The debate and discussion on antifouling coatings are increasingly becoming a popular topic in today's shipping world. This is because shipowners face a multitude of options, with each coating promising different characteristics and benefits. For instance, specialized paints aim to slow down marine growth on a vessel's hull, affecting the performance and longevity of the application. Driving factors such as the desire to save fuel and the choice of low-emission coatings have contributed to the growth of the marine coatings market over the past few years. Currently, there are at least 50 different antifouling coatings available in the market. Understandably, each shipowner must overcome the challenge of analyzing, evaluating, and selecting the product that best fits their needs.
Recently, Atlantis drydocked several vessels from their 3500 and 6000 dwt fleet at Gisan Shipyard, testing an array of alternative antifouling coatings. These included Sail Advance RX from PPG (applied on Armona, Antalya, and Alvarado), Dynamic 8000 (applied on Alhambra), and Hempaguard X7 (applied on Andaman and soon to be applied on Antibes), both from Hempel. Armona Denizcilik, the technical arm of Atlantis Tankers, considers Hempaguard X7 a game-changer. This coating has a service period of 60 months and offers significant benefits, including:
Hempaguard X7 is a silicone-based advanced fouling control coating with high levels of solid content, providing a smooth, low-surface-energy, repellent surface with unique fouling control properties. These characteristics allow for high fuel savings potential and are especially suitable for vessels operating with long idle periods or in warm waters. The coating truly allows for flexible trading, fuel savings, and fouling defense at any speed or during idle periods.
