Low Friction Antifouling Paints

The Shipping industry is recognized as more energy efficient than many forms of transport, but the increasing regulations on emissions and increasing fuel prices, continue to drive the need for viable means of energy saving and reducing operational costs. One of the ways to achieve this, is through the use of low friction anti-fouling coatings, which improve the energy efficiency of ships, by reducing hull roughness and frictional drag. Low friction, anti-fouling coating though is a confusing terminology, mainly linked to the highest rated Paint Makers’ silyl /copper acrylate anti-fouling coatings, providing a longer idling period. Furthermore, low friction paints are said to contribute to the reduction of carbon footprint. Danaos, being in cooperation with her major partners, has initiated the study and being a pioneer, moved to the application of low friction A/F paints since 2017 and till today has completed 11 projects, while 4 projects are ongoing. The goal for the forthcoming years is the application of low-friction paints to the entire fleet that is going to be drydocked.