MOL adopts new low-friction hull paint

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molpaintshipMitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.(MOL) is adopting a new low-friction hull paint, Seaflo Neo, developed by Chugoku Marine Paint, Ltd. After analyzing the results of an onboard test with a newbuilding vessel, MOL confirmed that the new paint offers improvements in fuel efficiency compared to conventional paints. This will contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions from vessels.

Friction between the hull and the water accounts for the majority of resistance as a vessel moves through the water. Reducing friction drag is thus a very effective way to reduce CO2 emissions during vessel operation. MOL has taken a proactive stance in developing and adopting a low-friction paint as one of its environmental initiatives.

MOL newbuilding vessels adopting the new paint are:

  • Car carrier Eternal Ace (capacity: 6,400 units of standard passenger cars) built by Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., and completed on July 25, 2011
  • Car carrier Brilliant Ace (capacity: 6,400 units of standard passenger cars) built by Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., and completed on March 30, 2011

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The main characteristic of the new paint, developed by Chugoku Marine Paint is the high smoothness of the paint film surface, the result of a newly developed low-viscosity hydrolyzed polymer. The ultra-smooth finish minimizes friction drag between the hull and the water, improving fuel efficiency by 3 to 5 percent compared to an identical vessel with a conventional hull coating. Seaflo Neo is also low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a major source of air pollution.

July 25, 2011

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