Port of StocktonGeneva DryViganTelestackVan AalstSailors Society
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • Sailors Society
  • Port of Stockton
  • Geneva Dry
  • Vigan
  • Bühler GmbH

The paint that launched 1000 ships

(Posted on 08/06/18)

Hempel, the leading global coatings manufacturer, has applied Hempaguard, its award-winning fouling defence coating, to more than 1000 ships. The one thousandth full-vessel coating was achieved in April.

The unrivalled fuel-saving properties of Hempaguard means that, collectively, the owners of these 1000 vessels have reduced their annual bunker bill by more than USD 400 million. This corresponds to a reduction in CO2 emissions of more than three million tonnes every year.

After just five and a half years on the market the high-performance fouling defence coating has surpassed every expectation. Hempaguard is suitable for, and has been applied to, all vessel types.

Commenting on this milestone, Hempel's Global Product Manager, Henrik Dyrholm, said, "Reaching this significant number of full vessel applications for Hempaguard in such a short time-period is a true testament to the value-added delivered by this innovative product. We have proven that Hempaguard delivers up to six percent fuel savings and retains its effectiveness during extended idle periods of up to 120 days."

He went on to say: "At Hempel, we pride ourselves on our investment in R&D and creating customer focused innovative products and services. Customer feedback has been unequivocally positive with shipowners realising significant returns on investment from Hempaguard."

Driving the success of Hempaguard is Hempel's market-leading Actiguard technology. This combines a smooth silicone coating with the consistent release of limited biocides through a hydrogel layer.

This unique technology was five years in development and was launched in 2013 against a backdrop of tightening environmental regulations and an increasing push to reduce CO2 emissions. Hempaguard is the first Hempel product to use this technology and based on this, Hempel was the first company to offer a performance satisfaction guarantee.

Five years on, the industry continues to seek enhanced environmental performance as well as optimum efficiencies. Hempaguard is a tried, tested and proven solution and its application to 1000 vessels speaks volumes. Upgrading the entire world fleet to Hempaguard X7 would, in theory, save the industry USD 12 billion (at current bunker prices) and reduce global CO2 emissions by close to 95 million tonnes annually. 

The high-performance fouling defence coating has won two industry awards so far. In October 2014, Hempaguard was awarded the Shipping Efficiency's prestigious Environmental Technology award for making "a significant contribution to environmental impact reduction or prevention to ships". In late 2015, Hempaguard was also awarded the International Bulk Journal Innovative Technology Award for the development of the ground-breaking Actiguard technology.

Latest News

INTERCARGO-member fleets outperform on safety and compliance

(Posted on 17/07/25)

Dry bulk carriers entered with the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) continue... Read more


NEMO strengthens global role with official status from IMO and IAEA

(Posted on 15/07/25)

The Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO) is proud to announce that it has officially been granted... Read more


Industry statement on recent Red Sea attacks on shipping

(Posted on 09/07/25)

ICS, BIMCO, European Shipowners | ECSA, INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO have released a joint industry statement... Read more


NovaAlgoma Cement Carriers establishes new JV with DP World

(Posted on 08/07/25)

NovaAlgoma Cement Carriers Limited, a joint venture between Algoma Central Corporation and Nova Marine... Read more


Julia Ju appointed The Swedish Club’s new Chief Executive in Hong Kong

(Posted on 08/07/25)

The Swedish Club has announced the appointment of Julia Ju as the new Chief Executive and Area Manager... Read more


INTERCARGO condemns attack on bulk carrier Magic Seas

(Posted on 07/07/25)

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has condemned the recent armed attack... Read more


NORDEN sells two additional vessels

(Posted on 02/07/25)

NORDEN has announced that they have sold two additional vessels, one Supramax bulk carrier and one MR... Read more


Columbia Group backs Turkey as global shipping leader

(Posted on 02/07/25)

Columbia Group CEO, Mark O’Neil, has paid tribute to Turkey’s ‘resilient and innovative... Read more


Pacific Basin signs MOU to enhance access to green fuels

(Posted on 27/06/25)

Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, one of the world’s leading dry bulk shipping companies, has signed... Read more


Major milestone for nuclear-powered ships as IMO agrees outdated regulations revision

(Posted on 27/06/25)

The IMO has formally agreed to start the revision of outdated regulations for nuclear-powered ships.... Read more


Port of South LouisianaBühler GmbHCimbriaTBA GroupTMS Awards 2023
  • Van Aalst
  • TBA Group

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping