PPG Marks 200th Vessel Dry Docking with Electrostatic Marine Coating Application
PPG has announced the successful completion of its 200th vessel dry docking using electrostatic application technology for marine fouling control coatings. The milestone comes nearly three years after the company introduced this innovative coating technique to the global shipping industry, highlighting growing adoption among shipowners and shipyards seeking more sustainable maintenance practices.
The landmark project was carried out on the Stena Britannica, a passenger and roll-on/roll-off cargo vessel operated by Stena Line, one of the world’s leading ferry operators. The dry docking took place at the EDR Antwerp shipyard in Belgium, where the vessel’s hull was coated using PPG SIGMAGLIDE® 2390 fouling release coating. This advanced silicone-based coating is completely biocide-free, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional antifouling coatings that rely on chemical agents.
The application was completed using PPG’s electrostatic spraying method, a technology designed to deliver improved coating performance while reducing waste and environmental impact. Unlike traditional airless spray methods, electrostatic application uses a specialized spray gun that charges the coating particles electrically. These charged particles are then attracted to the grounded metal surface of the ship’s hull, ensuring more precise placement and uniform coverage.
This process allows coating particles to wrap evenly around the vessel’s surface, creating a smoother and more consistent film layer. As a result, the technique enhances the effectiveness of fouling control coatings, helping prevent the buildup of marine organisms such as barnacles and algae. By maintaining a smoother hull surface, ships experience reduced drag while moving through the water, which in turn improves fuel efficiency and operational performance.
Another significant advantage of electrostatic application is its ability to increase paint transfer efficiency. Because the charged coating particles are directed toward the metal surface, less paint is lost as overspray during the application process. This means shipyards require less coating material overall, leading to lower material consumption and reduced waste.
The reduction in overspray and wasted coating also contributes to lower carbon emissions during the coating process. Fewer raw materials are required for production and transportation, which decreases the environmental footprint associated with manufacturing marine coatings. As a result, the electrostatic application technique supports broader sustainability goals within the maritime industry.
The shipping sector currently accounts for roughly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making emission reduction a key priority for vessel operators worldwide. Companies such as Stena Line are actively seeking ways to minimize the environmental impact of their fleets through improved technologies and operational practices.
Dennis Tetzlaff, Chief Operating Officer of Fleet at Stena Line, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in addressing climate challenges facing the industry.
“In an industry that makes up 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, we take responsibility for our impact on the environment,” Tetzlaff said. “Our target is to reduce CO2 emissions from our vessels by 30% by 2030, based on a 2019 baseline. We are taking substantial steps to reduce our carbon footprint and minimize any negative impact on biodiversity. Collaborating with partners like PPG allows us to adopt innovative solutions that help address global environmental challenges.”
Beyond the benefits during application, the electrostatic coating process also supports reductions in Scope 3 carbon emissions over the entire life cycle of the coating. Scope 3 emissions include indirect emissions generated during the production, extraction and transportation of raw materials. Because the electrostatic method requires less coating material overall, the associated carbon emissions linked to manufacturing and logistics are also reduced.
In addition to these life cycle benefits, vessels coated with high-performance hull coatings such as PPG Sigmaglide 2390 experience operational carbon savings. The coating’s ultra-smooth silicone surface minimizes friction between the hull and the surrounding water, allowing ships to move more efficiently. This improved hydrodynamic performance reduces fuel consumption, helping shipowners lower operational costs while cutting Scope 1 emissions generated directly by vessel engines.
According to Jan Willem Tegelaar, Global Marine Platform Director for Protective and Marine Coatings at PPG, the 200th electrostatic application milestone reflects the power of collaboration across the maritime industry.
“This achievement demonstrates how cooperation between technology providers, shipyards and vessel operators can deliver meaningful sustainability progress,” Tegelaar said. “Working with Stena Line from the beginning of this journey, we have developed solutions that help both shipyards and fleet operators reduce their operational and embodied carbon footprints.”
He added that PPG’s advanced hull coating technologies are designed to deliver multiple environmental benefits in a single solution.
“With premium hull-coating technologies such as PPG Sigmaglide 2390, specifically developed for electrostatic application, PPG is currently the only marine coatings provider offering both operational carbon savings and reduced life cycle emissions through one integrated coating system,” Tegelaar explained.
As the maritime industry continues to pursue decarbonization targets and improved environmental performance, innovations such as electrostatic coating application are expected to play an increasingly important role. By combining advanced materials with efficient application methods, companies like PPG are helping shipowners adopt practical solutions that support both operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.
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