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Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has today announced the adoption of a low-friction ship bottom paint named LF-Sea, developed by Nippon Paint Marine Coatings Co., Ltd., on a newbuild PCTC (Pure Car and Truck Carrier).

In sea trials of the vessel using the new paint, tests are said to have confirmed that the paint improved fuel efficiency and also reduced CO2 emissions as a result.

"Reducing the 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 ship bottom paint as part of its environmental initiatives," MOL said in a statement.

LF-Sea, developed by Nippon Paint Marine Coatings, uses a component called hydrogel, which is a naturally derived material. The hydrogel allows water to fill in small indentations on the hull to minimize friction drag.

LF-Sea is said to achieve a reduction in fuel consumption of approximately 4 percent compared to an identical vessel using conventional bottom paint. Reducing the consumption of heavy fuel oil by 4 percent ensures a decrease in CO2 emissions at the same rate.

MOL says it is continuing with its joint research and development programme on an ultra-high fuel efficient ship bottom paint together with Nippon Paint Co., Ltd. and Nippon Paint Marine Coatings Co., Ltd.

According to MOL, the companies aim to further improve LF-Sea paint with the goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 8 to 12 percent compared to conventional anti-fouling paints.

MOL believes the performance assessment of the newbuild PCTC will serve as a benchmark for the development of an ultra-high efficient ship bottom paint.

The R&D initiative is one of several subsidized through a support programme of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, which funds the development of technology aimed at cutting CO2 emissions from ships.