Latin America. Hempel announced the launch of Hempaguard NB, a silicone coating designed for application on ship hulls during the new construction phase. This technical approach seeks to include operational benefits such as fuel savings and biofouling defense from the outset.
Hempaguard NB is based on the operation of the Hempaguard X7 model, but includes a top layer specifically designed to withstand the atmospheric conditions common in shipbuilding contexts. According to the company, this innovation allows the coating to be applied without the need for controlled environments or a second intervention after the delivery of the vessel.
"The development of this solution has required rethinking the formulation of silicone coatings to adapt it to the reality of shipyards," said Alexander Enström, Executive Vice President and Head of the Marine Division at Hempel A/S. "The result is a coating that maintains its high-performance properties from the first day of sailing, without requiring a second intervention after the delivery of the vessel".
Until now, silicone coatings were often applied in post-construction stages, leading to additional costs and delays. With Hempaguard NB, Hempel aims to eliminate these limitations.
According to the company's data, the new coating can generate up to 20% fuel savings, an average speed loss of 1.2% and up to 120 days of downtime without biofouling.
Hempaguard NB joins Hempel's Full Picture Hull Management strategy, a tactic that fuses hull performance information with operational experience in the maritime realm. This method considers hull management as a crucial element for the effective operation of ships and to reduce the environmental effect linked to energy use.
The company has pointed out that Hempaguard NB can represent an advantage in terms of efficiency and regulatory compliance from the beginning of the vessel's life, thus extending the use of silicone coatings beyond maintenance operations.
