Neptune Lines achieves unrivaled fuel efficiency with Hempaguard
In 2012, Neptune Lines coated the hull of Neptune Dynamis with Hempaguard X7, the only hull coating on the market to combine the low surface friction of silicone-hydrogel with efficient fouling-preventing biocides. The results were so impressive that Neptune Lines has since switched a further three vessels to Hempaguard X7.
Hempaguard X7 is clearly the best hull coating available in terms of fouling control. After seeing the performance and fuel savings on Neptune Dynamis, it was a simple choice to specify Hempaguard X7 for our other vessels.Dr. George Kriezis, Technical Manager, Neptune Lines
The challenge
Neptune Lines operates a modern fleet of 15 Pure Car & Truck Carriers (PCTCs) and transports finished vehicles for some of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers and logistics providers. Finished vehicle transportation has short lead times and tight delivery schedules, which makes vessel speed essential.
PCTC vessels require excellent energy efficiency in order to ensure low fuel consumption while also maintaining high speeds within strictly scheduled trading parameters. Due to these factors, Neptune Lines was investigating which hull coating could best meet its chartering parameters, while also bringing fuel costs down to the lowest possible level.
The solution
Neptune Lines switches more vessels to Hempaguard®
After trying a number of hull coatings, Neptune Lines switched Neptune Dynamis to Hempaguard X7 in 2012. The 6,580 DWT vessel was fully blasted in Tuzla, Turkey, and a hull coating system comprising two coats of Hempadur Quattro, a sealer and Hempaguard X7 was applied.
It very quickly became apparent that Hempaguard X7 was performing as promised. It was clearly out-performing other vessels in the fleet in terms of efficiency and was maintaining top speeds while also demonstrating reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
At a glance
- Coating system: Hempadur Quattro, Hempaguard X7
- Customer: Neptune Lines
- Vessel name: Neptune Dynamis, Neptune Odyssey, Neptune Iliad, Neptune Horizon
- Date of application: 2012-2015
