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Coatings manufacturer Hempel on Wednesday launched its new Systems for Hull and Propeller Efficiency (SHAPE), which is said to deliver fuel efficiency improvements for ships.

Based on the ISO 19030 framework, SHAPE combines elements of hull and propeller efficiency optimisation, delivering advice and solutions to ship operators. It is designed to maximise the quality of performance analysis and offer expert advice for maximising hull efficiency and return on investment.

Fouling and mechanical damages on the hull can increase the engine power a vessel needs by up to 20 percent. By utilising SHAPE, in combination with Hempel's hull coatings, Hempel says it is able to provide documented fuel savings and a programme of continuous improvement.

Users of SHAPE are able to analyse the impact on performance of hull and propeller solutions and dry dockings as well as in service hull and propeller maintenance, allowing for data driven decision making.

Andreas Glud, Group Segment Manager, Marine, Dry Dock, said: "Hull performance remains a crucial element in understanding fuel performance. At Hempel we started focusing on fuel performance over a decade ago when we launched the first fuel savings guarantees in the industry. Our new Hempel SHAPE system allows us to gather high quality data, provide expert analysis, deliver decisive advice and world class hull coatings irrespective of the type, age, size and the operating patterns of a vessel - making ship operators more efficient and competitive. We are presenting our customers with something beyond performance monitoring, we are offering fuel efficiency intelligence."

SHAPE is based on the new standard in performance monitoring - the ISO 19030 - which was published a year ago. The ISO 19030 methodology describes how to measure changes in ship specific hull and propeller performance, and defines a set of relevant performance indicators for hull and propeller maintenance, and repair activities.

Specifically designed on the principles defined by ISO 19030, SHAPE is set up to monitor the long-term trends via an in-service performance key performance indicator (KPI) but also short-term trends through the maintenance trigger KPI.

"Only 15 per cent of the world's fleet can currently meet the strict requirements of ISO 19030 part 2 but Hempel's SHAPE offers a more flexible solution bringing transparent performance monitoring and analysis to the many and not just the few," Hempel said.

Hempel SHAPE at a glance:

- Tailored hull performance programme with a dedicated Hempel performance analyst

- Expert data interpretation and advice from Hempel's team of chemists, physicists and hydrodynamicists

- Key performance indicators based on speed loss measurements to track performance gains over time

- Monitored and guaranteed speed loss - directly related to fuel savings - applicable for hull coatings specified for up to 60 months dry docking intervals

- Transparent cost-effective performance monitoring following the ISO 19030 methodology.