Hempel Launches Hempaguard MaX Coating System

Hempel launched a new fouling defense system – Hempaguard MaX.

This three-coat system provides vessels with a smoother hull. It reduces drag and results in significantly lower fuel requirements, and will deliver a guaranteed maximum speed loss of 1.2 percent over five years.

The Hempaguard MaX system is applied in three layers, meaning it can be applied more quickly, reducing time in dry dock by up to two days.

The combined savings generated by Hempaguard MaX through reduced time in dry dock and increased fuel savings could pay back the cost of the coating within three months. With these out of dock fuel savings and full operational flexibility – Hempaguard MaX maximizes efficiency and reduces operational costs.

“The high level of fuel savings and hull protection are achieved due to the low average hull roughness level delivered by the whole coating system, very low-speed loss over the entire operational period and improved anticorrosive capabilities,” Hempel’s Head of Marine Group Product Management, Davide Ippolito said. “Hempaguard MaX is the next logical step for shipowners and operators seeking to maximize their efficiency and reduce associated CO₂ emissions. At a time where marginal gains are of importance and environmental regulations are becoming stricter, the choice of hull coating can make a significant difference.”

Hempel’s new system builds on the success of its flagship hull coating Hempaguard X7.

Since its launch in 2013, this coating has been applied to more than 1,500 vessels allowing those owners to collectively reduce their annual bunker bill by $500 million and more than 10 million tons in CO2 emissions.

The strength of Hempaguard MaX is its ability to successfully exploit the synergies between its three different layers: Hempaprime Immerse 900, tie-coat Nexus II, and Hempaguard X8.

The topcoat Hempaguard X8 is built on Hempel’s enhanced patented Actiguard technology. This coating combines the smoothness of a silicone coating with an improved hydrogel microlayer and active ingredient to provide outstanding antifouling performance, full operational flexibility and smooth hull.

Hempaprime Immerse 900 and Nexus II contribute significantly to Hempaguard MaX’s low AHR. A smoother hull delivers less drag and improved fuel efficiency from day one.

Hempaprime Immerse 900 is an anticorrosive primer that can be applied in one coat, while Nexus II is a next-generation tie-coat technology with improved anticorrosive capabilities. Together, they provide the same protection delivered by two standard maintenance epoxy coats, reduce time in the dock for faster return to service and ultimately save money for the shipowner and operators.

The new three-coat Hempaguard MaX system used together with SHAPE, Hempel’s System for Hull and Propeller Efficiency, is now the new peak for fuel-efficiency available to commercial shipowners and operators.