Hempel has introduced Hempaguard Ultima; the next generation of its high-performance silicone hull coating system, formulated to deliver optimised performance and increased fuel savings, enabling vessel owners and operators to reach their decarbonisation goals.
Benefits claimed for Hempaguard Ultima include, along with fuel savings, financial advantages through minimal speed loss and increased out-of-dock speed.
Hempaguard Ultima builds on the record of Hempaguard X7, which recently passed the milestone of more than 4000 applications and is third- party verified and validated for its performance and decarbonisation efforts by DNV. With the introduction of Hempaguard Ultima, Hempel believes that customers will be better able to navigate the increasingly strict regulatory environment and move the maritime industry closer to meeting its decarbonisation goals.
Alexander Enström, Hempel EVP and Head of Marine said: “Hempaguard Ultima is our most significant innovation in a decade and an important step forward in our ability to protect and improve our customers’ most important assets. It has been designed to safeguard vessels from fouling with a unique two-layer system, enabling our customers to reach their sustainability objectives while also achieving operational excellence. I am excited to introduce this ground-breaking innovation to our customers and look forward to following its success and impact in the market.”
Hempaguard Ultima combines the performance of Hempaguard X7 with Hempel’s new biocide-free silicone topcoat, Hempaguard XL, preventing growth of marine organisms while ensuring long-lasting hull protection. With Hempaguard Ultima, customers can expect up to 21% fuel savings, 160 fouling-free idle days, with only 0.9% speed loss on average and an immediate 6% out-of-dock performance increase.
Diego Meseguer Yebra, Hempel Marine R&D Director said: “With Hempaguard Ultima, a vessel’s hull is able to achieve a more stable surface smoothness, even into the fourth or fifth year of the docking cycle. This reduces the risk of fouling after long service periods, even when the coating’s hydrogel and biocide can start losing some effectiveness. At the same time, the Hempaguard XL topcoat acts as a modulator for the release of biocide from Hempaguard X7, allowing a lower biocide amount per square metre to last longer.”
Image: Hempel’s new Hempaguard Ultima coating system offers up to 21% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (source: Hempel)
