Coatings World staff12.14.20
Three global shipping leaders have united to sign an MOU in a push for cleaner, more efficient and greener vessel hull performance.
Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), which controls about 10% of the global newbuild market, reached an agreement with HMM Co., Ltd and Jotun to utilize Jotun’s Hull Skating Solutions (HSS) on a series of newbuilds.
The agreement will see Jotun HullSkater proactively inspect and clean vessel hulls during outfitting to ensure optimal environmental performance and protection.
Jotun launched HSS to the market earlier this year.
HSS consists of the unique HullSkater, which adheres to vessels and gently removes all biofouling for an "always clean" hull, the specially developed SeaQuantum Skate antifouling, and proactive condition monitoring utilizing a proprietary big data algorithm tailored to individual vessel needs.
“The combination is ideally suited to vessels facing the most challenging biofouling conditions,” said Geir Axel Oftedahl, business development director, Jotun. “In that respect, it is perfect for protecting newbuilds at outfitting and trial stages.”
“HSS cleans hulls before biofouling takes hold, eliminating associated drag and fuel consumption and emissions while protecting the vessel coatings, and safeguarding ecosystems from the potentially invasive species that look to populate them," he added. "Biofouling is a particular problem when vessels are idle for long periods, such as during outfitting, and this can cause major issues when trialing initial performance before delivery.”
HHI is currently building a series of state-of-the-art 16,000 TEU container ships for HMM. HSS will be deployed to ensure the ships meet environmental key performance indicators, maintaining clean hulls, pristine coatings, providing optimal efficiency and limiting any potential release of biocides.
The HullSkater will move from hull to hull during key outfitting stages.
