AkzoNobel coatings used on world’s first sail-assisted Aframax tanker
AkzoNobel has supplied 350,000 litres of International-marine coatings to a groundbreaking build – the world’s first Aframax tanker equipped with wind-assisted propulsion.
Built in China, the Brands Hatch is regarded as a major innovation in sustainable shipping technology and the entire vessel – including the underwater hull, deck and cargo oil tanks – features AkzoNobel’s products.
The 114,000DWT vessel is now the most powerful wind-assisted cargo ship in operation. The Lloyd’s Registered vessel is fitted with three 37.5-metre-tall WindWings developed by UK-based BAR Technologies.
The marine coatings aid the tanker’s eco-efficient operation. The products used included Intercept 8500 LPP – a fouling control technology in the International range – which was applied to the vessel’s underwater hull. According to AkzoNobel, the coating delivers consistent and effective performance for a clean, foul-free hull. By combining linear polishing technology with an optimised biocide package, the coating contributes to significant fuel savings and reduced CO₂ emissions.
Wind-assisted propulsion tanker
Built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, the tanker has three intelligent fibreglass sails that are projected to reduce fuel consumption by around 12 per cent a year and slash annual carbon emissions by 5,000 tons under normal operating conditions.
“We’re very proud to have contributed to this landmark project,” says Rob Leslie, commercial director of marine and protective coatings for AkzoNobel Greater China. “The successful application of our coatings not only validates the performance of our International fouling control and anti-corrosive technologies, but also demonstrates the company’s commitment to enabling decarbonization through sustainable innovation.”
Built for UK shipping company Union Maritime, the Brands Hatch is an Aframax ship, a type of oil tanker with a capacity between 80,000 and 120,000 deadweight tons. They are primarily used for short to medium-haul crude oil transportation.
It is the third milestone vessel built in China to be coated by AkzoNobel in recent years. The company also supplied more than 300,000 liters of International-marine coatings for Dream – the country’s first domestically designed and built ultra deep-sea drilling vessel – while Intersmooth® fouling control technology was used on Adora Magic City, the first large cruise ship to be constructed in China
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