Hempel Joins Zero-Emissions Vessels Coalition
Global coating supplier Hempel recently announced that it has joined the Getting to Zero Coalition, a strategy adopted by the International Maritime Organization to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Developed in 2018, the plan involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with shipping by at least 50% by 2050, in comparison with 2008 levels.
In becoming a stakeholder in a partnership made up of the Global Maritime Forum, the Friends of Ocean Action and the World Economic Forum, Hempel has officially committed to aiding in the development of commercially viable zero-emission vessels with operations along deep-sea trade routes by 2030.
“As a company, we have long played a key role in helping the shipping industry reduce emissions through our hydrodynamic hull coatings, such as Hempaguard MaX and our SHAPE propulsion efficiency measuring services,” said Christian Ottosen, Group VP, Head of Marine Business at Hempel.
“When creating ZEVs, we need to consider all aspects of design and operation—not just the fuel source—and our coatings are one of the most important components to achieve this reduction.”
According to Hempel, the Hempaguard MaX (which launched in September) reduces vessel drag and also helps reduce fuel consumption as well as other associated emissions. The coatings technology is based from Hempaguard X7—a hull coating that has been proven to reduce fuel bills and CO2 emissions. Since 2013, the Hempaguard X7 has been applied to 1,500 vessels, which has collectively contributed to $500 million in reduced fuel costs and the reduction of over 10 million tons of CO2 emissions.
To reach its 2030 goal, the Getting to Zero Coalition also plans to work with individuals from maritime, energy and other related industries, along with academics and policy makers. The collection of efforts intends to identify the proper technology, investments, infrastructure and actions needed to get ZEVs in full operation.
“The Getting to Zero Coalition is an extremely important initiative,” said Ottosen.
“Global trade—and with it global shipping—continues to grow. It is no longer enough to focus just on improving a vessel’s energy and operational efficiency. We need a totally new approach to vessel design, especially around propulsion—and we’re proud to be part of this very important initiative.”
The IMO plans to pursue eliminating emissions from shipping in order to fully decarbonize the industry.
