Strong Uptake Reported for New Hull Coatings

Rising fuel prices make shipowners more focused on stopping hull fouling

Two new hull coatings designed to improve fuel efficiency have each been applied to dozens of ships since their introduction in March 2013, the coatings' maker, International Paint, said in an emailed press release Thursday.

The company said the biocidal antifouling coating Intercept 8000 LPP, which it says is "aimed at being the most eco-efficient product for this class," has been applied to 44 vessels - largely containerships - with 10 applications contracted and 32 more under negotiation.

The other coating, fluoropolymer "slime release" product Intersleek 1100SR, has been applied to 52 ships in classes including container, cruise, liquefied natural gas (LNG), Ro-Ro, and tanker, with 45 more contracted and 27 being negotiated.

International Paint, a global paints and coatings company that is part of AkzoNobel, said the coatings provide predictability in antifouling comparable to the chemical tributyltin, which was banned because of its ecological impact.

"The popularity of Intercept 8000 LPP and Intersleek 1100SR so soon after their launch reflects the growing awareness of the economic importance of underwater hull condition, driven by sustained high bunker prices, lack of liquidity in the market and increasing environmental regulation," said Paul Robbins, the company's marine marketing director.

"Using innovation to meet these challenges, as well as the drive to create more sustainable operations is rapidly becoming a strategic priority for businesses.

"It is also clear that customers want access to a choice of products, and a broad range of fouling control solutions that provide increasing and scalable levels of eco-efficiency benefits depending on their budgets and commitment to sustainability."

Chemical shipper Eitzen Chemical recently said a good antifouling coating is a "low hanging fruit" for improving fuel efficiency.