Shanghai Dingheng Shipping Technology Co., Ltd. has successfully applied a shark skin-inspired antifouling coating based on a nano-branched structure to its main 6,400 DWT ocean-going chemical tanker. This marks an important leap for this innovative technology from laboratory development to commercial application. Six months of real-ship testing data in an actual shipping environment have fully validated the outstanding comprehensive performance of this material.
In terms of real-world application performance, the "dermal denticle" structure design of this coating has demonstrated excellent engineering applicability. After the vessel has been exposed to different navigation areas and seasonal conditions, hull inspections have shown significant antifouling effects, effectively preventing the attachment of various types of marine organisms. Measured data confirm that the material provides stable protection for over 60 months, a performance that has been validated through actual shipboard applications.
In terms of navigation performance, a comparison of the vessel’s sailing data before and after the application of the new material shows significant energy-saving effects. Actual voyage records indicate that under the same speed conditions, the reduction in hull resistance leads to a notable decrease in main engine power consumption, with an actual speed increase of more than 10% — a figure accurately recorded in the ship’s logbook.
Comprehensive coverage of commercial fleets including ocean-going container ships, bulk carriers, oil/chemical tankers, as well as various special vessel types such as luxury cruise ships, ro-ro passenger vessels, port tugboats, and offshore engineering support vessels. This solution is specifically tailored to provide long-lasting and reliable protection against corrosion and biofouling in harsh marine environments for key areas including the hull exterior, ballast tanks, deck equipment zones, and superstructures of different ship types.
The successful application of this technology marks an important breakthrough in the field of marine antifouling. Its outstanding comprehensive performance perfectly aligns with the modern shipping industry’s operational needs for environmental friendliness, energy efficiency, low maintenance costs, and sustainability. It provides reliable technical support for the sustainable development of the global shipping industry, demonstrating broad application prospects and significant composite value.
