Barnacles blind to invisible hull paint

The hull paint, Hempasil X3, works its ‘disappearing trick’ through a pioneering hydrogel technology. Unique non-reactive polymers are added to the hull paint, creating an invisible barrier between the hull surface and the seawater.

The hydrogel fools the organisms (anything from biological slime and seaweed to barnacles) into thinking the ship’s hull is liquid, essentially rendering the hull invisible so they don’t attach themselves to it. This keeps the hull smooth and reduces drag in the water.

It also means the product wins on the green seas front from two angles. Not only is the paint biocide free but, as a result of the lower drag, use of the X3 application shows fuel savings of between 4% and 8% in the first year of use, depending on the vessel type, according to Hempel.

However, unlike conventional fouling release coatings that are only partially silicone based, X3 uses a solid silicone top coating. The company says that this composition significantly outperforms conventional fouling release systems in the self-cleaning stakes.

This has particular implications for the workboat industry, which often operates its vessels at intermittent low speeds, because traditional self-cleaning hull applications are effective only while meeting the water considerably faster. The X3 application, says Hempel, is effective from as low as 8 knots, again saving money on the bottom line. Many vessel operators appear to be are taking advantage of it, with an impressive list of application recipients including the 75 ton multi-purpose Svitzer tug ‘Mussandam’ which had the X3 applied in March of this year.

X3 is backed up by a software program that monitors the in-service performance of the coating. Designed by Force Technology, SeaTrend is an onboard reporting tool that provides operational data allowing a vessel to maximise fuel savings and optimise overall efficiency.

Moreover, the company says that ‘while it’s easy to make big claims we’re prepared to go one step further and back them up by offering a fuel savings guarantee to all Hempasil X3 customers who also opt for the SeaTrend program.’

A company willing to put money where it’s mouth is – and not do a ‘disappearing trick’.