PPG has announced its first collaboration with COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation Ltd. for drydocking, utilizing the electrostatic application of PPG SIGMAGLIDE® fouling release coating. This significant project took place on the Yuan Chun Hu, a 333-meter crude oil tanker owned by COSCO Shipping, at the Liuhengdao shipyard located in Zhoushan, China.
During the process, the PPG Sigmaglide 2390 coating was applied to the underwater hull, while the PPG NEXEON™ 810 antifouling coating was used on the boottop. As the operator of the largest tanker fleet in Asia, COSCO Shipping is actively seeking innovative low-friction hull coatings to align with its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals.
These objectives are in accordance with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) energy efficiency (EEXI and EEDI) and carbon intensity (CII) regulations. Xia Lei, PPG’s business director for Marine Asia Pacific, Protective and Marine Coatings, emphasized the industry’s need for innovative solutions.
He stated that premium hull coatings suitable for electrostatic application can help shipowners and shipyards meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations and sustainability targets. The PPG Sigmaglide 2390 coating is biocide-free, providing vessels with the potential to reduce power consumption by up to 20% and GHG emissions by as much as 35% compared to conventional antifouling coatings.
This capability is attributed to PPG HydroReset™ technology, which creates a nearly frictionless, nonstick surface that marine organisms can’t adhere to. Furthermore, the PPG Nexeon 810 coating is an ultralow-friction antifouling that can achieve an overall GHG emissions reduction of up to 25%.
Both coatings are compatible with the innovative electrostatic application method introduced by PPG over a year ago. This technique enhances sustainability through better transfer efficiency, drastically reducing overspray and waste while minimizing volatile organic compound emissions.
In addition, it provides a cleaner working environment for applicators. COSCO is committed to sustainability and actively measuring its environmental impact.
With a focus on reducing carbon emissions across its fleet, the selection of effective hull coatings is vital. By adopting these premium coatings alongside the sustainable electrostatic spraying technique, COSCO aims to significantly minimize overspray, waste, and VOC emissions, creating a cleaner shipyard and improving the working conditions for dock workers.