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Malaysia's Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) has selected Jotun's Hull Performance Solutions (HPS) antifouling system for two LNG vessels chartered from shipping line MISC Berhad (MISC).

Advanced antifouling coatings and a full suite of performance measurement sensors will now be applied to the vessels Seri Amanah [pictured] and Puteri Zamrud in a move that is designed to increase vessel efficiency, cut fuel costs and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 10 percent.

Jotun says its antifouling coatings limit the growth of organisms on hulls, and that its HPS offering provides "measurable hydrodynamic performance gain".

"This delivers complete insight into long-term hull performance - including fuel and emission savings - demonstrating proof of ROI," the company said.

Ahmad Adly Alias, Vice President of LNG Marketing & Trading of Petronas, remarked: "As a responsible energy company, we are committed to meet the world's energy needs in a sustainable way and minimising our impact on the environment. By choosing the right antifouling coating, we can enhance the efficiency of our vessels, helping us in our continual effort to reduce fuel cost and the carbon footprint of our operations worldwide."

Morten Sten Johansen, Jotun's Regional Sales Director HPS, stressed that the documented proof of HPS' efficacy is a compelling proposition for ship operators concerned with both environmental and business performance.

He explained: "We recently released details of the first five year dry-docking for the very first vessel to be treated with HPS, the Penguin Arrow (Bulk Carrier, 51,414 DWT). The data from its 60-month operational period showed that CO2 emissions were cut by some 12,055 tonnes, translating to a total fuel saving of USD 1.5 million. This is real proof of real performance.

"HPS' combination of silyl methacrylate coating technology and a ISO 19030 compliant measurement system delivers significant, and proven, emission and cost savings. We, and a growing number of ship operators, see this as 'low hanging fruit' when it comes to increasing vessel efficiency and safeguarding the environment."

Johansen added: "Major industry players like Petronas represent a growing cluster of environmentally responsible operators who recognise the value and benefits of advanced antifouling coatings. They, like us, are focused on contributing to a more efficient and sustainable industry. Improving hull coatings and performance is a fundamental part of that push."