ETS and new IMO carbon targets mean coatings are more important than ever before.
Indeed, hull coatings are a vital piece in the cruise sector’s net-zero puzzle, says Nippon Paint Marine’s technical division director corporate officer Kazuaki Masuda.
The extension of the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) on 1 January 2024 to include maritime transport is the latest in a series of tightening regulations and expectations as shipping’s decarbonisation journey continues.
The full impact of putting a price on shipping’s carbon emissions via the ETS will not be fully realised until 2027. At which point, all shipowners will be required to surrender European Emissions Allowances (EUAs) to cover 100% of their CO2 emissions for their voyages between EU ports, and 50% for those between EU and non-EU ports, with a view to achieving net zero by 2050. Although the measures will be phased in gradually, these regulations confirm the direction of travel for the industry towards cleaner and greener operations as a prerequisite for survival in the medium to long term. Given its level of interest, visibility and proximity to the public, there is no time to waste for the cruise and ferry industry.
Passenger vessels’ sustainability credentials and responsibility to reduce emissions effectively, both at sea and in port, has been well documented across mainstream media worldwide. Reducing emissions quickly and effectively, with proven and available technologies, is therefore a priority for all passenger ships. One of the most widely available and proven solutions to improve operational performance and lower CO2 emissions is an antifouling hull coating, as increased drag from biofouling on the underwater hull of a vessel requires greater fuel consumption for a vessel to complete its voyage.
Aquaterras biocide-free self-polishing coating uses the science and materials derived from medical anti-thrombogenic polymer technology to reduce fuel consumption by up to 10%. An example of the impact that innovations like Aquaterras coatings can have is demonstrated in its partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH). After almost two years of the vessels being exposed to static, pandemic-enforced operation in a fouling-rich marine environment, Nippon Paint Marine’s Aquaterras product demonstrated “superb resistance” to fouling and marine growth.
In 2023, Aquaterras was applied to the vertical sides of Riviera in drydock at Chantier Naval de Marseille, which resulted in a lower average hull roughness. This extreme smoothness significantly reduces friction between the hull and the water and helped NCLH to maximise fuel savings and reduce emissions.
Performance data boost
Real-world performance data compiled from ships applied with International brand Intersleek 1100SR over the past 10 years shows the coating has slashed ship fuel bills by US$8.0Bn and reduced 41M tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The biocide-free, foul-release coating was launched by AkzoNobel in 2013 and has been applied to more than 3,000 vessels since then. The company says demand has risen steeply in the past 18 months as shipowners work to cut CO2 emissions to comply with new carbon regulations and look for proven solutions.
Last year, IMO announced new carbon targets for the fleet, which include a 20% reduction in emissions by 2030, a 70% reduction by 2040, compared with 2008 levels, and the ultimate goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Intersleek 1100SR technology maintains performance through the docking cycle without using biocides and delivers outstanding macro and micro fouling control with improved static resistance, even in warm waters.
Slime that builds up during docking is released when the vessel travels through the water, therefore reducing drag, improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions.
AkzoNobel marine coatings segment manager Chris Birkert says, “Together with our customers, Intersleek has the largest foul-release track record, gathered from 20 years of vessel performance data that proves our Intersleek coatings have helped save shipowners US$19.6Bn dollars in fuel costs and 103M tonnes of CO2 to help them hit carbon targets.
“This incredible saving includes US$8.0Bn in fuel bills and 41M tonnes of CO2 from Intersleek 1100SR over the past 10 years.”
Elsewhere, fuel tank coatings are playing a pivotal role in IMO’s mission to target near-zero greenhouse gas emissions fuels by 2030.
AkzoNobel scientists describe methods to help shipowners hit IMO’s new emissions targets – and how choosing the wrong coatings systems can halt a vessel’s operations.
Akzonobel explains in a recently published Green Ship leaflet Marine Fueling Transition, that shipping companies invest a significant amount of consideration into choosing coating systems for their vessel’s fuel tank interiors. “A failure in this coating can halt vessel operations, leading to consequential financial impacts,” it says.
Examining the issue of alternative fuels and the impact on tanks, it says critical factors come into play when dealing with alternative fuels: such fuels can create aggressive environments in storage which require robust protective coating solutions to maintain the integrity and longevity of fuel tanks.
It adds, “With alternative fuels often having lower energy density and being more expensive than traditional fuels, it is essential to use specialised underwater hull coatings to maximise efficiency. These coatings optimise hydrodynamics, leading to reduced fuel consumption, counteracting the increased costs of alternative fuels.”
Source: Rebecca Moore
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