Maerk’s Triple E ships to get slippery treatment

JULY 4, 2014—Sustainability is a core focus of Maersk Line, particularly when it comes to operating its new Triple-E class of 18,000 TEU containerships. At 400 meters long, 59 meters wide and 73 meters high, these 165,000 dwt behemoths are the world’s largest. Keeping under water hull surfaces smooth and clean is crucial to Maersk Line’s efforts to minimize fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Jotun, the global leader in marine antifouling coatings, has signed a landmark agreement with Maersk Line to supply Hull Performance Solutions with SeaQuantumX200 for the Triple-E newbuild project.

By upgrading to HPS with Jotun’s top-of-the-line SeaQuantum X200 antifouling coating, the Triple-E ships are expected to reinforce their energy efficiency advantage.

Maersk Line has ordered a series of 20 Triple-E vessels, with 10 now already in or entering service, and a further 10 under construction at DSME in South Korea. The significance of securing such a prestigious contract, with such a ground-breaking vessel, is clear to Geir Bøe, Jotun’s Vice President of Marine Coatings: “Maersk Line is an industry front-runner in fuel efficient shipping and the Triple-E shows the company’s commitment to continuous improvement”.

He continues: “Advanced antifouling technology is central to optimizing hull performance and the world fleet’s energy consumption. HPS demonstrates its effectiveness, helping shipowners to quantify efficiency gains and contributing to something we all want – a more sustainable, environmentally-friendly, and profitable shipping industry.”