A new study based on European Union Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) data has revealed that vessels using Jotun’s Hull Performance Solutions (HPS) reported a 20 per cent lower carbon intensity in operations compared to non-HPS peers in 2019 and 2020.
Jotun’s HPS is a combination of antifouling and application designed to help owners and operators maximise hull performance, thereby reducing both fuel costs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Cross-checked statistics also indicate lower carbon emissions than from vessels known to be sailing with some “low-friction” foul-release silicone coatings.
Only coatings applied within the three years preceding the emissions report were considered. The internal study carried out by Jotun investigated major cargo vessel types, including bulk carriers, chemical tankers and oil tankers, with a dataset of almost 9,000 vessels, and the emissions report was verified by accredited parties.
The Carbon Intensity Index (CII) set to be implemented by IMO in 2023 focuses on the yearly reduction in emissions during operations. Vessel owners cannot just rely on the “out-of-dock” effect of a hull maintenance. They need a reliable and effective antifouling solution that will perform consistently throughout the service interval. Maintaining a cleaner hull with minimal fouling means a vessel has less resistance when sailing through water. Consequently, less power and fuel are required for the same speed, which directly reduces the amount of carbon dioxide released.
“We thank our customers for their trust in our Hull Performance Solutions and the return on investment it delivers over the service interval,” said Stein Kjolberg, global category director for Hull Performance at Jotun. “Vessels using Jotun’s HPS typically have farsighted owners and operators that are willing to invest to achieve the most efficient operations. They are not too focused on the immediate cost of dry-docking or short-term returns. They know the resulting fuel savings will eventually outweigh the upgrade cost of antifouling and other similar investments many times over. The fact that fuel savings translate directly into lower carbon emissions will further add to the return on investment in that stakeholders in the shipping industry will more strongly prefer and reward vessels with lower carbon emissions moving forward.”
