Global tanker owner-operator AET has entered into a partnership with Nippon Paint to trial the manufacturer’s latest low-friction (LF), anti-fouling (AF) coating on AET vessels. The innovative LF-Sea AF Paint is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 4%, resulting in lower CO₂, SO_x and NO_x emissions.

Global tanker owner-operator AET has entered into a partnership with Nippon Paint to trial the manufacturer’s latest low-friction (LF), anti-fouling (AF) coating on AET vessels. The innovative LF-Sea AF Paint is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 4%, resulting in lower CO₂, SO_x and NO_x emissions, thus helping AET fulfil its environmental responsibilities in line with ISO 14000.

AET’s Aframax vessel Bunga Kenanga is the first vessel to be painted with the new coating, while an additional three vessels will be painted over the coming months. Experiments conducted by Nippon Paint in collaboration with Osaka and Kobe universities have shown that the new AF paint reduces hull resistance by 4% compared with current AF coatings. Tests carried out on vessels in Japan, which were then monitored over a 12-month period, have shown a savings of about 4% per year in fuel oil consumption.

For more information about AET, call the company’s Houston, TX, location at 832.615.2000 or visit www.eagletankers.com. More information about Nippon Paint can be found at www.nipponpaint.com.