AkzoNobel Launches Biocide-free Fouling Control Coating
Following the launch of Intersleek 1000, a new biocide-free fouling control coating developed by AkzoNobel’s Marine Coatings business, switching to more sustainable shipping has been made easier for ship owners and operators.
Offering fuel and CO2 savings of up to 6 percent, the new product is the first fouling control coating to be based on Lanion technology. The patented technology incorporates bio-renewable raw material that helps to deliver enhanced vessel performance, so that hulls coated with Intersleek 1000 maintain an ultra-smooth surface, reducing drag and lowering fuel consumption and emissions.
Robert Wong, Marketing Director at AkzoNobel Marine Coatings, explained that the launch of Intersleek 1000 acknowledges the need to provide choice and diversity to our customers by developing coatings that recognize the differing preferences and operational requirements of ship owners and operators looking to invest in more sustainable hull coatings.
Benefits
- The long-term fouling control performance of Intersleek 1000 is equivalent to a self-polishing copolymer (SPC) coating.
- When compared with SPC coatings, Intersleek 1000 delivers smoother films upon application, leading to lower hull roughness and improved vessel efficiency. A further benefit is the product’s eligibility to be included in AkzoNobel’s award-winning carbon credits initiative.
Performance
Based on significant R&D, Intersleek 1000 has delivered proven in-service performance on pure car carriers, container vessels and LNG ships. A Ro-Ro vessel coated with Intersleek 1000 generated 1,500 carbon credits during a five year in-service trial. The 1,500 carbon credits represent the removal of 1,500 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere and were accrued through a six percent fuel saving that was independently validated and verified by RINA Services and the Gold Standard Foundation, as part of the carbon credits issuance process.
Wong, the Managing Director, stated that thanks to Intersleek 1000’s Lanion technology, they can offer an alternative sustainable coating option, which supports the widespread adoption of eco-efficiency technologies while meeting their commitment to developing innovative coatings in a sustainable way. This will boost the operational and environmental performance of the shipping industry, as well as improving efficiencies and profitability for ship owners and operators.
He added that as a tangible demonstration of our confidence in Intersleek 1000, customers will be offered performance guarantees in their Performance Maintenance Agreements (PMA) for Intersleek 1000. These include guaranteed degradation of no more than 4.5 percent for the full duration of the five-year docking cycle. More information on the exact operational, cost and environmental efficiencies delivered by Intersleek 1000 on unique vessels and fleets can be accessed through our big data consultancy tool Intertrac Vision.
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Source: AkzoNobel
