Foul release upgrade projects for Hempel
Hempel’s advanced silicone-based fouling release systems have recently been utilised on two significant projects, replacing competitor products.
of five very large crude carriers (VLCCs) to Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOCs) for the Brazilian mining giant, Vale. Tis work was carried out in China at the Yiulian and Huaran Dadong shipyards. For three of the vessels Vale opted for Hempel’s hydrogel
O silicone Hempasil
X3 coating in order to achieve high levels of fuel efficiency, and associated environmental benefits. In doing so it opted to change from a competitor’s foul release coating which had been applied to the vessels at their previous drydockings. Two further VLCC-to-VLOCs will receive a conventional tin-free anti-fouling. In total Hempel is supplying around 150,000litres of paint for the conversions. Te three VLOCs conversions using the
X3 coating also made use of Nexus X-Tend, a special tie-coat that Hempel has developed. Te product is formulated to make it possible to touch up mechanical damage in a similar way that a conventional antifouling is repaired. In this case the use of Nexus X-Tend facilitated the recoating process and allowed for reduced time in dock compared to alternative procedures. Te recoating of the converted VLOCs took just two days, with a high pressure wash followed by application of Nexus X-Tend and then Hempasil X3. In another significant project, Hempel’s
anti-fouling sealer Nexus X-Seal has been applied to upgrade a series of nine new 13,000TEU container vessels for United Arab Shipping Company (UASC), which are being delivered this year by the Samsung shipyard. These were originally coated in a
competitor’s conventional anti-fouling. However, UASC was quick to see the advantages of the latest Hempasil X3 technology and as a result Hempel has been contracted to coat the vessels in drydock in China, as soon as they leave the Korean yard. According to Malte Eggers, Hempel spokesman: “Tis may seem a drastic move,
ne of the biggest coatings projects for Hempel is recent months has involved the conversion of a series
Hempel has supplied its third generation Hempasil X3 hydrogel silicone foul release system for three VLCCs being converted into ore carriers for Vale in China.
but the eventual benefits, in terms of fuel savings, could be very significant. Moreover, the procedure for upgrading the coating system is relatively simple and fast from both the yard’s and operator’s perspective.” The newbuildings’
conventional
antifouling coating is first high pressure washed, with a full coat of Nexus X-Seal is then applied, followed by a full coat of Hempasil X3. Te first vessel was drydocked in Shanghai and the second in Shekou. Others will follow into drydock as they are delivered over the next six months. Hempel has further announced that another 27 existing UASC vessels will be similarly upgraded in service with the Hempasil X3 technology. Eggers says: “Both the Nexus products used
in these two projects have been developed to simplify procedures and cut time in drydock. As well as saving time and money in the short term their use also leads to fuel savings later on when the vessels are in operation.” While much of Hempel’s R&D activity in recent times has concentrated on the fouling
Shiprepair and Conversion Technology 1st Quarter 2012
release sector, its latest new product is a new ultra high solids epoxy designed for use in onboard maintenance and corrosion control situations. Hempadur EM 35740, launched in January this year, is designed to fix minor corrosion spots before they lead to major drydocking repairs and at the same time meet IMO regulations for ‘Good’ ballast tank coatings. Hempadur EM 35740 is an epoxy coating
that is tolerant of damp surfaces and is primarily for use in the maintenance and repair of ballast tanks. Available in 2.5litre cans it is intended to be applied by brush and is said to be particularly well-suited for small areas of maintenance in hard to reach areas, where climate control and surface preparation are difficult. Another plus is the short drying time, with painted areas immersion-ready in just 8 hours at 20°C. Although designed mainly for onboard ballast tank maintenance, Hempel says it can be used as a general onboard maintenance primer for most other areas of a vessel. SRCT
41
Feature 3
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60