages to the system is being demonstrated.

These include productivity improvement with an easier and faster application of fouling release system without the tradition constraint of overcoating intervals. As well as minimum impact on environmental, health and safety requirements, waste reduction, and minimising the need for safety equipment at the time of application.

This validation phase will continue with the number of trials and the size of the vessels increasing, this hopes to confirm the benefits for the ship operator in terms of fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emission reduction.

The PPG SIGMAGLIDE fouling release film solution under development within the eSHaRk project has a targeted launch date of 2018.