EST buys coatings for entire fleet

The Greek tanker and bulk carrier operator Enterprises Shipping & Trading (EST) is to coat its entire fleet of 36 vessels with a special coating, to meet environmental targets.

Amsterdam-based PPG will supply its Sigmaglide 1290 biocide-free silicone fouling release coating to improve the energy efficiency and reduce the carbon emissions of its entire existing fleet.

Having performed several studies with independent bodies to determine what impact the coating has, PPG said the tests showed that there was a 20% reduction in power consumed at design level, and up to 35% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions when compared with other antifouling coatings.

Sigmaglide 1290 is based on a pure silicone binder system, says PPG. It uses enhanced dynamic surgace regneration technology to eliminate slime, which cuts fuel use.

Biocides, which were traditionally used to prevent fouling, are not used, whcih means the solution is non-toxic.

IMO’s greenhouse gas (GHG) strategy for the shipping industry calls for a reduction in carbon intensity of 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050 as compared to 2008, as well as a reduction of total GHG emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008.

Silicone coatings, says PPG, are included among the IMO’s published list of energy-efficiency technologies that can directly shift the power curve.