MOL Adopts Low-friction Hull Paint

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. has adopted a new low-friction “Seaflo Neo” developed by Chugoku Marine Paint, Ltd. After analyzing the results of an onboard test with a newbuilding vessel, the company confirmed that the new paint offers improvements in fuel efficiency compared to conventional paints. This will contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions from vessels. Friction between the hull and the water accounts for the majority of resistance as a vessel moves through the water. Reducing friction drag is a very effective way to reduce CO2 emissions during vessel operation. MOL has taken a proactive stance in developing and adopting a low-friction paint as one of its environmental initiatives.
The main characteristic of the new paint, developed by Chugoku Marine Paint is the high smoothness of their paint film surface, the result of a newly developed low-viscosity hydrolyzed polymer. The ultra-smooth finish minimizes friction drag between the hull and the water, improving fuel efficiency by 3-5% compared to an identical vessel with a conventional hull coating. Called Seaflo Neo, the new environment-friendly paint is also low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a major source of air pollution.