Coatings company PPG has published a new white paper, ‘Electrostatic Application of Marine Hull Coatings’, detailing how this advanced application technology can help ship owners and operators improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Electrostatic application works by negatively charging paint particles at the spray gun nozzle while the substrate is grounded, causing the coating to be attracted to the surface like a magnet. Compared with traditional spraying, the process improves transfer efficiency and reduces overspray, resulting in a more uniform coating application. In one case study, the EDR Antwerp shipyard reported a 40% reduction in overspray.
Jan Willem Tegelaar, PPG global platform director, marine coatings, said: “Electrostatic application is a breakthrough process innovation that, combined with our chemistry innovation, delivers improved productivity and sustainability for our shipyard customers. It has already revolutionised the automotive and aerospace industries; building on this cross-industry expertise, we have adapted the technology and developed compatible fouling control coatings to save time and reduce waste without disrupting existing workflows for marine vessels.”
The process supports reduced waste and Scope 3 carbon lifecycle savings compared to traditional application methods, as significant reduction in paint consumption means fewer raw materials need to be extracted, manufactured or transported. These reductions are in addition to the operational carbon savings achieved by vessels coated with low-friction solutions, which can help ship owners reduce Scope 1 emissions.
Joanna van Helmond, PPG product development director, marine fouling control, added: “Electrostatic application is just one piece of the puzzle. Combined with advanced hull coating performance, it contributes to a more effective sustainability solution. Friction caused by biofouling can account for 50% of a ship’s total drag, leading to higher fuel consumption. By applying solutions such as PPG Sigmaglide 2390 coating electrostatically, we can create a smoother, glossier film that reduces hydrodynamic resistance. This in turn leads to lower fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.”
Topics covered in the white paper include:
- The history of electrostatic spray technology and how it works.
- Operational advantages of electrostatic application for shipyards and owners.
- The role of hull coatings in supporting the IMO decarbonisation goals and improving vessel efficiency.
The white paper can be downloaded here.
Image: PPG’s new white paper examines electrostatic coating (source: PPG)
