PPG, a global leader in coatings and specialty materials, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with leading Asian tanker owner, COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation (COSCO Shipping), marking a significant advancement in sustainable maritime technology. This partnership marks the first time COSCO Shipping has utilized PPG’s electrostatic spraying technology in dry dock tanker operations.
Innovative Electrostatic Spraying Technology in Drydocking
The project involved coating the underwater hull of COSCO Shipping’s “Yuan Chun Hu” crude oil tanker, a 333-meter vessel, with PPG SIGMAGLIDE® anti-fouling coatings at the Zhoushan Liuheng Island Shipyard in China. The underwater hull was coated with PPG SIGMAGLIDE® anti-fouling paint, while the waterline portion was treated with PPG NEXEON™ 810 anti-fouling paint.
As one of Asia’s leading operators of tanker fleets, COSCO Shipping is actively seeking innovative, high-performance, low-resistance coatings to reduce GHG emissions and meet International Maritime Organization (IMO) energy efficiency (EEXI and EEDI) and carbon intensity (CII) requirements.
“In the face of increasingly stringent environmental regulations, shipowners and shipyards urgently need innovative solutions to achieve sustainability goals,” said Xia Lei, Director of Marine Protective Coatings at PPG Asia Pacific. “PPG’s high-performance marine coatings, applied using electrostatic spraying technology, help our customers meet their environmental goals while improving application efficiency.”
Benefits of PPG SIGMAGLIDE® and NEXEON™ Coatings
PPG SIGMAGLIDE® 2390 is a biocide-free anti-fouling coating that can help vessels reduce energy consumption by up to 20% and decrease GHG emissions by up to 35% compared to traditional anti-fouling coatings. This outstanding performance is attributed to PPG’s HydroReset™ technology, which creates a nearly frictionless, non-stick surface, making it difficult for marine organisms to adhere. PPG NEXEON™ 810 is a high-performance, ultra-low resistance, copper-free anti-fouling coating that can reduce GHG emissions by up to 25%.
Both of these coatings are compatible with PPG’s electrostatic spraying technology, which ensures the precise adhesion of charged paint particles to the grounded surface of the hull, creating a uniformly distributed, ultra-smooth, durable coating. Compared to traditional airless spraying, electrostatic spraying significantly improves coating transfer efficiency during the application process and reduces overspray and waste. Additionally, the low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions of PPG SIGMAGLIDE® coatings further improve the work environment for applicators.
COSCO Shipping’s Commitment to Eco-Friendly Maritime Solutions
“COSCO Shipping is committed to sustainable operations and continuously monitors the environmental impact of its business,” Xia Lei added. “Choosing the right hull coating is crucial for reducing overall fleet carbon emissions. By using our high-performance anti-fouling coatings, along with sustainable electrostatic spraying technology, COSCO Shipping can significantly reduce overspray, waste, and VOC emissions, creating a cleaner dry dock environment and improving the working conditions of dockyard workers. This solution is both attractive and effective in helping COSCO Shipping achieve its environmental objectives.”
PPG in Brief
PPG (NYSE: PPG) is committed to the development and delivery of coatings, coatings, and specialty materials. With over 140 years of industry experience and innovation, the company has earned the trust of customers worldwide. Through professional expertise and creativity, PPG helps customers solve their most challenging problems and collaborates to create a sustainable future. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, USA, PPG operates in more than 70 countries worldwide, with net sales of $15.8 billion in 2024. PPG products are widely used in construction, consumer goods, industrial, transportation, and aftermarket markets.
PPG’s Protective and Marine Coatings business delivers specialized coatings that ensure optimal performance of essential structures in the world’s most demanding environments. PPG are leaders in innovation and sustainability, offering solutions for the energy, infrastructure and marine sectors that minimize environmental impacts. PPG suite of robust coatings provides operational advantages, acting as the first line of defense against fire, corrosion, marine fouling and extreme temperatures, all while extending the service life of assets.