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
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.

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
