Coating manufacturer PPG has announced that its Sigmaglide 2390 biocide-free silicone fouling release has become the only hull coating approved by RightShip’s product review process for its Zero Harm Innovation Partners Program.
The Zero Harm Innovation Partners Program initiative aims to foster the development and adoption of innovative solutions to promote a more sustainable future in the maritime industry. The approval for Sigmaglide 2390 is said to validate its contribution towards a zero-harm maritime industry and to underscore its positive sustainability impact.
Christopher Saunders, Chief Maritime Officer, RightShip said: “By connecting manufacturers with shipowners and educating charterers about new technologies, the RightShip Zero Harm Innovation Partners Program fosters a system that supports and recognises those who invest in safety and sustainability on board vessels.”
Ariana Psomas, PPG global segment director, added: “We are proud to be part of this programme, which recognises the sustainably advantaged benefits and higher efficiency and durability of our biocide-free PPG Sigmaglide 2390 coating. It helps vessels achieve instant power savings of up to 20% with a speed loss performance of less than 1%, contributing to a greenhouse gas emissions reduction of up to 35% in comparison to traditional antifoulings.”
The performance benefits of Sigmaglide 2390 stem from PPG Hydroreset technology. When immersed in water, this technology modifies the coating to create an almost friction-free, nonstick surface that marine organisms cannot recognize or adhere to. This results in low-friction properties and fouling control that delivers up to 150 days of idle performance.
Psomas said: “For shipowners, achieving significant power and emission savings will require radical improvements in design and operating efficiency, so choosing the right hull coating is critically important. That’s why we’re seeing more and more shipping companies adopt low-friction silicone coatings.”
Image: PPG Sigmaglide 2390 is approved under RightShip’s Zero Harm initiative (source: PPG/MTM)
