IONIC GOES GREEN WITH AZRA TECH ULTRA LOW FRICTION & BIOCIDE-FREE HULL PAINT
Ionic Tankers has taken a significant step forward in maritime sustainability by adopting an innovative, environmentally friendly hull coating solution from Azra Tech for its tanker, IONIC ANAX. This groundbreaking initiative aligns with Ionic Tankers’ commitment to protecting the world’s oceans by eliminating chemical discharge into the water and supporting the United Nations’ 14th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), “Life Below Water.”
Pioneering Eco-Friendly Solutions in the Shipping Industry
Ionic Tankers (Ionic) is among the first shipping companies to integrate zero-impact green coating solutions that not only protect marine ecosystems but also enhance vessel energy efficiency. By implementing advanced coating technology, Ionic is actively improving key performance indicators such as the Annual Efficiency Ratio (AER) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). These initiatives are part of the company’s broader commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and ensuring a more sustainable future for the shipping industry.
Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ionic places primary focus on Goal 14, “Life Below Water,” and Goal 13, “Climate Action.” By reducing emissions and preventing marine pollution, the company demonstrates its leadership in environmental responsibility. Moreover, the adoption of eco-friendly coatings extends beyond ocean conservation—enhancing air quality, reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by up to 70% during drydock coating application, and supporting Goal 3, “Good Health and Well-being.”
Breakthrough Hull Coating Technology and Its Benefits
Ionic recently announced the successful application of the ultra-low friction and biocide-free Azra Tech coating on the Aframax-class vessel, Ionic Anax (115,000 DWT), at the Sentierul Naval de Constanta drydock in Romania. This cutting-edge coating system, applied to the vessel’s underwater hull in May 2022, represents a major step toward achieving higher efficiency and sustainability in global shipping operations.
The revolutionary technology developed by Azra Tech is a game-changer in the maritime industry. Unlike conventional hull coatings, which often release toxic biocides and other pollutants into marine ecosystems, this innovative solution is entirely chemical-free. It provides superior performance advantages through extreme smoothness, reducing hydrodynamic drag and enhancing fuel efficiency. With a Friction Increase Ratio (FIR) of just 0.012, vessels coated with Azra Tech’s solution experience significant improvements in performance and operational sustainability.
Real-World Performance and Environmental Impact
After 29 months of real-world operation, Ionic has witnessed firsthand the substantial benefits of adopting this advanced coating technology. The vessel’s enhanced fuel efficiency has led to over 5% in fuel savings, marking a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs. In addition, rigorous performance monitoring through the Blue Race Guarantee Program, which includes preventive hull cleaning and real-time tracking, has demonstrated sustained performance benefits over time.
Despite exposure to extreme environmental conditions that typically lead to hull fouling, Azra Tech’s coating has maintained its efficacy. The coating has shown an exceptional ability to regenerate its initial performance characteristics, ensuring long-term efficiency. Sea trials, certified by classification societies, have confirmed an impressive 6% reduction in power consumption and up to 20% fuel savings in certain operational conditions. These results highlight the coating’s potential to revolutionize ship efficiency and environmental responsibility in the maritime sector.
Unique Features of Azra Tech’s Biocide-Free Coating System
Azra Tech’s hull coating system is the only biocide-free solution in the world capable of regenerating its performance properties through routine cleaning. This remarkable capability is attributed to the coating’s superior mechanical and abrasion resistance, which ensures long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance.
The technology is based on cross-patented innovations that provide multiple layers of protection:
- Anti-Corrosion Barrier: The nanotechnology-infused coating forms a durable shield against corrosion, extending the lifespan of ship hulls and reducing maintenance costs.
- Ultra-Low Friction Surface: The coating’s extreme smoothness significantly reduces drag, leading to enhanced vessel speed and fuel efficiency.
- Anti-Stick and Anti-Friction Properties: These features prevent biofouling, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and minimizing operational disruptions.
- Environmentally Safe Composition: With no chemical leaching or toxic biocides, the coating ensures that marine ecosystems remain unharmed while promoting sustainable shipping practices.
Advancing Sustainability in Maritime Operations
Ionic’s adoption of Azra Tech’s innovative hull coating technology underscores its commitment to embracing cutting-edge solutions that promote sustainability and efficiency in the shipping industry. The company recognizes that environmental stewardship is not just a regulatory requirement but a business imperative that contributes to long-term resilience and success.
By implementing green technologies, Ionic is taking proactive steps to decarbonize its fleet and contribute to the shipping industry’s broader sustainability goals. The transition to eco-friendly coatings aligns with global regulatory trends that encourage reduced carbon emissions and enhanced environmental protection in maritime operations.
Future Prospects and Industry Implications
As the global maritime industry continues its transition toward sustainability, Ionic’s success with Azra Tech’s hull coating system sets a compelling precedent for other shipping companies. The demonstrated benefits of fuel savings, reduced emissions, and enhanced operational efficiency provide a strong incentive for broader industry adoption.
Looking ahead, Ionic plans to expand its use of advanced coating solutions across its fleet, further enhancing its environmental impact. Additionally, the company remains committed to exploring new technologies and partnerships that support sustainable shipping practices. By leveraging innovation, Ionic aims to remain at the forefront of the maritime sector’s green transformation.
Ionic Tankers’ collaboration with Azra Tech marks a major milestone in sustainable shipping. Through the adoption of ultra-low friction, biocide-free hull coatings, the company is setting new standards in environmental responsibility while achieving significant performance gains. This pioneering initiative not only benefits the marine environment but also enhances operational efficiency, demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
As the shipping industry faces increasing regulatory and environmental pressures, Ionic’s proactive approach offers a model for others to follow. By prioritizing innovation, efficiency, and environmental stewardship, Ionic is shaping the future of sustainable maritime transportation, ensuring cleaner oceans and a healthier planet for generations to come.
