Hempel launches Hempaguard NB, the first silicone hull coating for newbuilds

Hempel launches Hempaguard NB, the first silicone hull coating for newbuilds © Hempel

Hempel's latest innovation is designed specifically for shipyard application, bringing Hempaguard's proven fuel savings and fouling protection to newbuild vessels from day one.

This means that vessels can now benefit from Hempaguard throughout their entire service life.

Hempel proudly expands its market-leading Hempaguard range with the launch of Hempaguard NB - a breakthrough high-performance silicone hull coating, designed specifically for newbuild vessels. For the first time, shipowners and shipyards can access Hempaguard's trusted fuel savings and fouling protection during the construction phase, marking a major step forward in hull coating innovation.

Until now, applying advanced silicone coatings during the newbuilding process has posed logistical challenges for shipowners. Conventional silicone solutions require controlled environments and are typically applied either pre-delivery or in post-delivery dry dockings, both of which cause delays and additional costs.

Alexander Enström, Executive Vice President and Head of Marine at Hempel A/S - photo © Hempel

"Hempaguard NB brings the industry's most advanced silicone hull coating technology, proven to deliver significant fuel savings and reduce emissions, into the newbuilding phase for the very first time," says Alexander Enström, Executive Vice President and Head of Marine at Hempel A/S. "Developing Hempaguard NB meant reimagining how silicone coatings are formulated for the construction phase, delivering a solution that maintains long-term performance without the need for post-delivery application. It's a technical breakthrough that ensures vessels are equipped with proven, high-efficiency fouling protection from the very first day at sea."

It combines the tried-and-tested performance of Hempaguard X7 with a revolutionary new silicone topcoat, made specifically for newbuilds. This means that it offers the same exceptional performance as Hempaguard X7 - with nearly 5,000 applications and independently verified for its fuel-saving and decarbonisation benefits *(1). Shipowners can expect up to 20% fuel savings, only 1.2% average speed loss *(2) and 120 fouling-free idle days

Not only does this give customers premium performance straight out of dock, but also a long-term asset for operational efficiency and regulatory compliance, unlocking the full potential of silicone coatings for newbuilds and giving shipyards a competitive edge.

Hempaguard NB plays a part in Hempel's Full Picture Hull Management approach - a comprehensive, data-driven perspective to hull performance, shaped by more than a century of experience and close collaboration with the maritime industry.

To learn more about Hempaguard NB, please visit here.