PPG Introduces New Antifouling Coatings Claiming Up To 5% Bunker Savings

PPG has announced a new high-performance antifouling coatings range, called the SIGMA SAILADVANCE, said to be suitable for all vessel types and operating speeds.

PPG Industries (PPG) Thursday announced that its protective and marine coatings business has introduced a new high-performance antifouling coatings range, called the SIGMA SAILADVANCE, that is said to be suitable for all vessel types and operating speeds.

The range has four coatings, including the SIGMA SAILADVANCE RX and GX coatings, which are said to be new formulations based on patented PPG-technologies, and SIGMA SAILADVANCE MX and DX coatings, which were formerly branded as SIGMA SYLADVANCE 700 and 800 products.

PPG says that SIGMA SAILADVANCE RX and GX antifoulings are based on self-release binder technology that uses controlled surface active polymers (CSPs) and provides the coatings with a "self-lubrication and self-release mechanism."

CPS is said to provide an average fuel savings of 5 percent through reduction in hull friction when a ship is sailing, and makes the product particularly effective for slow-steaming ships.

"The SAILADVANCE range has been developed in the knowledge that to meet today's market needs, a coating must cover a wide range of vessel types and operational conditions," said Tom Molenda, Director of PPG global marine.

"Owners want to reduce energy consumption and lower their total costs regardless of how their ships are operating. SAILADVANCE RX and GX [coatings] meet this need whether the ship is sailing, idle or slow steaming, regardless of being applied during new construction or during dry docking."

The news comes alongside a PPG announcement that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Cuming Microwave Corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiary Cuming-Lehman Chambers, Inc.

While financial terms were not disclosed, the acquisition is said to enhance PPG's portfolio of aerospace coatings "with specialty coatings and materials that absorb microwaves and radio waves such as radar."

In June, DNV GL said that it has signed a cooperation agreement with The Jotun Group (Jotun), a Norwegian paint manufacturer, to improve hull performance in an effort to reduce customers' emissions and fuel costs.