In 2015, the vertical sides and flat bottom of Laurin Maritime’s 46,067 dwt chemical and products carrier ‘Calypso’ were fully coated with an antifouling containing Selektope during its first five-year drydocking.
The vessel had spent two years trading across a wide range of routes, with more than 50% of operating time spent in biofouling hotspots with > 25 deg C (up to 32 deg C) temperatures.
Independent hull and propeller performance analysis verified that after 24 months, ‘Calypso’s’ increased total resistance was calculated to be 7%, compared with a benchmark new vessel that would see an increase in resistance of 10-20%.
Over the period, speed losses experienced by ‘Calypso’ amounted to just 2% when measured against sea trial performance. Data also confirmed that the development rate of added resistance for the vessel amounted to 0.1 % (0.5% to 1.5% is usually expected).
A recent underwater hull inspection established that the hull was very clean, with divers finding no soft or hard fouling over the starboard and port side verticals, flat bottom and bilge areas.
Laurin Maritime’s technical director, Bertil Andersson, said: “The vessel has now operated for two years since last drydock, and we can conclude that the fouling of the hull (read added hull resistance) remains at a very low level and the trend continues being flat.”
I-Tech CEO, Philip Chaabane, commented: “This independent analysis of performance data and the underwater hull inspection provide convincing long-term performance results from a full-vessel application of a Selektope-containing hull coating for a vessel with significant exposure to severe fouling conditions. The fact that the hull fouling trend continues to be flat means that our general outlook on the continuous performance of the Selektope-containing coating is very positive.
“This delivers the proof required that our unique antifouling ingredient can offer ship operators guaranteed hard fouling prevention performance for any vessel activity and trading patterns,” he claimed.
In addition, I-Tech has appointing KhaiEL as the exclusive importer and agency for Selektope in South Korea.
Under the new agreement, I-Tech will continue to manage sales of Selektope in the country while KhaiEL will exclusively handle imports.
“We are delighted to be working with such a highly reputed company in KhaiEL to strengthen the supply of Selektope to South Korea. This business relationship reflects the need to address increasing demand for our product in South Korea, particularly from the shipyards and many owners running risks of extended idling in conjunction with new buildings and subsequent operations,” Chaabane said.