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www.marinelink.com 29 Hempel was created 99 years ago as a specialist marine paints provider. Its founder, JC Hempel, was the fi rst person to develop an antifouling product for a ship’s hull. Although Hempel is now active in other paint sectors such as decorative and pro- tective coatings, the company was born and bred in the shipping and the maritime industry, and 99 years later this remains at the heart of the company. Today Hempel is a leading coat- ings supplier in multiple markets. From wind turbines and bridges to hospitals, ships, power stations and homes, Hempel’s coatings are engineered to protect man-made structures from the corrosive forces of nature. Hempel owns, among other companies, Crown Paints. With a focus on R&D, advanced production techniques and profes- sional coatings advice, the company works around the globe to help keep its customers’ investments safe and attractive for the long haul. “Our working concept is simple: We are curious, creative and self- critical, and we always aim to create extra value for our customers,” said Christian Ottosen, Group Marine Marketing Director. “Within the marine sector we offer a range of exceptionally high quality, certifi ed products including fouling release systems and antifouling; and special- ised coatings for ballast tanks, cargo holds, decks, topsides, superstruc- tures and vessel interiors. In addi- tion, we also supply certifi ed potable water tank coatings. Through our network of 150 stock points, we can supply paints for on-board mainte- nance through almost every port in the world.” Looking Back As is the case for many serving the global maritime market, lessening the impact of shipping on the natural environment is top of the agenda for all quality shipowners. “I believe that the launch of our new coating system HEMPA- GUARD plays an important role in enabling shipowners to operate their vessels in a more environmentally friendly way,” said Ottosen. “Tests show that on average that HEMPA- GUARD reduces overall fuel use by six percent which not only saves ex- pensive and fi nite fossil fuel but also reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. Additionally, HEMPAGUARD main- tains its antifouling effi ciency at both slow and fast speeds and is equally effective during idling periods of up to 120 days. This allows a vessel to steam at its most fuel effi cient speed. HEMPAGUARD also releases 95% less biocide than traditional antifoul- ing products. Taken together, the benefi ts of HEMPAGUARD allow a shipowner to make a signifi cant improvement to its environmental footprint.” While 2014 was a year of develop- ment to meet emerging environmen- tal and fuel effi ciency ends, Ottosen said that the industry largely remains in recovery mode to this day. “The earlier phase of vessel over-ordering coupled with a global recession led to too many ships chasing too few car- goes and the subsequent collapse of freight rates. We are still recovering from that period, although I believe there is a glimmer of light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel.” While Ottosen sees some sectors turning the corner, conventional wisdom suggests that the levels of the over-infl ated markets before the crash of 2008 will never be hit again. Rather, the expectation is a “new normal” of modest, but stable rates. But in the coatings market in par- ticular, there is always a silver lining: “On the positive side for Hempel, the large numbers of vessels deliv- ered between 2009 and 2011 are beginning to fall due for their fi rst drydocking,” said Ottosen. “This means that activity for marine coat- ings is buoyant and likely to remain positive for some time.” Planning Ahead As an independent company with almost 100 years’ experience in ma- rine coatings, Hempel is a leader in its sector. The company continues to innovate and to bring new products to market through its 10 R&D facili- ties located across the globe. Effi ciency and environment are two words fi rst off the lips of nearly every shipowner, and in regards to a company such as Hempel this is a strategic advantage. “Delivering effi ciency to shipown- ers will be central to our activities next year and beyond,” said Ottosen. “Our hull coatings allow vessels to be more fuel effi cient and to reduce their environmental impact. Our products can be applied quickly and cargo loading can commence shortly after application so dry dock periods are reduced. Further effi ciency gains are generated through using our cargo hold coatings that lower main- tenance costs and reduce cleaning times between loads. Even our global arrangements for delivering and managing a vessel’s stock of sea paint reduces cost and handling times.” Central to Hempel’s future will be the continued advancement of its hull coatings with fi ve- to seven- year drydocking intervals. “Our focus will be on improving the HEMPAGUARD technology and enabling this silicon-based coating to be applied at low temperatures,” said Ottosen. “This will give owners added fl exibility over where and at what time of year the coating may be applied. We also plan to intro- duce a new cargo hold coating with a fi ve-year drydock interval. This will be more durable, faster to apply and allow loading to commence more quickly after application.” For newbuilds, it will launch an exten- sive series of uni-primers with PSPC approval for water ballast tanks, and its products will be suitable for all shipbuilding processes and will use fi ber technology to ensure less crack- ing and enhanced durability. 75TH ANNIVERSARY PROFILES Hempel: Born in Maritime “I believe that the launch of our new coating system HEMPAGUARD plays an important role in enabling shipowners to operate their vessels in a more environmentally friendly way.” Christian Ottosen, Group Marine Marketing Director As Hempel approaches its 100th anniversary in 2015, Christian Ottosen, Group Marine Marketing Director, offers insights on the company’s initiatives and drivers. Here’s a hint: protecting ships at sea and protecting the environment. MR #12 (26-31).indd 29 12/2/2014 1:39:17 PM
