Protective Coatings Solutions
PPG helps ship operator and shipyard with sustainability targets
The docking took place at Esbjerg Shipyard, Denmark, in collaboration with the applicator MMT Group and Industrial equipment supplier Mouritsen A/S. Mouritsen supported the shipyard and PPG with the equipment needed to ensure that the application went smoothly.
The challenge
One of FRS's guiding principles is corporate social responsibility. It is always looking for innovative, sustainable solutions that are geared towards long-term business goals and sustainable strategies with the intent of reducing its ecological footprint.
Esbjerg Shipyard is always looking for innovations that can help it reach its sustainability goals and minimise its enviornmental footprint. "Operating a shipyard in the middle of a national park also brings obligations to think of more environmental and sustainable products to be used for maintenance and repair of ships," explains Brian Mose, the yard's Sales Supervisor.
The solution
For many years, PPG has invested in developing sustainably advantaged products, helping shipowners reach their sustainability targets. Investing in advanced hull coatings helps owners cut fuel use, lower GHG emissions and comply with IMO regulations. By reducing drag, these coatings boost efficiency and support sustainable, cost-effective operations.
One example is PPG Sigmaglide 2390, a fouling release silicone-based coating that is 100% biocide free, along with PPG Nexeon 810, which is copper-free antifouling with reduced photodegradanle biocides. These two products are unique not only due to being sustainanably advantaged, but they are also suitable for electrostatic application. This spraying technique significantly reduces coating overspray and waste, minimising the loss factor, resulting in less paint needed.
To support the customer's needs, PPG proposed PPG Nexeon 810 as an ultra-low-friction hull coating for the ferry. As it is 100% copper-free, PPG could ensure that no copper would be released into the marine enviornment in relation to the coating. This ultra-low friction product also delivers immediate power and emissions savings, compared with traditional antifouling coatings, thereby reducing enviornmental impact.
As stated above, PPG Nexeon 810 is suitable for electrostatic coating application, a technology that has an increased paint transfer efficiency compared to airless spraying. Using an electrostatic spray gun, the charged paint droplets are drawn to the grounded hull surface like a magnet. This technique not only creates a uniform, ultra-smooth, long-lasting film layer but also significantly reduces overspray and waste. It also minimises the need for masking the vessel and cleaning the dock post-application, saving time, materials and cost.
"PPG Nexeon 810 helps to improve vessel performance by delivering up to 25% emissions savings due to reduced drag, maintaining higher speeds while staying CII compliant."
The result
Relying on PPG as a trusted partner, FRS Syltferry and Esbjerg Shipyard took significant steps towards achieving their sustainability ambitions, whilst not compromising on aesthetics and performance. PPG Nexeon 810 helps to improve vessel peformance by delivering up to 25% emissions savings due to reduced drag, maintaining higher speeds while staying CII compliant, and improving speed by 0.5 knots, compared with traditional antifouling coatings.
The electrostatic spraying technique also greatly reduced overspray around the shipyard and contamination in the surrounding waters.