Coating system combines foul release and biocide technologies

The technology has been further optimised in various stages, mainly through improvements to long-term stability and mechanical properties. The company points to three main driving factors towards the search for the optimum hull coating: rising fuel costs, the financial crisis that hit the industry, and, perhaps most importantly, the ban on tin-based biocides that had previously provided an effective solution.

It was market demands for high energy efficiency and low environmental impact that led to the development of Hempel’s ActiGuard technology. This combines the low-drag, low adhesion properties of a silicon antifouling with a copper-based biocide, released in a slow and controlled fashion (up to 95% less biocide compared to a conventional SPC antifouling) over a long period. The company’s latest hull coating product, Hempaguard, is based on this patented technology, and is claimed to provide substantial economic and environmental benefits.

Hempaguard integrates silicone-hydrogel technology and full diffusion control of biocides in a single coating. The company says that surface retention of the biocide activates the hydrogel, which effectively holds fouling organisms at bay, cutting friction to a minimum using a minimal amount of biocide. The surface is said to offer long-term stability and durability. The system is claimed to retain its performance during long idle periods – up to 120 days – plus offer fuel savings and the flexibility to cover a wide range of combinations of sailing routes and trading patterns, including switching between slow and fast steaming.

Hempaguard is available in two versions – X5, for owners opting for docking intervals of up to 36 months – and the premium X7, which allows up to 90 months service. The company is confident that the technology can live up to the claims. According to marketing manager fouling control Claes Skat-Rørdam: “If you are not satisfied for any reason using Hempel’s top tier product Hempaguard X7, Hempel will pay, under the performance satisfaction guarantee contract, for the conversion back to conventional antifouling and with no questions asked.”