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paints
FALLING FOUL The use of paints on newbuildings has gone through many evolutions in the past few years – not least because the most effective solutions are not necessarily the most eco-friendly ones
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he use of different hull coatings has been affected by changes in ship usage, as some solutions do not work effectively during periods when slow steaming is the preferred option. One recent order has been for Jotun’s Hull Skating Solutions (HSS), which has gained the approval of U-Ming, in a new commercial agreement with Jotun and SWS. Jotun’s HSS solution is to be used for U-Ming’s 190,000dwt dual fuel bulk carrier newbuilding project at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipyard (SWS) in China after an agreement was signed last year. Coming up with coating solutions that fit the bill as far as sustainability is concerned is vital in the current environment. “U-Ming is committed to
BULK TERMINALS
be the front runner of sustainable marine transport services and our customers’ first choice in dry bulk shipping,” says U-Ming president C K Ong. “As part of our decarbonisation strategy, we have been involved in many initiatives driving meaningful changes to reduce emissions. The recent International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirement on Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) is an opportunity to differentiate ourselves by offering our customers highly efficient vessels with significantly reduced operating fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Collaboration with stakeholders is the key to accelerate maritime decarbonisation and the Hull Skating Solutions offered by Jotun
international | WINTER 2021-22
certainly supports and enhances our green ambitions.” Jotun’s HSS combines the Hull Skater, an underwater robotic device with hull inspection and cleaning capabilities, and SeaQuantum Skate, an antifouling coating. The solution will be fitted on one of U-Ming’s four LNG dual- fuel Tier III 190,000dwt bulk carriers to be built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) to support the long-term charter with mining giant Anglo American. “SWS is proud to be the first shipyard in China to offer Jotun’s HSS to our customers,” says Zhang Qi Peng, vice general manager of SWS. “It is a groundbreaking technology and fits well into our programme for green capesize bulk carriers developed by SWS. This development adds to our green and modern shipbuilding model and aligns with our pursuit of sustainable development and environmental protection.” “I am very happy with the positive response from U-Ming and SWS to adopt Jotun’s HSS at the newbuilding stage. They are shaping the future of a sustainable shipping industry,” states Morten Sten Johansen, regional marine director, North East Asia for Jotun. “With HSS we can deliver the promise of an ‘always clean hull’” from day one, helping our customers to maximise the benefits of lower fuel costs, full flexibility in operations and effective biofouling management.
