Global coatings supplier Hempel has announced the launch of HEMPAGUARD, what it calls a “groundbreaking new hull coating concept for the shipping industry which offers both outstanding resistance to fouling during idle periods and significant fuel savings.”

The technology, dubbed ActiGuard, has been five years in development and is based on silicone-hydrogel and biocide science.

Hempel said its tests show excellent fouling resistance of up to 120 days during idle periods plus fuel savings of 6 percent on average.

Hempel is offering a performance satisfaction guarantee contract for vessels complying with a full HEMPAGUARD specification and will pay, under the performance satisfaction guarantee contract, for the conversion back to conventional antifouling and with no questions asked.

According to Hempel, the new product integrates silicone-hydrogel and full diffusion control of biocides in a single coating. Surface retention of the biocide activates the hydrogel, which effectively holds fouling organisms at bay, cutting friction to a minimum while utilizing a minimum amount of biocide. It also has the long-term stability and mechanical properties required of a durable solution.

The result is a unique fouling defence system, according to Hempel, which ensures excellent performance during long idle periods, plus remarkable fuel savings and flexibility.