Sustainable shipping moves step closer with launch of AkzoNobel’s biocidefree fouling control coating
 

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Switching to more sustainable shipping has been made easier for ship owners and operators following the launch of Intersleek 1000, a new biocide-free fouling control coating developed by AkzoNobel’s Marine Coatings business. 

Offering fuel and CO2 savings of up to 6 percent*, the new product – part of the company’s International range – 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.

“The launch of Intersleek 1000 acknowledes 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,” explained Robert Wong, Marketing Director at AkzoNobel Marine Coatings.

The long-term fouling control performance of Intersleek 1000 is equivalent to a self-polishing copolymer (SPC) coating. In addition, 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.

Based on significant R&D, Intersleek1000 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.

Continued Wong: “Thanks to Intersleek 1000’s Lanion technology, we can offer an alternative sustainable coating option, which supports the widespread adoption of eco-efficiency technologies while meeting our 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.”

“As a tangible demonstration of our confidence in Intersleek1000, customers will be offered performance guarantees in their Performance Maintenance Agreements (PMA) for Intersleek1000. These include guaranteed degradation of no more than 4.5% for the full duration of the five-year docking cycle. More information on the exact operational, cost and environmental efficiencies delivered by Intersleek1000 on unique vessls and fleets can be accessed through our big data consutancy tool Intertrac Vision.”