New hydrogel silicone coating guarantees fuel savings

For the first time, shipowners can use a fouling release system that guarantees to reduce a vessel?s fuel consumption by at least 4-8% within the first year, depending on the type of ship. HEMPASIL X3, a new third-generation system launched by Hempel A/S end of November 2008, has already been proven in sea trials. It?s been shown to cut a vessel?s fuel bill by up to $1.5 million each year for a VLCC with an activity level of 80%, and can also significantly lower CO2 emissions to reduce a vessel?s carbon footprint.

The HEMPASIL X3 system is claimed to be the only fouling release system in the industry to feature pioneering hydrogel technology. The system comes as a package that includes the paint system, the fuel saving guarantee and a third-party fuel monitoring system, making it simple for users to really measure the fuel saving benefits.

“This is the first time that a paint supplier has offered a complete fouling release package that gives the ship operator a fuel performance monitoring tool and guarantees a fast return on investment based on fuel savings,” says Torben Rasmussen, Group Product Manager at Hempel.

HEMPASIL X3 uses hydrogel silicone to prevent fouling on a vessel?s hull. The concept is simple: the super water-absorbent hydrogel forms a polymeric network over the hull. Organisms perceive the hull as a liquid and not a solid surface ? and as a result, don?t try to catch hold. The hydrogel layer is effectively backed up by silicone, known for its self-cleaning properties.

HEMPASIL X3 can be specified for 90-month service intervals, and unlike other fouling release products it works at speeds as low as 8 knots and is still effective at 50% activity levels. This means longer intervals between dry docking, and at the same time makes fouling release coatings relevant for a greater range of ships.

The fuel saving effects of HEMPASIL X3 have been documented through extensive towing tank studies and confirmed by real-life applications on more than 20 vessels. As part of the package, customers also receive a third-party fuel monitoring system ? SeaTrend from FORCE Technology ? that measures and documents fuel savings.

Kjeld Roar Jensen, Product Manager at FORCE Technology, explains: “A system like SeaTrend is absolutely essential to make a sound evaluation of a ship?s fuel performance and, in particular, assess the performance of the hull and propeller.”

As well as cutting fuel bills, HEMPASIL X3 can also reduce a vessel?s CO2 emissions ? a valuable asset as many shipowners strive to reduce their fleet?s carbon footprint. Torben Rasmussen comments: “HEMPASIL X3 can also significantly reduce the carbon footprint for ship operators. To put it in perspective, if the entire world fleet cut fuel consumption by 8%, the fleet?s carbon footprint would drop by 80 million tonnes per year ? that?s a reduction equal to the yearly CO2 emissions of the Philippines.”