PPG completes 100th dry docking using electrostatic application

Published 16 July 2025

Sustainable application technique offers improved efficiency, reduced waste

AMSTERDAM--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- PPG (NYSE: PPG) today announced the 100th dry docking performed using electrostatic application for marine hull coatings. PPG completed the project on the MV Colossus, a 287-meter bulk carrier owned by Enterprises Shipping and Trading S.A. at CUD Weihai Shipyard Co. Ltd. in China. The team applied PPG NEXEON™ 810 antifouling on the boot top and PPG SIGMAGLIDE^® 2390 fouling release coating on the underwater hull.

PPG is the first coatings company to introduce the application technique to the marine sector, having utilized electrostatic spraying in the automotive and aerospace industries for decades.

The method uses an electrostatic spray gun to apply the coating to a grounded metal hull, with electrically charged paint particles precisely guided toward the vessel’s surface. This results in even distribution and the formation of an ultrasmooth, long-lasting film layer. Compared to traditional airless spraying, electrostatic application increases transfer efficiency, resulting in significant reductions in overspray and waste, and providing a cleaner operation and improved work environment for applicators.

PPG’s focus on innovation and sustainability led to the development of premium fouling control coatings specifically designed for electrostatic application. The unique formulation of both PPG Sigmaglide fouling release coating and PPG Nexeon 810 antifouling coating ensures compatibility with the application method. These low-friction hull coatings also provide benefits in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions savings.

“We're continuing to expand electrostatic application across our global network to help shipowners and shipyards comply with increased regulations and sustainability goals,” said Sijmen Visser, PPG sales director, Marine EMEA, Protective and Marine Coatings. “We already see it quickly being adopted by large shipping companies and shipyards in Europe, Oman, Dubai, Turkey, Singapore and China.”

The technique has already demonstrated measurable results in recent projects. EDR Antwerp shipyard confirmed a 40 percent reduction in overspray using electrostatic application of PPG Sigmaglide coating on a RoRo passenger vessel from Stena Line.

“PPG continues to work closely with shipyards, owners and operators to offer innovative marine coating technologies that drive operational efficiency and environmental compliance worldwide,” Visser said.

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD^®

At PPG (NYSE: PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for more than 140 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $15.8 billion in 2024. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.

The PPG Logo and We protect and beautify the world are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
Nexeon is a trademark and Sigmaglide is a registered trademark of PPG Coatings Nederland B.V.

CATEGORY Protective and Marine Coatings