Hull performance solution and marine coating company Jotun has entered into a commercial agreement with owner and operator of LPG vessels, BW LPG, to optimise hull performance across 38 vessels with Jotun’s Hull Performance Solutions (HPS) from year 2025 through to 2028.
The contract builds on the proven performance of Jotun’s HPS on an existing 17 BW LPG vessels, which has since been found to deliver significant fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The continued partnership is considered to underscore BW LPG’s confidence in Jotun’s HPS and its commitment to optimise vessel efficiency.
Ricardo Ackermann, Head of Procurement, BW LPG said: “We conducted a very thorough process where we invited several paint suppliers for dry dock paint. Criteria such as ESG, delivery time, fuel saving as a result of hull performance through the coatings, references and obviously price played an important role. After identifying all elements and analysing the proposed coating solutions, the offered solutions and proposed logistics from Jotun were a deciding factor. The vast experience we had ourselves with Jotun DD paint and the fact that we hardly had any hull cleaning on vessels with the SeaQuantum X200 contributed to this decision.”
As the maritime industry advances toward net-zero emissions by 2050, BW LPG is actively aligning its fleet with the IMO GHG strategy and regional regulations. Key initiatives such as the retrofitting of 15 LPG carriers with dual-fuel propulsion systems, complemented by ongoing plans to explore next-generation technologies, including ammonia-fuel propulsion are key drivers to the cause. Moreover, beyond fuel transition, BW LPG recognises that optimising hull performance presents an immediate and effective pathway to enhancing efficiency and ensuring compliance. Hull performance has been proven to contribute towards regulatory compliance and long-term operational excellence.
Jessica Doyle, Global Sales Director, Shipping, Jotun, said: “Our long-lasting relationship with BW LPG is taking another step forward with this new HPS agreement, signed and celebrated at Nor-Shipping. The companies’ relationship is dating back several decades to the days of Bergesen D.Y. ASA, and it now culminates with this agreement that builds on a proven track record and Jotun’s clean shipping commitment.”
Knut-Helge Knutsen, VP and Head of Technical, BW LPG, added: “We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Jotun, whose commitment to quality in both service and product delivery has been invaluable to us. Jotun’s products align perfectly with our needs, trade requirements, and sustainability strategy. The fuel consumption is directly linked to the condition of the hull, and we have found that Jotun’s products effectively maintain low hull fouling over the five-year period between dry dockings. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with Jotun.”
HPS has been deployed across 17 BW LPG vessels since 2020 with the first vessel, BW Aries, achieving results of no quantifiable speed loss% (+0.04%) over a period of 56 months DD interval, outperforming the guaranteed 1.5% speed loss. With real-time performance monitoring through ISO 19030-2 by Jotun’s performance analysts, underwater inspection validation and internal assessment by BW LPG, the HPS vessels achieved sustained hull efficiency and zero unplanned hull cleanings – believed to be a remarkable achievement in operational performance.
Kevin Knott, Senior Manager, Fleet Performance, BW LPG, said: “About five years ago, BW LPG opted to use Jotun’s HPS for its hull coating systems during scheduled dry dock periods. Subsequent monitoring of the vessel’s performance since application has shown positive results relating to fuel and emissions’ efficiency. Vessels undergo a six-monthly underwater hull inspection and propeller polish, which in most cases have negated the need to undertake any hull cleaning. Furthermore, BW LPG adopts a multi-factor approach to fuel efficiency and emission reduction. Utilising the services of voyage weather routing and speed optimisation, in conjunction with Jotun hull coatings, we have seen fuel savings and emission reduction in the region of 3~5%.”
As part of this agreement, BW LPG will be offered access to Jotun’s HullKeeper, an intelligent hull management platform to utilize services to support with hull management. One of the key digital services comes in the form of ‘Alerts’ service powered by Jotun’s proprietary fouling risk algorithm. The algorithm automatically aggregates data, evaluate the cumulative fouling risk development of the vessel and provides a notification to users when an inspection is recommended. This will provide BW LPG with enhance insights and intelligence to cross check the recommendation and make data driven decision to act when necessary.
Elaine Tam, General Sales Manager, Marine and Protective, Jotun Malaysia and Singapore, said: “As the home of hull performance, we are humbled by the responsibility of delivering HPS to 38 ships to the world’s leading owner and operator of LPG vessels. At the same time, we are confident in our solution which includes our best antifouling technologies, unmatchable technical service, intelligent hull condition management and credible performance guarantees. In total this will enable BW LPG to preserve fuel, cut carbon emissions and protect biodiversity.”
BW LPG’s proactive decarbonisation approach with Jotun partnership on HPS will continue to ensure BW LPG stays ahead in their sustainability agenda and to meet the needs of the evolving market dynamics and regulatory requirements.
Image: BW LPG has signed a 38-ship deal with Jotun (source: Jotun)
