A HULL OF AN INNOVATION
With Hempel’s patented ActiGuard®, Hempaguard X7 is the best choice for superyacht underwater hull protection
If you are concerned on how to overcome the fouling challenge on a superyacht, check out the real life experience with Hempaguard X7 system on the superyacht Saudade example.
What was the challenge?
The previous underwater hull coating was a silicone system which had been repaired several times already. This was a time consuming challenge for the crew and they were searching for a better solution. Before making the final choice on the new coating system, they decided to test the performance of Hempaguard X7 for six months on the rudder and keel. After seeing the results the SY Saudade, Captain and crew decided to protect the whole underwater area with X7. After six months of testing, the existing Hempaguard X7 system on the keel and rudder areas had just minor mechanical damages on the edges that needed to be repaired, and only a general touch-up was required together with applying the system to the rest of the boat’s underwater area. The system was applied by airless spray (except for the support areas, touched up after the full coats) inside a standard application tent.
What was the solution?
After close examination of the boat’s underwater area, Hempel’s team created a full coating and service package for the vessel. The surface preparation was done under the supervision of the contractor representatives: the existing antifouling paint system was fully removed down to a sound existing epoxy substrate which was then fully degreased and high pressure washed. 48 hours after the application of all specified coats on the underwater hull, keel and rudder, the boat was lifted.
“We tried X7 on the rudder and keel and had fantastic results and now decided to do the whole boat. This is our first real experience with Hempel, they’ve been fantastic, everyone has been very involved in the process, we had a lot of support from the technicians coming down from Barcelona, making sure everything was applied perfectly. Communication has been fantastic, and we look forward to working with them again.”
Rob Cumming, Captain of Saudade
Hempel assigned a team of coating advisors to oversee the complete coating application and they worked with the applicators to make sure the coatings were applied as per specification and coordinated to keep application time, waste and costs to a minimum.
Hempaguard X7 is rightly considered to be the industry leading silicone- based hull coating that provides best in class performance and maximum energy efficiency. It is also the first antifouling product approved by the Water Revolution Foundation as a sustainable solution. Hempaguard X7 not only keeps superyachts’ hulls clean, but also significantly reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The advanced fouling defence coating is based on ActiGuard® technology which utilises the combined effect of advanced hydrogel silicone and an efficient biocide. This has boosted the antifouling protection and extended the fouling-free period during Saudade’s journey.
Hempaguard X7 is suitable for vessels operating with long service intervals, up to 60 months and/or very long idle periods of up to 120 days. The latter matches the average operational profile Water Revolution Foundation found for yachts over 30 metres. Hempaguard X7 is a solution that will make a significant difference in driving towards sustainability within the superyacht sector.
For more details visit www.hempel.com
