Wide benefits claimed for new hull coating

The company says that it has been developing the technology for five years; it is based on silicone-hydrogel and biocide science, being available as two separate products, Hempaguard X5 and Hempaguard X7.

Tests are said to have indicated that the system provides good fouling resistance for up to 120 days during idle periods, along with average fuel savings of 6%. These claims are backed by a performance guarantee, which Hempel says is the first such guarantee contract in the industry, although we understand at least one other Scandinavian coating company offers a money-back scheme.

Hempel’s performance satisfaction guarantee applies to vessels complying with the full top-tier Hempaguard X7 specification, and says that if a customer is not satisfied, Hempel will pay for the “conversion of Hempaguard back to conventional antifouling and with no questions asked.”

The system has been introduced to answer customer demands for a hull coating that would help offset rising bunkering costs, ease compliance with tightening environmental limits and mandatory SEEMP regulations, and maintain performance during idle periods. The company says that ActiGuard integrates silicone-hydrogel and full diffusion control of biocides in a single coating. Surface retention of the biocide activates the hydrogel, which effectively holds fouling organisms at bay, cutting friction to a minimum while utilising a minimum amount of biocide. It is said to offer long-term stability and the mechanical properties required of a durable solution.

“Our goal was to re-think the market. By introducing this concept and a performance satisfaction guarantee contract, that is precisely what we have done,” says Hempel fouling control marketing manager Claes Skat-Rørdam. “Our tests have shown that Hempaguard retains its effectiveness when switching between slow and fast steaming anywhere in the world as well as during extended idle periods of up to 120 days. This is particularly interesting for bulk carriers that can be redirected at short notice, as well as larger container vessels and tankers that may wish to increase speed to meet schedules, or slow steam to achieve extra fuel savings.”