The customer perspective on Intersleek 700

Scheduled ship operators using Intersleek have reported important economic and environmental benefits, including increased vessel speed, reduced fuel consumption, reduced emissions, no leaching of biocides into the sea and reduced wash water treatment costs at drydock.

Hapag-Lloyd AG

Last year the four ‘Antwerpen Express’ class ships were painted with Intersleek. The company comprehensively tested the system in everyday ship operations and carried out performance measurements under conditions closely comparable to the previous year when the ships were coated with a self polishing copolymer (SPC) antifouling.  

The test results were excellent. “With these results our expectations have been considerably exceeded. Actually we had only reckoned with a fuel saving of two percent per ship”, said a surprised Mr. Lutz-Michael Dyck, head of Hapag-Lloyd AG ship inspection. “In reality, with the silicone coating, not two but six percent more fuel is saved”. 

“What is also striking is the fact that for the coating of a ship we need two thirds less silicone paint compared to the conventional products. During subsequent drydockings, both cost and effort are reduced. What was also important for us was the durability of the paint. The ‘Antwerpen Express’ itself still looks very clean after 18 months in service”, added Mr. Dyck. 

The tests have been so successful that further Hapag-Lloyd AG vessels are to be coated. In August, the 7500 TEU ‘Hamburg Express’ received its silicone skin during it’s scheduled drydocking. The ‘Hong Kong Express’, ‘Berlin Express’ and ‘Shanghai Express’ will follow.

“For us, this is the logical continuation on our set course, keeping the impact of man on the environment as low as possible, conserving resources”, explained Mr. Richard von Berlepsch, head of Hapag-Lloyd AG fleet management.

Hanjin Shipping

14 Intersleek 700 applications planned between 2006 - 2008
'Hanjin Paris' has shown significant fuel savings, reduced engine load and as a consequence, has opened up charter possibilities which were previously thought untenable with the current Hanjin Shipping Fleet Design.  A decision has been made to move Hanjin's Shipping's entire container fleet to Intersleek 700."

Yang Ming Line

"YM Green" the 100th large ship, after 18months in service experienced 7-9% fuel savings and 5% power reduction.  Yang Ming are continuing to convert vessels in their fleet to Intersleek 700."

Name	Type	Speed (Knots)
Maersk Dublin	Container	24
Don Carlos	Car Carrier	20
Tropic Lure	Ro-Ro/Lo-Lo	15
S/S Norway	Cruise Liner	18
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