PPG has secured its 50th order for the electrostatic application of its marine fouling control coatings. The project will involve the application of PPG’s NEXEON 810 antifouling coating on the hull of the VLCC SIDR, a 336-meter oil tanker operated by Bahri Ship Management. The work will be carried out at the Asyad Drydock Company shipyard in Oman.

PPG’s electrostatic application technique is designed to provide sustainability benefits for both ship owners and shipyards. The company has optimized its hull coatings for this application method, which offers increased transfer efficiency compared to traditional airless spraying. This results in significant reductions in overspray and waste.

“Ship owners and shipyards are looking for innovative solutions to comply with stricter environmental regulations and meet their sustainability goals – these include low-friction hull coatings that reduce vessel greenhouse gas emissions and provide sustainably advantaged application procedures,” said Sijmen Visser, PPG sales director, Marine EMEA, Protective and Marine Coatings.

“Electrostatic application is quickly being adopted by large shipping companies and by shipyards in Europe, Singapore and China.”

PPG’s NEXEON antifouling and SIGMAGLIDE fouling release coatings are specifically formulated to be suitable for electrostatic application. The company’s coatings are designed to be applied using electrically charged paint particles, which are precisely guided towards the grounded surface of the vessel. This results in an even distribution and the formation of a uniform and ultrasmooth, long-lasting film layer.

In addition to the environmental benefits, PPG’s electrostatic application technique also offers operational advantages for shipyards. The method requires less time for masking and cleaning, resulting in cost and time savings.

PPG’s 50th order for electrostatic marine coating application is a significant milestone for the company. The project is set to take place at the Asyad Drydock Company shipyard in Oman.