TAGS: Industrial Coatings Marine and Protective Coatings Environmentally Friendly Coatings
Nippon Paint Marine's low-friction hull coating system LF-Sea has won 2020 Japanese Government Award for Global Warming Prevention Activity. A specially formulated and unique hydrogel has been incorporated into Nippon Paint Marine's ultra-efficient copper silyl acrylate self-polishing antifouling paint. This hydrogel then creates a microscopic water-trapped layer at the interface between the paint film and the seawater, leading to reduction of the ships' frictional resistance.
Lowering Fuel Consumption and Reduced CO2 Emissions
The judging panel found that coating contributed to reduced drag, consequently resulting in lower fuel consumption and reduced CO
2 emissions from those vessels that have applied the hull coating.
Japan’s parliamentary vice-minister of the Environment, Tetsuya Yagi, presented the award to NPMC president Seiichiro Shirahata after a Select Committee found the coating system met all the criteria in the Countermeasure Technology category.
On receiving the award earlier this month, Mr. Shirahata said, “
As regulations to limit ship emissions enter into force in January, we are delighted to have won this accolade. This award recognizes the significant contribution the coating is having on reducing emissions and shipping’s impact on the global environment. Hull performance monitoring has shown that our low-friction technology is providing a real payback for customers compared to other systems.”
Patented Water Trapping Function
Based on a patented “water trapping” hydrogel technology – a concept derived from the structure of tuna fish – LF-Sea coatings reduce water flow resistance (drag), meaning less energy is required to propel the ship through the water. Shipowners who applied the coating have been benefited from reduced fuel consumption between 4 and 10 percent as compared to regular SPC antifouling paints.
Makoto Nakagawa, NPMC sales & marketing general manager, said, “
This award recognizes the wide take-up of the LF-Sea series of coatings as an environmentally responsive system. We strive to deliver state-of-the-art products that contribute to industry initiatives to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.”
The Award ceremony is held each December to coincide with Global Warming Prevention Month.
Coatings in the LF-Sea series, include the LF-Sea, LF-Sea150 HyB product, introduced in 2007, and A-LF-Sea, which was launched in 2013. However, a new underwater antifouling coating is set to be added to the series next year.
Last month, Nippon Paint Marine reported an annual increase in the application of its coating LF-Sea coating products. As of June 2019, the company’s low-friction coatings have been applied to the hulls of more than 2,900 ships.
The Ministry of Environment has been awarding Japanese individuals, companies or groups for their “significant contribution towards preventing global warming” since 1998.
Source: Nippon Paint