Mercator coats second tanker with Intersleek 900
Mumbai-based Mercator Lines has coated a second Aframax tanker, the 105,000 dwt Prem Divya, with International Paint's foul release coating, Intersleek 900.
The move comes just nine months after sistership Prem Pride had its vertical sides coated with the fluoropolymer at Dubai Drydocks World. The hull upgrade of the Prem Divya, however, effected during the 1998-built tanker's second special survey, involved the entire underwater area of the 1998-built vessel.
"We had monitored the Prem Pride's fuel consumption closely," explains Mercator Lines' General Manager Mr. Amit Agrawal. "At corresponding engine speeds, the vessel was consuming up to 6% less fuel, depending on weather conditions, after the application of Intersleek 900. We originally calculated projected savings based on a bunker price of $450 and found we were saving nearly three tonnes of fuel a day. And whilst bunker prices continue to climb, our payback period just gets shorter. The added advantages of no biocides, reduced drydocking times and lower CO2 emissions convinced us that this is the technology we need."
Prior to investing in Intersleek 900 technology, Mercator Lines the company had undertaken a detailed cost benefit analysis, taking references from owners who had already adopted the new hull coating. The process involved calculating the savings generated by easier through-life hull coatings management including a smaller volume of paint required at subsequent dockings, an improvement in environmental footprint and, of course, startling fuel consumption savings.
Speaking for International Paint, Mr. Clive O'Leary, Worldwide Marine Business Development Manager commented: "We are delighted that in the short time since the Prem Pride had Intersleek 900 applied to her vertical sides, the savings are so obvious. Now, the 'Prem Divya' has had her entire underwater hull coated we look forward to comparing the figures. Rising bunker prices are generating unprecedented interest in Intersleek 900 and we are about to carry out our 120th application."
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