EDR Antwerp shipyard achieved a 40% reduction in overspray with the electrostatic application of the PPG Sigmaglide® 2390 fouling release coating.
The international paints and coatings manufacturer PPG
has announced that the EDR Antwerp shipyard has successfully achieved a 40% reduction in overspray through the electrostatic application of the PPG Sigmaglide® 2390 fouling release coating.
“The ship owners and shipyards are being encouraged to look for innovative solutions in order to comply with stricter environmental regulations and meet their sustainability goals. We see an increased demand not only for biocide-free and copper-free hull coatings to reduce vessel emissions, but also for more sustainable application procedures by yards. We strongly believe in the sustainable concept of electrostatic application and are promoting the concept in shipyards in Europe, Singapore and China,” has declared Sijmen Visser, the sales director for the Protective and Marine Coatings division of PPG in the EMEA region.
The project was carried out on the underwater hull of the RoRo passenger vessel Stena Transporter from Stena Line, confirming that the electrostatic paint application has increased the transfer efficiency compared to airless spraying, resulting in reductions in overspray and waste. In addition, the low volatile organic compounds emissions of the PPG Sigmaglide coating ensure a cleaner operation and an improved work environment for the applicators.
“The electrostatic application increases the weather window in which the painting activities can take place, as well reducing overspray significantly. It is impressive to see how the charged paint droplets are attracted to the vessel surface almost like a magnet. You only have to look at the dock floors at the end of the project to see how much paint has been saved from disappearing into the environment. Due to a cleaner operation, we have spent less time masking the vessel and covering the dock, saving valuable time and costs,” has stated Philippe Trouillard, the commercial manager of EDR.