FPMC C LORD

FPMC trusts Hempel to support its sustainable initiatives

Formosa Plastics Marine Corporation (FPMC, subordinate to Formosa Plastics Group) specializes in the transportation of raw materials required by the Group, as well as the commercial business of spot and long-term charters. As CII and EEXI of International Maritime Organization went into force, there has been a significant impact on its operations.

FPMC and Hempel enjoyed a long history of cooperation, and FPMC learned that Hempaguard antifouling coating could not only improve the fuel efficiency of vessels, but more importantly, it can significantly reduce CO2 emissions, which conforms to FPMC’ goal to move to a more sustainable antifouling solution and enhance its CII rating.

Therefore, FPMC chose Hempaguard for the first time in the FPMC C LORD mega tanker and decided to apply SeamFlow - the first ever application weld fairing system of Hempel. Hempaguard will significantly reduce the CO2 emissions and save fuel with a smoother hull, while SeamFlow will help shipowners reduce costs and meet the environmental goals by smoothing rough welds to reduce drag.

The challenge

FPMC started with two chemical tankers as EDC carriers to
carry the company’s raw material. As the economy continued
to grow, FPMC increased the fleet with 11 MR chemical
tankers over the following 20 years and expanded the service
to commercial operations. As of 2023, FPMC has owned a
total of 45 vessels with a total deadweight of 5.5 million tons.

As the CII and EEXI of IMO went into force, FPMC needed a high-quality antifouling coating solution to reduce fuel costs and the emissions for ships.

The solution

Hempel helps FPMC C LORDVLCC improve EEXI and CII

Based on FPMC’s needs, we recommended the flagship hull coating Hempaguard, as well as SeamFlow, the first ever application weld fairing system for ship hull.

Hempaguard uses the innovative patented Actiguard technology, which has been applied to a large number of vessels and delivers unmatched performance in any trading pattern. Hempagurad X7 offers 60 months sustained fouling defence with an average of 8% fuel savings and speed loss of 1.4% over the service interval, which significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and saves fuel by having a smoother hull.

SeamFlow is a smart and simple solution for shipowners to reduce costs and meet environmental targets without the need of any significant additional downtime. By smoothing over rough welds, it significantly lowers drag and consequently reduces fuel usage.

This is the first time that FPMC has applied the Hempaguard and SeamFlow solutions in the FPMC C LORD VLCC and it expects to benefit from the superior performance of Hempaguard and SeamFlow.

A large orange tanker from FPMC operator is seen moving through a busy industrial harbor with several ships, cranes, and facilities in the background.

At a glance

  • Coating system: Hempaguard X7 hull coating system, SeamFlow weld seam smoothening solution
  • Vessel: FPMC C LORD
  • Operator/ owner: FPMC
  • Shipyard: Yiu Lian Dockyards (Shekou) Co., Ltd.
  • Date: October, 2023
A worker wearing protective gear uses a spray gun to coat a vessel with red paint or coating material.
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