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Coatings manufacturer Hempel has announced that it is launching two new premium antifouling coatings, Globic 9500M and Globic 9500S, which are said to provide customers with "significant fuel savings".

According to Hempel, the new coatings offer a potential 2.5 percent reduction in speed loss, which equates to bunker savings and lower CO2 emissions - thus improving the operational efficiency of a vessel and minimizing the operator's environmental footprint.

Hempel used its nano acrylate technology to develop the Globic range, which is said to provide a fine-polishing control mechanism to bring the integral biocides to the surface at a stable rate, ensuring a clean hull.

The water-activated nano acrylate technology uses nano capsules to control polishing. When seawater comes into contact with the nano capsules, it penetrates the hydrophobic outer shell. The hydrophilic inner core chemically hydrolyses and then expands, which breaks through the outer shell, enabling controlled polishing.

Consistent self-polishing and a constantly thin leach layer are designed to ensure uniform biocide release over the entire docking interval. Unlike other premium antifouling technologies, nano acrylate technology provides immediate antifouling protection without the need for water friction.

According to Hempel, the special microfibres incorporated in the paint give Globic 9500M and Globic 9500S a "best-in-class mechanical strength to avoid cracking and peeling".

The patented microfibres are said to reinforce the binder, providing a skeleton effect that gives the coating enhanced mechanical strength and makes it more resistant to cracking.

"By combining the strongest binder and biocide package for premium performance at different trading speeds, Globic 9500M and Globic 9500S outperform other self-polishing coatings (SPC), particularly when slow steaming," Hempel explained.

"Globic's unique technology allows it to start working as soon as the hull meets the water for full and immediate antifouling protection, making it highly efficient even for slow steaming and long idle periods," Hempel added.

Henrik Dyrholm, Global Product Manager, Hempel A/S, remarked: "Globic 9500M (M for maintenance) is designed to protect against slime as well as soft and hard fouling in all conditions. Globic 9500S (S for static) is designed to protect against hard fouling, even during extended outfitting periods. Together these two coatings deliver unparalleled anti-fouling protection offering our customers improved operational efficiency, flexibility and a high return on investment.

"Our Globic range has been very well received in the market and since its launch in 2005, over 25 million litres have been delivered worldwide with more than 5,000 vessel applications achieved. Our new coating series is the next step in high performance antifouling protection."