PPG Industries' protective and marine coatings business has introduced the SIGMA SAILADVANCE high-performance antifouling coatings range suitable for a variety of operating conditions.
The range currently comprises four coatings: SIGMA SAILADVANCE RX and GX coatings are completely new formulations based on PPG-patented technologies, and SIGMA SAILADVANCE MX and DX coatings are rebranded SIGMA SYLADVANCE 700 and 800 products.
SIGMA SAILADVANCE RX and GX antifoulings are based on self-release binder technology using controlled surface active polymers (CSPs) that provides the coatings with a self-lubrication and self-release mechanism. CSPs act on the coating-water interface as a lubricant, which supports laminar flow, thereby reducing hull friction when the ship is sailing and delivering fuel savings of 5 percent on average. In addition, CSPs create a "slippery surface" that increases resistance to fouling when a ship is not sailing, extending the potential for more idle days.
“The SAILADVANCE range has been developed in the knowledge that to meet today’s market needs, a coating must cover a wide range of vessel types and operational conditions," said Tom Molenda, PPG global marine director. "Owners want to reduce energy consumption and lower their total costs regardless of how their ships are operating. SAILADVANCE RX and GX [coatings] meet this need whether the ship is sailing, idle or slow steaming, regardless of being applied during new construction or during dry docking.”
The SIGMA SAILADVANCE range is designed for all vessel types and operating speeds and is particularly effective for slow-steaming ships because of the engineered CSP composition. The antifoulings also benefit from high-volume solids (up to 59 percent) for efficient application and evolve in a pattern of linear polishing, with consistent biocide release for predictable performance for up to 90 months.
The SIGMA SAILADVANCE MX and DX coatings provide the same high performance and fuel-saving potential as the SIGMA SYLADVANCE 700 and 800 products did for vessels under the widest operating profiles.
