Coatings company PPG has announced the 100th dry docking performed using electrostatic application for marine hull coatings.
PPG completed the project on the Colossus, a 287m bulk carrier owned by Enterprises Shipping and Trading at CUD Weihai Shipyard in China. The team applied PPG Nexeon 810 antifouling on the boot top and PPG Sigmaglide 2390 fouling release coating on the underwater hull. PPG says it is the first coatings company to introduce the application technique to the marine sector, having used electrostatic spraying in other industries for decades.
The method uses an electrostatic spray gun to apply the coating to a grounded metal hull, with electrically charged paint particles precisely guided toward the vessel’s surface. This results in even distribution and the formation of an ultrasmooth, long-lasting film layer. Compared to traditional airless spraying, electrostatic application increases transfer efficiency, resulting in significant reductions in overspray and waste, and providing a cleaner operation and improved work environment for applicators.
PPG’s focus on innovation and sustainability led to the development of premium fouling control coatings specifically designed for electrostatic application. The formulation of both PPG Sigmaglide fouling release coating and PPG Nexeon 810 antifouling coating ensures compatibility with the application method. These low-friction hull coatings provide benefits in fuel consumption and GHG emissions savings.
Sijmen Visser, PPG sales director, Marine EMEA, Protective and Marine Coatings, said: “We’re continuing to expand electrostatic application across our global network to help shipowners and shipyards comply with increased regulations and sustainability goals. We already see it quickly being adopted by large shipping companies and shipyards in Europe, Oman, Dubai, Turkey, Singapore and China.”
The technique has already demonstrated measurable results in recent projects. EDR Antwerp shipyard confirmed a 40%reduction in overspray using electrostatic application of PPG Sigmaglide coating on a ro-ro passenger vessel from Stena Line.
Visser said: “PPG continues to work closely with shipyards, owners and operators to offer innovative marine coating technologies that drive operational efficiency and environmental compliance worldwide.”
Image: 100th drydocking for electrostatic application of PPG coatings (source: PPG/Business Wire)
