HEMPAGUARD was launched in 2013 after a five-year development programme, and is Hempel’s first product to use its proprietary ActiGuard technology that integrates silicone-hydrogel and full diffusion control of biocides in a single coating.
So confident is Hempel of its performance that the company offers what is claimed to be the industry’s first performance satisfaction guarantee. To date, feedback from customers confirms that their vessels have remained significantly cleaner, and for longer, than they’ve experienced with any other antifouling product.
Claes Skat-Roerdam, Hempel’s marketing manager, fouling control, commented:“We are delighted with the success of HEMPAGUARD, it really is a strong endorsement of the protection properties of our product. The combination of silicone-hydrogel and biocide science has revolutionised antifouling technology to deliver excellent fouling resistance – including up to 120 days during idle periods - plus fuel savings of between 4-6% on average. The fact that more than 350 vessels have now been coated with HEMPAGUARD proves the value of our new coating.”
Skat-Roerdam explained to Tanker Operator that the biocide ingredient will create slime after a certain period and the trick was to try to create a balance taking into account water temperature, the vessel’s trading area and speed, which are the main influences with fouling. For example, a vessel operating or idle in higher water temperatures will attract more fouling than a vessel operating in areas where the water temperature is colder.
He said that the coating was mainly used by vessels already in operation as it can easily be coated over previous anti-foulings or silicon-based coatings while a vessel is in drydock.
In the case of tankers, the coating needs to be able to respond to variable vessel speeds, such as a speed stipulated in the charterparty for a laden leg and another speed opted for in the ballast leg.
As for hull cleaning, he said that Hempel attempts to develop coatings that should not need a hull clean, as this normally damages the coating. “The general recommendation is not to clean,” he said.
***On 1st March, 2016, Henrik Andersen, group COO of ISS, will succeed Pierre-Yves Jullien as CEO of Hempel.
Andersen has been with ISS since 2000, joining the executive board in 2011, first as group CFO and from 2013 group COO, EMEA and following a recent change was appointed to his current position as global group COO.
Prior to joining ISS, Andersen spent more than 10 years with Jyske Bank.