Japan-based Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has announced the adoption of a new low-friction paint, Seaflo Neo, developed by Chugoku Marine Paint.
Friction between the hull and the water accounts for the majority of resistance as a vessel moves through the water. Reducing friction drag is a very effective way to save fuel and thereby reduce emissions during vessel operation. After analysing the results of onboard tests, MOL confirmed that the new paint offers improvements in fuel efficiency compared with conventional paints, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse emissions from vessels. The new car carriers 'Eternal Ace', completed on July 25, and 'Brilliant Ace' completed on March 30, both feature the paint.
The main characteristic of the new paint is the high smoothness of the paint film surface, the result of a newly developed low-viscosity hydrolysed polymer. The ultra-smooth finish minimises friction drag between the hull and the water, improving fuel efficiency by three to five percent compared with an identical vessel with a conventional hull coating. The new paint is also low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a major source of air pollution.
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