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Remarkable performance during 45-month test application persuades Euronav to switch vessels to Hempaguard.

Euronav, one of the global leaders in the shipping of crude oil, had been using our silicone coatings on its tankers since 2007. The company was keen to try the new technology, but wanted to patch test it on a vessel in active service before making any full-ship applications.

“Maintaining a smooth and fouling free underwater hull surface during the entire service period is vital for the efficient operation of our vessels. We tested Hempaguard using a (300m²) test patch on our VLCC crude carrier Famenne, which trades in fouling aggressive warm waters.” explains Theodore Mavraidis, Fleet Technical Manager, Euronav Ship Management (Hellas) Ltd.

According to Theodore Mavraidis, the results were impressive. Famenne was using a standard SPC coating and the Hempaguard test patch clearly outperformed the standard SPC antifouling in terms of smoothness and low surface friction.

A diving inspection after 23 months in service and again after 45 months in service confirmed and documented that Hempaguard is still showing a slime and fouling-free performance

Theodore Mavraidis, Fleet Technical Manager, Euronav Ship Management(Hellas) Ltd.

Hempaguard has developed a reputation across the industry for delivering significant fuel savings compared to conventional antifoulings. As the only hull coating on the market to combine the low surface friction of silicone with efficient fouling preventing biocides, the coating has seen more than 400 full-ship applications since its full launch in September 2013.

Excellent performance despite extensive idle periods

The Famenne mainly trades in Asia and the Middle East, but over the test period it traversed most of the globe, including stints in southern Europe and North America. In addition, Famenne experienced a number of relatively long idle periods during the test. Torben Rasmussen, Global Key Account Manager, Marine Marketing, Hempel, explains that long idle periods are an area where Hempaguard clearly outperforms other hull coatings, especially SPC antifoulings.

Impressive results lead to full-scale applications

Following the positive results of the test and the expected fuel savings that Hempaguard can deliver, Euronav intends to switch a number of vessels to Hempaguard. Three vessels are already lined up to receive full-scale Hempaguard applications this year, including the Suezmax Devon and the VLCCs Hakone and Hirado. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Euronav for taking part in the test and allowing us to share the results.

An underwater view shows a heavily fouled section next to a clean Hempaguard-coated area on the ship's hull.

In comparison, the standard SPC antifouling coating suffered from heavy fouling. This high fouling build-up was largely due to relatively long idle periods during the test.

A close-up underwater view shows a clean Hempaguard patch next to a fouled section on the ship's hull after 45 months.

After 45 months, the Hempaguard test patch was inspected during a night dive in Singapore. The Hempaguard test patch was still smooth and fouling free. This ‘remarkable’ performance has convinced Euronav to complete full-scale Hempaguard applications on a number of vessels, starting with the Suezmax Devon.

An underwater view of the Famenne's hull shows a clear contrast between algae-covered and clean areas, demonstrating Hempaguard's effectiveness after 23 months in fouling-aggressive waters.

After 23 months of trading in warm and fouling-aggressive waters, the hull of the Famenne was inspected in the United Arab Emirates. The Hempaguard test patch was still exceptionally fouling free.

"One of the key benefits of Hempaguard is its ability to maintain its antifouling performance despite long idle periods,” he says. “Thanks to the combination of silicone and biocides, Hempaguard guarantees continued fouling prevention during idle periods of up to 120 days – which is much longer than other hull coatings. This was clearly demonstrated during the Euronav test."

Torben Rasmussen, Global Key Account Manager, Marine Marketing, Hempel