Hempel Introduces Next Gen Hempaguard Ultima

As the maritime industry faces increasing pressure to decarbonize, Hempel introduces its new two-layer coating system, Hempaguard Ultima. Building on the success of Hempaguard X7, which has been applied to more than 4,000 vessels and is third-party verified and validated for its performance and decarbonization efforts by DNV, Hempel has invested in further developing its cutting-edge innovation.

With the introduction of Hempaguard Ultima, customers are better able to navigate the increasingly strict regulatory environment and move the maritime industry closer to meeting its decarbonization goals.

“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,” said Alexander Enström, EVP and head of Marine at Hempel A/S.

Hempaguard Ultima combines the tried-and-tested 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. By choosing Hempaguard Ultima, vessel owners and operators can reach their decarbonization goals swiftly whilst benefitting from reduced operating costs. With Hempaguard Ultima, customers can expect:
• Up to 21% fuel savings
• 160 fouling-free idle days
• Only 0.9% speed loss on average1
• 6% immediate out-of-dock performance increase2

“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 cycle3. This reduces the risk of fouling after long service periods, even when the coating’s hydrogel and biocide can start losing some effectiveness,” said Diego Meseguer Yebra, R&D director Marine at Hempel A/S. “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.”


1Speed loss measurements are used to monitor how much a ship’s speed has decreased compared to its optimal or expected speed. This is typically done by comparing the ship’s current speed under certain conditions (like a clean hull and calm seas) to its speed after some time in operation, when the hull might be fouled. Speed loss is important because it directly impacts a ship’s fuel efficiency and operational costs.
2Out-of-dock speed increase refers to the boost in a ship’s speed that typically happens after it has undergone maintenance, particularly after its hull has been cleaned, repaired, or repainted while the ship is in dry dock.
3Generally ships have a five year docking cycle, meaning they operate mostly at sea and come into dock every five years to be cleaned and have coatings re-applied.