Ecoshield proven to prevent cavitation erosion
(Posted on 24/05/18)
Damage to rudders, running gear and the stern areas of ships due to cavitation is a perennial problem for shipowners, operators and managers, resulting in damaged protective coatings, erosion of surfaces, and ultimately, corrosion.
Belgian company Subsea Industries, however, claims it has the answer with its Ecoshield coating.
Following successful flow channel tests undertaken at Grenoble by the French Ministry of Defence, it was demonstrated that the hard-type coating offers a higher degree of protection, even under severe cavitation.
The tests were undertaken in six stages, during which Ecoshield was exposed to increasing pressure drops, creating a growing cavitation force. Even after all stages, the test patch showed no erosion.
“Cavitation on rudders can result in conditions being imposed by class, which can impact sailing schedules by preventing access to certain ports or requiring more frequent dockings and additional costs,” said Manuel Hof, Production Executive of Subsea Industries.
“No shipowner wants to go to drydock unless it’s absolutely necessary, and certainly not before the usual five-year interval has passed. And even at standard docking intervals, repairs to cavitation can involve extra time because of the close proximity of rudders, propellers and surrounding stern areas, necessitating special procedures for blasting, welding and painting work.
“Subsea Industries’ Ecoshield coating has been developed especially for areas that are subject to cavitation. It is a specially reinforced version of the company’s well-proven Ecospeed, offering similar advantages, but with even greater strength.
“Designed to be applied over areas that are subject to high stress levels, it cannot prevent cavitation occurring, but resists damage to the coating thanks to its unique combination of impenetrability with sufficient flexibility to absorb cavitation forces. If cavitation cannot pierce the coating, no corrosive damage can occur,” furthered Hof.
According to the manufacturer, Ecoshield avoids additional drydocking problems as it is designed to remain intact for the lifetime of the vessel and is guaranteed for ten years. No repainting of running gear will normally be needed during drydocking, normally only light touch-ups to less than 1% of the surface area will be needed.
“This makes planning the maintenance schedule for the vessel’s stern area much easier,” said Hof. “With conventional coatings, painting the stern area and running gear is normally assigned to the end of the schedule and as a consequence may either be rushed, or involve an extended stay in dock. Ecoshield avoids the risk of such difficulties.”
A further benefit is that the ease and flexibility of application make Ecoshield suitable for application at any stage in the docking process, rather than the docking schedule having to be arranged or extended to suit the coating system. With a minimum overcoating time of three hours, the required two coats can be applied to areas such as rudders, propellers or thruster tunnels in a single day.
“Taking into account the costs of temporary underwater repairs and regular inspections required as a condition of class until the next drydocking, it becomes clear that investment in Ecoshield is soon paid back,” Hof explained. “It is no surprise then that more and more owners are applying Ecoshield to both newbuilds and existing ships.”
Latest News
Greek owners to play key role in nuclear development for maritime sector
(Posted on 29/09/25)“Nuclear energy is stepping forward as a credible long-term solution” stated Christopher... Read more
Columbia leader calls on the maritime industry for alternative fuels reality check
(Posted on 29/09/25)The CEO of leading integrated maritime, logistics, energy, leisure and offshore services platform Columbia... Read more
Record numbers from Indian subcontinent for Sailors’ Society conference
(Posted on 22/09/25)More than 4000 cadets, trainees and ratings from the Indian subcontinent took part in the first of Sailors... Read more
The Swedish Club expands management team
(Posted on 22/09/25)The Swedish Club have announced that it is strengthening its management team to match the pace of its... Read more
Shipowners face Port State Control crackdown on BWTS compliance
(Posted on 22/09/25)BIO-UV Group is advising shipowners to ready themselves for extensive Port State Control inspections... Read more
CORE POWER welcomes agreement to accelerate investment in maritime decarbonisation
(Posted on 16/09/25)The U.S. and the UK have announced a bilateral collaboration to accelerate reactor licensing from three... Read more
Cobelfret accelerates digital transformation with integrated maritime platform
(Posted on 14/09/25)Cobelfret, a leading global dry bulk shipowner and operator based in Singapore, has partnered with Smart... Read more
Support grows for India’s new maritime CCTV rules
(Posted on 14/09/25)Zelim is calling on international regulators and flag states to follow India’s lead on enhancing... Read more
Ionic extends Orca AI to bulker fleet to boost safety
(Posted on 09/09/25)Athens-based Ionic controls a fleet of eight crude tankers and 11 bulkers under its respective wet and... Read more
Columbia and Pan Marine launch Egyptian JV
(Posted on 09/09/25)Columbia Group, a global leader in integrated maritime services, has announced the establishment of... Read more
