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International Paint has introduced an antifouling coating that purports to significantly reduce emissions and fuel costs by reducing hull roughness.
Intersleek900, a fluoropolymer foul release coating, offers “predicted fuel and emissions savings of up to 9% in comparison to biocide containing SPC (self-polishing copolymer) antifoulings,” the manufacturer says.
In-service use of the silicon-based, biocide-free coating on a range of more than 250 vessels has shown “considerably higher” savings, according to the manufacturer.
Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) now coated with SPCs could save 9,000 tons of fuel and reduce CO2 emissions by 31,000 tons, saving about $3.6 million, International Paint says.
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International Paint |
“We believe Intersleek900 is a significant development which will have a positive impact on the environmental profile and fuel efficiency of the global fleet,” the company says.
Features and Benefits
According to the manufacturer, the paint reduces hull surface roughness, making fouling easier to remove and reducing the coefficient of friction underwater. The product’s water repellency is designed to make it more difficult for marine organisms to adhere.
The benefits are designed for any vessel operating above 10 knots, International Paint says.
Intersleek900 contains no cuprous oxide or organic tin and does not leach biocides into the sea, according to the manufacturer. This reduces treatment and disposal costs of wash water and blasting abrasive in drydock. Hydroblasting is all that is required to clean the hull at maintenance and repair, the company says.
The paint will see its first commercial use by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. on a 38,000-class bulker now under construction at the Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. Shitanoe Works in Japan.
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