PPG Debuts New Antifoulings
Low-friction, self-lubricating coatings use patented technology to deliver reduced fuel consumption and improved tolerance to idle time.
PPG Protective and Marine Coatings announced the launch of SIGMA SAILADVANCE, a new range of antifoulings suitable for a variety of operating conditions.
The range currently comprises four coatings, including SIGMA SAILADVANCE RX and GX, two completely new formulations based on PPG’s own patented technologies. These antifoulings are based on self-release binder technology using Controlled Surface active Polymers (CSPs) which provide a self-lubrication and self-release mechanism to the coating.
CSP acts on the coating/water interface as a lubricant, which supports laminar flow, thereby lowering the hull friction when the ship is sailing and delivering fuel savings averaging five percent, PPG said. In addition, CSPs create a slippery surface that increases the resistance to fouling when the ship is not sailing, also extending potential idle days.
Tom Molenda, PPG’s Global Marine Director, said, “The SAILADVANCE range has been developed in the knowledge that to meet today’s market needs, a coating must cover a wide range of vessel types and operational conditions.”
He continued, “Owners want to reduce energy consumption and lower their total costs regardless of how their ships are operating. SAILADVANCE RX and GX meet this need whether the ship is sailing, idle or slow steaming, regardless of being applied during new construction or during dry docking.”
PPG said the SAILADVANCE range is designed for all vessel types and operating speeds and is particularly effective for slow-steaming because of the engineered CSP composition. The antifoulings also benefit from high-volume solids (up to 59 percent) for efficient application and evolve in a pattern of linear polishing, with consistent biocide release for predictable performance for up to 90 months.
Also joining the range are PPG’s popular SIGMA SYLADVANCE 700 and 800 products which have been rebranded SIGMA SAILADVANCE MX and DX.
The SIGMA SAILADVANCE range
SIGMA SAILADVANCE RX
- Low friction, self-lubricating, linear self-polishing antifouling based on hydrolysable polymer binder composition.
- Technology based on Controlled Surface active Polymers (CSP).
- Idle time tolerance: averaging 25 days
- Vessel operating rate: 50-90 percent
SIGMA SAILADVANCE GX
- Low friction, self-lubricating, linear self-polishing high performance antifouling based on hydrolysable binder composition
- Technology based on Controlled Surface active Polymers (CSP)
- Idle time tolerance: averaging 30 days
- Vessel operating rate: 40-80 percent
SIGMA SAILADVANCE MX
- Low friction, linear self-polishing antifouling based on organic hydrolysable polymer binder
- Idle time tolerance: averaging 25 days
- Vessel operating rate: 50-70 percent
SIGMA SAILADVANCE DX
- Ultra low friction, linear self-polishing antifouling based on organic hydrolysable polymer binder, designed for broad operational ranges
- Idle time tolerance: averaging 30 days
- Vessel operating rate: 40-90 percent