Hempel completes first applications of next-gen Hempaguard NB

One of the first newbuilding vessels coated with the Hempaguard NB was Tangier Maersk, the first in a new series of six 9,000 TEU vessels ordered by Maersk. [Image: Hempel]

Hempel has successfully completed the first ever applications of its next-generation silicone hull coating, Hempaguard NB, which, as its name implies, has been specifically designed for newbuilding yard applications.

One of the first newbuilding vessels coated with the product was Tangier Maersk, the first in a new series of six 9,000 TEU vessels ordered by Maersk.

Until now, applying advanced silicone hull coatings during the newbuilding process has posed logistical challenges for shipowners. Conventional silicone solutions require controlled environments and are typically applied either pre-delivery or in post-delivery drydockings, both of which approaches cause delays and additional costs. Now, Hempaguard NB extends the proven performance of Hempel’s Hempaguard silicone coating to vessels directly out of the newbuilding yard.

Applied at Yangzijiang Shipyard (YZJ) in China in October 2025, the successful Tangier Maersk application was achieved through close collaboration between YZJ, Maersk and Hempel.

Hempel says that, even though this was the first application of Hempaguard NB, the work was carried out efficiently and without impacting the vessel’s launch schedule, underscoring the coating’s suitability for streamlined newbuilding operations.

“This milestone shows how effectively Hempaguard NB can be applied during vessel construction when shipyards, owners and Hempel’s coating and application specialists work closely together,” says Alexander Enström, head of new build at Hempel. “It provides a practical pathway for introducing silicone coatings in newbuilding without schedule impact.”

Building on the strong results achieved during the project, additional vessels under the same contract are scheduled to be coated with Hempaguard NB during 2026.

“As fuel efficiency remains one of our top priorities, we are continuously refining coating solutions on our vessels to ensure optimal hydrodynamic performance,” says Ole Graa Jakobsen, head of fleet technology at Maersk. “The successful application during the newbuilding process marks a significant milestone, and we see this as a step towards more efficient newbuilding workflows going forward. The strong collaboration between YZJ, Hempel and Maersk has been key in ensuring a smooth and successful application.”

“Our collaboration with Hempel and Maersk on this project has clearly demonstrated that advanced silicone coatings can be applied during the newbuilding process without causing disruption or delays,” Jie Hong, director of the QA&QC department at Yangzijiang Shipyard. “This not only reinforces our confidence in adopting innovative technologies, but also provides our yard with a valuable competitive edge as we continue to pursue higher efficiency and performance in future projects.”