PPG's sustainably advantaged marine coating solutions

Published 24 April 2025

PPG is responding to the fast-changing environment of the shipping industry, by significantly expanding its product portfolio with sustainably advantaged solutions, writes Ariana Psomas, Global Segment Director New Build and Dry Dock, PPG.

Our product diversification focuses heavily on meeting the growing customer demand for premium fouling control coating technologies that can help them minimize environmental impact and reach their sustainability targets.

The introduction of PPG SIGMAGLIDE® 2390 biocide-free fouling release coating reflects our focus on sustainably advantaged innovation. This silicone-based hull coating offers benefits which include up to 35% reduction in GHG emissions and up to 20% instant power savings compared to traditional antifoulings, while providing extended idle performance of up to 150 days.

Last year, we also launched PPG NEXEON™ 810 copper-free antifouling coating. Its unique formula can enable a total GHG emissions reduction of up to 25 percent compared to traditional antifouling coatings and supports resistance to idle times of up to 60 days with minimal speed loss. PPG Nexeon 810 antifouling features photodegradable biocides that minimize environmental impact while maintaining superior performance and colour retention throughout the vessel’s service life.

In addition to coatings innovation, we have introduced electrostatic coating application in the shipping industry. This application technology significantly improves transfer efficiency compared to traditional airless spraying, which results in reduced overspray, minimized waste, and a cleaner working environment for applicators. The electrostatic process uses charged paint droplets that are attracted to the vessel surface with near-perfect precision, lowering environmental impact and VOC emissions.
PPG’s investment into 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.

PPG’s successful experience with electrostatic application over the last 40 years in the automotive, aerospace and manufacturing industries has paved the way for the maritime sector adopting its use. We are the first in the shipping industry to introduce this type of application, having developed coatings specifically suited for it.

By investing heavily in innovation and R&D of our coatings, we develop products that deliver superior performance while meeting stringent environmental standards. Our specialized coatings are engineered to last longer, reducing the need for frequent reapplication and maintenance, which translates to both environmental and economic benefits for PPG and our customers.

We have seen an increase in demand for our sustainably advantaged hull coatings, PPG Sigmaglide 2390 fouling release coating and PPG Nexeon 810 antifouling. Thanks to their unique formulations, these coatings are ideal for electrostatic application, and we’ve experienced real success with this advanced method, particularly in reducing environmental impact and improving efficiency for our customers.

The EDR Antwerp shipyard achieved a 40% reduction in overspray with the electrostatic application of PPG Sigmaglide 2390 fouling release coating. This was the second successful electrostatic application project we completed with EDR and was carried out on the underwater hull of the RoRo passenger vessel Stena Transporter from Stena Line. EDR’s commercial manager, Philippe Trouillard, said “Electrostatic application increases the weather window in which painting activities can take place, as well reducing overspray significantly. It’s impressive to see how the charged paint droplets are attracted to the vessel surface almost like a magnet. You only have to look at the dock floors at the end of the project to see how much paint has been saved from disappearing into the environment. Due to a cleaner operation, we have spent less time masking the vessel and covering the dock, saving valuable time and costs.”

Our 50th vessel using electrostatic application was carried out on the VLCC SIDR, a 336-metre oil tanker operated by Bahri Ship Management at the Asyad Drydock Company shipyard in Oman and used PPG Nexeon 810 antifouling. Ship Management President at Bahri Khalid Alhammad, said “A cornerstone of our environmental strategy is to reduce carbon emissions of our entire fleet and to achieve these objectives, we constantly adopt the latest technologies in hull coating that would help reduce vessel emissions. Combining that with a sustainable coating application technique makes it an attractive combination to us.”

In addition, we have also recently announced the first PPG Sigmaglide fouling release coating drydocking for COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation Ltd, the largest tanker owner in China, using the electrostatic application. This was carried out on the Yuan Chun Hu, a 333-metre crude oil tanker owned by COSCO Shipping at the Liuhengdao shipyard in Zhoushan, China. PPG Sigmaglide 2390 coating was applied to the underwater hull, while PPG Nexeon 810 solution was used on the boottop.

We are observing a significant shift among ship owners as they review their existing coatings in response to new environmental regulations, such as the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), as well as the broader drive towards achieving Net Zero in the shipping industry. These regulations and goals are having a pronounced impact on the demand for specific types of coating products.

We have noticed a notable rise in the demand for hull coatings that can effectively reduce power demand and emissions. Products like biocide-free Sigmaglide and copper-free Nexeon are particularly sought after for their ability to enhance vessel efficiency and contribute to emission reductions.

As ship owners aim to comply with CII and EEXI regulations, coatings that offer superior hydrodynamic performance and lower friction are becoming increasingly popular. These coatings help in reducing fuel consumption and, consequently, greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the regulatory requirements.

The stringent environmental regulations are driving ship owners to prioritize coatings that not only meet but exceed regulatory standards. This shift is evident in the growing preference for advanced coatings that support sustainability goals.

Beyond regulatory compliance, these coatings provide economic benefits by reducing fuel costs through improved efficiency. This dual advantage of regulatory adherence and cost savings is propelling the demand for innovative coating solutions.

Overall, the push towards Net Zero and the introduction of new environmental regulations are significantly influencing the marine coatings market. Ship owners are increasingly investing in coatings that offer both environmental and economic advantages, underscoring the critical role of advanced coatings in the future of sustainable shipping.

Originally published in Dry Cargo International.