The perfect finish: Striving for perfect results in paint work

By Jordi Ariet MB92 Barcelona Managing Director

Painting a superyacht to standard relies upon the optimum conditions to avoid imperfections.

To ensure the utmost precision, we employ advanced tenting systems that regulate heat, airflow, and humidity while prioritising the safety of all those operating within them.

There are several impact areas associated with the process – from the plastic used in tenting to the emission of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) produced during paint work. Collaborating closely with our partners, we are actively identifying smart solutions to enhance every aspect of our operations, including the study of a means to recycle tent plastic or use alternative materials.

Two key areas where significant progress has been made came firstly through the application of an Aerothermia system for tented paint works. This enables us to effectively monitor and control temperature, humidity, energy consumption etc. By utilising an automated system with remote accessibility, we achieve more efficient regulation of variables while minimising the use of diesel heaters, thus eliminating associated emissions.

In January 2022, we opened our Fittings Centre in Barcelona, a dedicated facility to painting and management of superyacht fittings. This concept had been long discussed but the launch of the 4,800-tonne shiplift in 2019 reduced the available space in the shipyard and so action was taken.

The new facility covers 1,600m2 and includes two paint cabins (270m2 and 290m2) with drying/curing capabilities, (dis)assembly line, storage options for fittings as well as tools and materials. Equipped with the latest in climate control and scrubber technology, we were able to improve production efficiency as well as practically eliminate VOC emissions.

In the first year of operation, we painted and stored nearly 2,300 fittings, and saved 1,728m2 of plastic that would otherwise be used in tenting. These initiatives contributed to an overall emissions reduction in the Barcelona facilities of 97%. An added benefit has been how space within the shipyard has been optimised, thereby helping to reduce health and safety risks associated with paint and its storage.

In 2023, we plan to analyse our performance across all areas associated with paint work to identify where we can improve and study the possibility for future expansion.

Jordi Ariet MB92 Barcelona Managing Director

V. Reduction of VOC emissions

Context

MB92 impacts on air quality come from surface treatment works and the use of fuel for machines and equipment. Part of the actions described in the Energy chapter relate to the transition for the replacement of fuel to increased electricity usage. This reduces the impact on air pollution.

Surface treatment works may impact air quality with particle emissions and VOCs. Works of sandblasting, sanding, reparation and protection with antifouling and topcoat paints use filtering systems, which are continuously evolving to improve performance. MB92 partnered with air filtering subcontractors to develop an innovative solution suitable for VOC emissions on large painting projects in the yacht refit industry.

These units, besides their efficient results on filtering VOCs, come with a control unit which can be accessed remotely. Other equipment to control important paintwork parameters can be attached such as temperature, humidity and energy consumption can be monitored.

44,000 L of paint, solvents and antifouling were used in Barcelona

22,000 kg amounts of VOCs generated before filtration

97.1%

VOCs reduction ratios achivement with the currently used technology

8.4% proportion of diffuse emissions - compared to 13,6% in 2021 -

97 temporary VOC emitting cases registered in 14 painting and 7 permanent projects

Actions completed

Opening of the new MB92 Fittings Centre, a dedicated facility with two paint cabins providing controlled conditions for the painting of fittings. This permanent paint facility complements the Paint Cabin in La Ciotat, freeing docking space and avoiding the mounting of temporary tents to paint small and medium fittings. This reduces the risk of air pollution and reduces waste from plastic tents.

Actions in progress

MB92 Group has been encouraging the development of new treatment equipment adapted to filter VOCs on medium and small paint works. The solution will complement the current technology for VOC filtering on large paint works.

Application of software capable of monitoring important paintwork parameters like humidity, temperature and energy consumption to improve energy efficiency and calculate the impact of emissions.