Electrostatic Coatings Reduce Shipping Industry's Carbon Footprint

The global shipping market has taken a major leap forward in its efforts to reduce its environmental impact with the completion of PPG's 200th vessel dry docking using electrostatic application. This milestone marks nearly three years since PPG introduced this innovative technique to the global shipping market, and it is expected to have a lasting impact on the industry's carbon footprint.

The project was completed on the Stena Britannica, a passenger and roll-on/roll-off cargo vessel operated by Stena Line, one of the world’s largest ferry companies. The team applied PPG SIGMAGLIDE® 2390 fouling release coating, a silicone-based, biocide-free solution, using the electrostatic application method. This technique has been widely adopted in the industry due to its ability to deliver even coverage and uniform film layers that enhance smoothness and fouling control performance.

The electrostatic application method uses an electrostatic spray gun to guide coating particles onto a grounded metal surface, significantly reducing material waste and carbon emissions compared to traditional airless spray methods. This technique improves paint transfer efficiency and reduces overspray, making it a more environmentally friendly option for the shipping industry. As a result, vessel owners can expect to reduce their fuel consumption and Scope 1 emissions.

Stena Line has set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon footprint, aiming to decrease CO2 emissions from its vessels by 30% by 2030. The company is taking substantial steps to achieve this goal, including adopting solutions that help address global challenges such as climate change. Collaborating with partners like PPG allows Stena Line to access innovative technologies that support its sustainability efforts.

The adoption of electrostatic application for marine fouling control coatings offers Scope 3 carbon life cycle savings compared to traditional application methods. This is because fewer raw materials need to be extracted, manufactured or transported, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions. These reductions are in addition to the operational carbon savings achieved by vessels coated with high-performance, low-friction solutions such as PPG Sigmaglide 2390 coating.

The shipping industry is one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 3% of total emissions. As a result, companies like Stena Line are under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental impact. The use of electrostatic application for marine fouling control coatings represents a significant step towards achieving this goal.

The benefits of electrostatic application extend beyond the reduction of carbon emissions. By minimizing waste and material usage, vessel owners can also expect to reduce operational costs and improve the overall efficiency of their operations. This is particularly important in an industry where margins are often thin and every penny counts.

As the shipping industry continues to evolve and adopt new technologies, it is clear that electrostatic application will play a major role in reducing its environmental impact. With PPG's 200th vessel dry docking completed, the industry can expect to see more widespread adoption of this innovative technique in the years to come.

PPG's commitment to sustainability is evident in its efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its products and services. The company's use of electrostatic application for marine fouling control coatings is just one example of its dedication to addressing global challenges such as climate change.

The future of the shipping industry will likely be shaped by technologies like electrostatic application, which offer significant benefits in terms of reduced emissions and waste. As companies continue to invest in these solutions, we can expect to see a reduction in the industry's carbon footprint and a more sustainable future for the global shipping market.