MOL promoting R&D on high-performance antifouling paint

This is a technology development support program sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and is a key element of MOL’s CO₂ reduction technology R&D initiative.

The drag of seawater over the vessel’s wetted surface accounts for 50% to 80% of all resistance, including wind and wave resistance. This R&D project aims to develop a super-slick antifouling paint for ship bottoms that will dramatically reduce fuel consumption. With the addition of a high-performance low-ablation additive, the paint will, MOL claims, significantly reduce drag. MOL will verify the paint’s effectiveness in CO₂ reduction by applying it to its operated vessels and carefully analyzing its performance during voyages.

The paint used in the R&D project is expected to lower CO₂ emissions 8% to 12% compared to conventional antifouling paints.

This R&D project is a step toward realization of MOL’s vision for the vessels of the future, announced as “ISHIN-I (car carrier)” in September 2009 and “ISHIN-II (ferry)” in December 2009. MOL continues to work aggressively on R&D to reduce the environmental burden of its vessel operations.