INFORMATION PORTAL > TECHNOLOGY GROUPS > Hull performance coating

Hull performance coating

The coatings will reduce the resistance of the ship hull through water, and reduce the needed engine power, and thus reduce fuel consumption during transit.

Although the theoretical reduction potential is well established, the savings of applying advanced hull coatings may be challenging to measure as several energy saving measures may be installed simultaneously when the ship is in dock. However, there is no doubt a potential for saving by applying high end products such as silicone-based hull coating. In combination with good hull condition monitoring and maintenance, savings will be achieved.

 

Applicability and assumptions

Hull coating is applicable for all vessel types and ages. Ships are generally recoated every fifth year and by applying high performance coating, hull resistance can be reduced. The reduction potential in frictional resistance will be higher for full bodied ships such as bulkers and tankers. For existing ships there is also a higher potential on segments with a relatively high average ship age. For these segments it is assumed that hull sandblasting will be needed in order to obtain the full effect. The measure will have a capital expense every fifth year when the ship is in dry dock.

Cost of implementation

The cost of hull coating is dependent on the vessel size and segment and will vary in price based on which product one chooses. However, a price within the range of $30,000 – $600,000 (USD) can be expected. The cost is the difference between the standard coating and the high performance coating.

Reduction potential

Several tests on commercial ships and laboratories have showed that high end products are able to reduce the overall ships resistance by up to 8%. This goes both for silicone based and self-polishing types of coatings. The reduction potential is dependent of vessel size, segment, operation profile and trading areas and are in the range of 1 – 5% on total fuel consumption.

Other References

  1. Fathom Focus. (n.d.). Hull Coatings for Vessel Performance / The Important Role of the Hull in Ship Efficiency
  2. Hullwiper. (n.d.). Fuel saving calculator based on hull cleaning
  3. Smith, T.W.P., et al. (2014). Third IMO GHG Study 2014. International Maritime Organization (IMO)
  4. Dong, et al. (2013). Extraordinary drag-reducing effect of a superhydrophobic coating on a macroscopic model ship at high speed
  5. Hakim, et al. (2019). Investigation of fuel consumption on an operating ship due to biofouling growth and quality of anti-fouling coating

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