Fuel consumption benefits from antifouling system backed by money-back guarantee

HPS combines Jotun’s silyl acrylate SeaQuantum range of premium antifoulings with tools to provide measureable data for individual vessels. The company says that the availability of HPS should provide evidence to support its claims for significant reduction in fuel consumption, and Jotun is backing these claims with a money-back guarantee.

During a three-year study, Jotun developed its monitoring tools and analysis method to prove SeaQuantum X200’s ability to provide a clean hull, and less than 1.5% speed loss or a maximum 4.5% increase in fuel consumption over 60 months, compared with the condition of the vessel after dry-docking. HPS customers will install sensors to measure shaft power, vessel speed, wind and draught. Once the data is collected, Jotun will plot the speed deviation relative to the vessel’s speed performance after dry-dock, and provide a long trend analysis of hull performance.

“HPS represents a genuine game-changer in the marine coatings segment,” says Geir Boe, divisional vice president, marine coatings. “Jotun is the industry’s first marine coatings manufacturer to back fuel reductions claims with a guarantee, based on verifiable results. We believe HPS represents the new hull performance standard in the marine coatings industry.”

Dr Morten Eikenes, Jotun’s HPS concept development director, says HPS is made up of four components; Jotun’s SeaQuantum X200, based on next-generation silyl methacrylate binder technology, premium technical service complete with a dedicated project manager, a reliable and transparent method of measuring, quantifying and reporting the relationship between hull performance and fuel economy, and the performance guarantee.

Eikenes explains that Jotun’s SeaQuantum line has established a strong reputation in the market as a leading self-polishing antifouling, developed to reduce film thickness through a process known as hydrolysis. SeaQuantum X200, based on silyl methacrylate binder technology, is said to represent the next generation in antifouling technology. “SeaQuantum X200 was specifically formulated to improve hull performance,” he says. “As optimum hull performance in addition to the antifouling paint itself, relies on surface preparation and application, HPS customers will also have exclusive access to a dedicated project manager supported by a team of experience technical advisors.”

The company says that the impact of antifouling systems on fuel consumption and carbon emissions has long been acknowledged. In a recent study sponsored by Marintek, average vessel speed loss is calculated at 5% for the 60 months lifetime of an antifouling paint. If converted to the extra fuel needed to maintain speed, vessels require about 15% increase in fuel consumption for the given 60 month period.