442000 DWT tanker owner OSG

442,000 dwt tanker coated with Intersleek 900

International Paint Ltd. reports the successful completion of coating work on one of the world's largest crude oil carriers, the 442,500 dwt V-Plus TI AFRICA. Owned and operated by Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (OSG), the 2002 Korean built vessel, one of four sister ships, recently drydocked in Dubai.

With a total fleet of 144 vessels, OSG is committed to reduced environmental impact and maximum fuel efficiency. The company considered very carefully the choice of coating system for the massive 20,000 square meters of underwater sides on the 3.2 million barrel vessel. The decision to use the patented, Intersleek 900 fluoropolymer foul release coating was based on proven experience with Intersleek 700 silicone based products on three OSG owned VLCC's.

Captain Robert Johnson, OSG's Head of Worldwide Shipping Operations said, "OSG decided to apply International Paint's Intersleek 900 on the TI AFRICA as we believe the benefits from this type of antifouling coating will contribute to a reduction in the vessel's environmental footprint by eliminating biocides and reducing emissions, while at the same time enhancing the vessel's efficiency through the water. Our decision to upgrade to the 900 series followed the successful in-service results of Intersleek 700 on three of our VLCC vessels".

International Paint says that Intersleek 900, introduced in February 2007, is exceptionally smooth with unprecedented low levels of average hull roughness, excellent foul release capabilities and good resistance to mechanical damage. In terms of fuel efficiency and emissions, Intersleek 900 offers predicted savings (depending on application and in service conditions) of a further 2 percent in comparison to Intersleek 700 and 6 percent in comparison to SPC antifoulings, although in-service experience on a range of vessel types has shown savings considerably higher than this.

The potential exists for even greater savings in comparison to CDP, controlled depletion antifoulings. The absence of biocides also offers cost advantages at the next drydocking on treatment and disposal costs of wash water and blasting abrasive.

Mr. Alan Walker, International Paint Europe, Middle East & Africa, Regional Marine Manager said, "After extensive work with OSG examining the proven performance benefits of Intersleek we're delighted to have been awarded the contract for the TI AFRICA. "

So far, 42 vessels worldwide representing over 2 million dwt have already been coated with Intersleek 900 and 30 more vessels are currently scheduled for coating.

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