Ionic Tankers is one of the first shipping companies to adopt new zero-impact green coating solutions, technologies which improve the vessels’ energy efficiency, with a focus on improving the annual efficiency ratio (AER) and CII indicators.
Ionic is committed to the global initiatives, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): the primary focus is placed on goal 14, ‘life below the water’ and goal 13 ‘climate action’ for emission reduction. The company is dedicated to the preservation of the sea life and water quality through the use of eco-friendly coating solutions.
Moreover, this solution is said to preserve air quality and reduce VOCs up to 70% during drydock coating application, making the environment healthier, in line with the goal 3, ‘good health and well-being’.
Ionic announced the successful application of an ultra-low friction and biocide-free coating on an Aframax class Ionic Anax (115,000 dwt) at the Sentierul Naval de Constanta (Romania) drydock. The coating system supplied by US company Azra Tech was first applied to the ship’s underwater hull in May 2022.
Ionic commissioned this coating technology as part of its strategy to embrace higher standards of efficiency and sustainability, supporting the decarbonization efforts throughout the value chain and emphasizing innovative new products.
The patented solution releases no chemicals or other pollutants into the ocean while the extreme smoothness of the hull has a significant impact on performance by reducing drag with a FIR (%) of 0.012, which increases fuel efficiency therefore reducing carbon emissions. Ionic is fully satisfied with its choice after seeing the impressive performance benefits in the past 29 months making a significant difference in environmental sustainability and fuel saving above 5%.
Azra Tech’s Blue Race guarantee has been fully implemented with hull performance monitoring, and preventive hull cleaning. Despite operating in extreme environmental conditions which can promote increased fouling, Azra Tech’s coating has demonstrated its capability to regenerate the initial performance following the original application of the coating. This performance is estimated to have resulted in a 6% in power reduction with sea trial certified by class and up to 20% in fuel and emission savings based on non-degradation of coating system.
Azra Tech is claimed to be the only biocide-free hull coating system which can be cleaned by regenerating its performance properties to the initial level due to its mechanical and abrasion resistance properties. Based on cross-patented technologies, the system provides an effective barrier to corrosion thanks to the innovative use of nanotechnology which is essential to ensuring energy savings and lowered carbon emissions. In addition, the ultra-low friction biocide free technology provides anti-corrosion and anti-abrasion, as well as anti-stick and anti-friction properties resulting in reduced maintenance requirements.
Ship manager Ionic is keen to embrace new technologies and it places a strong emphasis on the adoption of innovative products, as it firmly believes in fostering progress and mitigating environmental challenges in all sectors of the economy, ultimately contributing to long-term sustainability.
Image: ‘Ionic Anax’ tanker (source: Business Wire)
