Hempel Launches Reformulated Antifouling Technology

Hempel Olympic + and Oceanic + antifouling paints have been protecting vessels since 2009 and 2012 respectively, and the launch of newly reformulated products delivers even higher performance through better control of the leaching layer and improved mechanical strength. However, higher solids content, high dry film thickness per coat and lower Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) reduce costs, time and emissions during application. These new antifouling paint solutions are designed to fit different trading models, providing the best possible protection against fouling across all trading conditions. Olympic Protect, Olympic Protect + (for medium to high activity levels) and Olympic Flex + (for low activity levels) are based on ion exchange technology and provide protection for up to 25 idle days and service intervals of up to 60 months.  

Oceanic Protect + (for medium to high activity levels) and Oceanic Flex + (for low activity levels) are based on zinc carboxylate technology and provide protection for up to 30 idle days and service intervals of up to 60 months. These coatings also deliver a maximum speed loss of 5.5%*.

  Antifouling Coatings Product Manager for the Marine Group Marianna Sioni commented on the new products: "Hempel's antifouling product range caters to every vessel and every ship owner, and we are proud that our Oceanic + and Olympic + series have provided reliable fouling control with such effective costs over the years. Building on this success, we have invested in reformulating these products to enhance their performance, so that we can continue to deliver proven solutions backed by Hempel's world-standard global service for low upfront investment. In short, this proven antifouling paint performance has been rediscovered."   All five reformulated products benefit from Hempel's rediscovered Smartfibre technology, which provides a stronger and smoother hull. Each coating now contains 20% higher fibre content, which significantly increases mechanical strength and allows the products' hydrophobic properties to increase – this results in a reduction in leaching layer thickness. As water flows over the coating, the advanced fibres, which sit parallel to the surface, provide a well-controlled polishing rate and ensure smooth and uniform removal of the leaching layer that facilitates biocide release. This allows the coating to achieve a smoother and fouling-free hull throughout the service life.  

* Speed loss: If a vessel's main engine is set to a certain power output, it will propel the ship through water at a certain speed. Over time, fouling accumulation will increase friction and cause the vessel's speed to decrease even if main engine power output remains constant. This decrease in speed is called "speed loss".

  Olympic + and Oceanic + at a glance:  

Dedicated versions for each trading model.

• Idle time of up to 25 days (Olympic +) and up to 30 days (Oceanic +).
• Service intervals of up to 60 months.
• Maximum speed loss of 5.5% (Oceanic +).
• Proven performance history since 2009 (Olympic +) and 2012 (Oceanic +).
• Reliable biocide package.
• Contains Smartfibre technology for reduced leaching layer, controlled polishing and exceptional mechanical strength.
• Excellent colour retention.
• Reduced film thicknesses and high solids content reduce paint consumption.
• High maximum DFT per coat, meaning fewer coats are required.
• Reduced VOC emissions.