HANSA 01-2020

Schiffstechnik | Ship Technology
aim to stay ahead of future legislation.
We work to reduce substances of concern
within our products with a systematic
approach to phasing out hazardous
raw materials. This work supports regulatory
compliance and allows Hempel to
have a more sustainable product portfolio
for the future. Right now, the focus is on
outright performance; customers face increasing
pressure to minimise emissions
from their vessels, whether that is greenhouse
gases, or invasive species. So using
the right product for the vessel to prevent
fouling is crucial to minimise fuel
use and prevent translocation of marine
species. There is no »one size fits all« approach
to this and we will continue to
offer a range of products to ensure customers
can fully protect their vessels and
meet their environmental obligations.
Might we see a shift in this respect in the
near future?
Shewring: On the contrary, we will constantly
work to improve our environmental
performance and to find ways to minimise
our own environmental footprint
and that of our customers. This work also
involves helping our customers to reduce
their own environmental impact through
the products, solutions and services we
provide – such as hull coatings that reduce
fuel consumption and emissions for
vessels.
What might be the next game changer
for the coatings industry?
Shewring: We believe that the biggest
game changer will come from the realisation
and quantification of the enormous
impact that coatings have on the
total cost of ownership and the environmental
footprint of an asset. Today, superior
technologies are only used by a
fraction of the market. As the industry
matures and becomes more data driven
and holistic, it will push for not only improved
and greener products (e.g. lower /
zero VOC technologies), but also for improved
surface preparation, data-driven
condition monitoring and maintenance
of the assets. This is where outside-ofthe-can
solutions such as robotics or Artificial
Intelligence could also add significant
value for customers.
What are constraints/chances for R&D
through regulations? Do you expect
more regulation?
Shewring: Clearly, existing chemical
policy and rules are tightening and we
see the introduction of new rules. We
have always followed regulatory regimes
closely and the strengthening of regulations
globally is important to ensure
the safe use of chemical substances and
protect human health and the environment.
At Hempel, we don’t see these as
constraints but rather as opportunities
to innovate and to provide sustainable
solutions for our customers that improve
their productivity and prolong their assets’
lives and aesthetics.
Interview: Michael Meyer
PPG SIGMASHIELD 1200
For ultimate protection
in extreme conditions
We created our PPG SIGMASHIELD 1200 coating
specifically to provide long-lasting protection in
harsh environments. It is the latest development in
reinforced, abrasion and impact-resistant coatings
designed specifically for ice-going service.
• Solvent-free phenolic epoxy
• Outstanding impact and abrasion resistance
• Excellent cathodic protection and
creep resistance
• Single-coat application by single or
twin-feed equipment
• Recognized by Lloyd’s Register as an
abrasion-resistant ice coating
• Recognized by Aker Arctic Technology
as a low-friction surface coating for
ice-breaking ships
Visit ppgpmc.com or contact
our office in Hamburg on
+49 (40) 73 60 21-0 or
CS.Germany@ppg.com
HANSA International Maritime Journal 01 | 2020
39