PPG chases sustainability

Published 2 May 2025

The coatings supplier has shown a willingness to explore sustainably advantaged application technologies, writes Clive Woodbridge.

In response to evolving trends within the shipping industry, coatings supplier PPG has recently significantly expanded its product portfolio with what it describes as “sustainably advantaged solutions”. In 2024, 41% of the company’s sales were from such products.

Ariana Psomas, PPG global segment director for new build and dry dock, explains: “While many of our products have sustainable attributes in their end use that promote longevity of customer assets, we consider products to be sustainably advantaged when they contribute to improved environmental outcomes or provide relative improvements over industry benchmarks. Our product diversification focuses heavily on meeting the growing customer demand for these more sustainable marine coatings.” 

As an example, the PPG SIGMAGLIDE®2390 biocide-free fouling release coating, introduced in 2023, offers claimed benefits of up to 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and up to 20% power savings compared to traditional antifoulings. 

Electrostatic application

In addition to these new coatings, PPG has increased efforts to introduce electrostatic coating applications in the shipping industry. This technology is claimed to significantly improve transfer efficiency compared to traditional airless spraying, which results in reduced overspray, less waste and an improved working environment for applicators. 

The electrostatic process uses charged paint droplets that are attracted to the vessel surface with high levels of precision, lowering environmental impact and VOC emissions. 

According to Psomas: “We have seen an increase in demand for the PPG Sigmaglide 2390 fouling release coating and PPG Nexeon 810 antifouling, which are ideal for electrostatic application. We have experienced real success with this advanced method, particularly in reducing environmental impact and improving application efficiency for our customers." 

As an example, the EDR Antwerp shipyard recently achieved a 40% reduction in overspray with the electrostatic application of PPG’s Sigmaglide 2390 coating. This was the second such electrostatic application project PPG had completed with EDR and was carried out on the underwater hull of the 212m ro-pax vessel Stena Transporter. Another recent electrostatic application was carried out on the VLCC Sidr, operated by Bahri Ship Management, at the Asyad Drydock in Oman, on this occasion using the PPG Nexeon 810 antifouling.

In addition, PPG has recently undertaken the first PPG Sigmaglide fouling release coating drydocking for Cosco Shipping Energy Transportation, again using electrostatic application. This was carried out on the Yuan Chun Hu, a 333m crude oil tanker, at the Liuhengdao shipyard in Zhoushan, China. PPG Sigmaglide 2390 coating was applied to the underwater hull, while PPG Nexeon 810 was used on the boot top. 

Psomas says: “Our investment in promoting the use of electrostatic application aims to encourage a shift towards a more sustainable operation in shipyards, with less coating overspray and waste providing an improved working environment for applicators. We believe we are the first in the shipping industry to introduce this type of application, having developed coatings specifically suited for it.”

"Radical improvements"

IMO’s greenhouse gas reduction strategy, constructed in the short term around the CII and EEXI measures, and with more measures under development for the medium and long term, calls for a drastic reduction in emissions by at least 20% compared to 2008 levels by 2030, and by 70% by 2040, as well as reducing total emissions to net zero by 2050. 

Psomas says: “For shipowners and operators, the ability to achieve savings of this magnitude requires radical improvements in design and in operating efficiency, and the selection of the right energy efficiency solutions is of utmost importance. It is this realization that is prompting leading shipowners and operators to adopt low-friction coatings that can directly shift the speed-power curve, reducing fuel consumption and, consequently, greenhouse gas emissions while improving operational efficiency.”

She continues: “By investing heavily in innovation and coatings R&D, we are developing products that deliver superior performance while meeting stringent environmental standards. Through ongoing collaboration with regulatory bodies, shipowners, shipyards and industry stakeholders, we are shaping a future where marine coatings are integral to achieving more sustainable shipping.”

Originally published in Paints and Coatings Magazine.