Seawide Distribution and Essential Shipyard Industries partner to launch Hempel Silic One
by SeaWide 2 Feb 07:20 PST
Seawide Distribution and Essential Shipyard Industries partner to launch Hempel Silic One © Seawide
Hempel, world-renowned leader in antifouling technology, announced today that its innovative, high-performance, copper-free and biocide-free antifouling coatings Silic One and Hempaspeed Thin Film (TF) acrylic will be available for distribution in the state of Washington for the first time, through Hempel's North American partner SeaWide Distribution and Essential Shipyard Industries.
Silic One, an industry-first, silicone-based bottom coating that incorporates Hempel's unique Hydrogel technology, has been available in North America since the fall. Regulations in the state of Washington are more stringent than in other states and municipalities, with a law calling to phase out any substances or chemicals in antifouling paints and coatings used on recreational vessels that are proven to be unduly toxic to aquatic organisms. Essential Shipyard Industries is a Washington-based business, and an approved applicator of Silic One - which, as a copper- and biocide-free coating, far exceeds even the most restrictive regulations.
Hempaspeed TF is a high-performance, hard, biocide-free, thin-film coating, used as an antifouling for boats of fiberglass, steel and aluminum. Suitable for pleasure boats and racing/regatta boats, Hempaspeed TF is ideal for both fresh- and saltwater use.
"Washington State is a key market for us in North America, as it's home to thousands of miles of coastline and several disparate marine economic sectors," said Lacey Neahr, Category Director, SeaWide Marine. "As we move into this market, it's incredibly important to us that we put our best foot forward from an environmental standpoint and harness local knowledge so that we can best respect current and future statewide regulations and guidance. Essential Shipyard Industries has been an incredible partner in this, and we are confident that Hempel's Silic One and Hempaspeed thin-film acrylic not only adheres to the state's guidelines, but blows them out of the water."
"Hempel products are as close to a magic bullet as we can get when it comes to ecologically safe bottom coatings," said Jason Knott, President, Essential Shipyard Industries. "Washington is very protective of its natural resources, as seen through the laws currently in place. While we feel more regulations are in the near future, we have Hempel products already available and proven, which gets us out in front of regulatory changes before they even happen. That's why we recommend that all of our customers make the switch to Hempel."
Hempel's Hydrogel technology is unique and elevates it high above other antifouling products. These non-reactive polymers create an invisible barrier between the hull's surface and the water, fooling marine life into believing that the hull is liquid and significantly reducing their attachment.
Hempel's products produce zero run-off contamination or harmful build-up, while delivering outstanding performance. They also reduce drag and fuel consumption, making each vessel 5-7% more efficient on average, thus eliminating harmful emissions. They are even safer for applicators and emits less harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on application from its high solids formulation. Silic One and Hempaspeed can be used on nearly all materials and boat types, regardless of water type, ambient temperatures or geographical location. They can also be used on both brand-new boats and ones already coated with antifouling. Hempel products are the ideal choice for the aluminum commercial vessels, racing sailboats and long-range cruisers that ply the waters of the Pacific Northwest.
To learn more about Silic One, Hempaspeed or other Hempel products, visit www.hempelyacht.com. To learn more about Essential Shipyard Industries, visit www.essentialshipyard.com.