PPG 'Hybrid' system solves fouling issues for Songa Shipmanagement Ltd
PPG 'Hybrid' system solves fouling issues for Songa Shipmanagement Ltd.
The Customer
Songa Shipmanagement Ltd. (Songa) in Glasgow is part of the Norwegian-based Blystad Group and operates a variety of specialist heavy lift vessels. The Blystad Group has a long and proud history in international shipping that owns and operates vessels to the highest standards in oil, chemical, product and heavy lift markets. The familyoriented ownership is reflected in the quality of its vessels.
OHT (Offshore Heavy Transport) AS is one of the most experienced heavy transport vessel operators in the world. The company operates five semi-submersible heavy lift vessels suitable for the dry transportation of offshore drilling rigs, offshore modules and all other oversized floating and non-floating cargos. The cargoes are typically extremely large and heavy (up to 40,000 tons) and, in many cases, high-value constructions.
The Challenge
Songa approached PPG Protective & Marine Coatings (PPG) to find a solution for a number of issues that the company’s vessels faced: fouling problems, longer idle times in aggressive fouling situations, and uncertain trading patterns.
In addition, the project had a very short lead time and the bidding process was extremely competitive for the OHT vessel, the Eagle. Due to its specific type of operation, this type of Offshore Heavy Transport vessel experiences longer idle times and changeable trading schedules.
The OHT Eagle is a semi-submersible heavy lift vessel designed for offshore and onshore facilities by means of float on/off, skid on/off and roll on/off operation. It measures 199.33 m long, 42 m wide and 11 m deep, with 31,809 DWT, and has a cruising speed of 13 knots.
The Customer
Songa Shipmanagement Ltd., Glasgow
The Location
Behei Shipyard, Quingdao, China
The Challenge
To solve a range of issues on the OHT Eagle: fouling problems, longer idle times in aggressive fouling situations, and uncertain trading patterns.
The Solution
A 36-month ‘hybrid’ system comprising the SIGMAGLIDE® 1290 fouling release for the vertical sides and the SIGMA NEXEON™710 coating for the flat bottom.
The Benefits
PPG coatings provided optimal antifouling protection and fuel savings with its advanced 'hybrid' coating system that eliminate slime problems and dramatically increase fuel savings from launch.
The Result
Songa Shipmanagement reported significantly better fuel economy, less engine load and increased speed.
The Solution
Songa Shipmanagement Ltd
Pre-docking
After a thorough analysis of the customer's requirements, PPG finally went with a 36-month 'hybrid' system comprising the SIGMAGLIDE 1290 fouling release for the vertical sides and the SIGMA NEXEON 710 coating for the flat bottom. The dry docking had a very short lead time of under 14 days and was awarded against a number of very competitive offerings.
The Customer Service teams in Poland and China managed to supply all the stock in time and the project also benefited from the excellent support from the Field Technical Services (FTS) team in China.
The Benefits
PPG's hybrid coating proposal produced the ideal combination of excellent antifouling and immediate fuel savings.
The SIGMAGLIDE 1290 100% pure silicone binder fouling release system utilizes a breakthrough dynamic surface regeneration technology to eliminate slime problems and dramatically increase fuel savings compared to existing fouling release products. The 100% pure silicone binder system is suitable for all vessel types and creates a high-density silicone surface that dramatically improves vessel performance:
Key Benefits
Eliminates slime
Regenerates the surface
Delivers immediate fuels savings consistently throughout service
The SIGMA NEXEON 710 copper-free antifouling coating is specifically designed to deliver excellent protection against fouling for all types of vessels. The coating results in smoother vessels from the start, which offers the possibility to deliver fuel savings gained from lower hull friction as soon as the vessel is launched.
Key Benefits
Songa Shipmanagement Ltd
After-docking: hybrid system applied
Smoother from the start – fuel-saving benefits possible from launch
Unique copper-free formulation ensures excellent protection against fouling
Excellent color retention ensures optimal 'as new' cosmetic appearance for extended periods
Proven performance that builds on the outstanding track record of SIGMA NEXEON products
Maximum flexibility – suitable for all types of vessels
The Result
Outstanding service by the Customer Service teams in Poland and China, and the FTS team in China, combined with the hybrid system’s outstanding performance, has given Songa the perfect solution for the specific problems faced by the OHT Eagle. Indeed, the customer commented on his satisfaction with the whole PPG project from start to finish and is looking forward to working with PPG again.
Mr Strahil Krastev, Superintendent, stated, "The vessel is already reporting significantly better fuel economy, less engine load and increased speed."