PPG Industries Inc released a white paper on Tuesday titled "Electrostatic Application for Hull Coatings," detailing how this advanced painting technology can assist ship owners and operators in boosting efficiency and lessening environmental impact. This technique, which has already transformed the automotive and aerospace sectors, is now offering new sustainable solutions for the maritime industry.

Electrostatic spraying works by giving paint particles a negative charge at the spray gun nozzle while grounding the metal substrate to be coated. This causes the negatively charged particles to be attracted to the hull surface like a magnet. Compared to traditional airless spraying, this process significantly improves transfer efficiency, reduces overspray and waste, and results in a more uniform, smoother coating. A case study cited in the white paper showed that the EDR shipyard in Antwerp, Belgium, achieved a 40% reduction in overspray after adopting this technology.

"Electrostatic spraying is a breakthrough process innovation that, combined with our chemical innovations, delivers greater production efficiency and sustainability for our shipyard customers," said Jan Willem Tegelaar, Global Platform Director, Marine Coatings at PPG. The technology has seen rapid adoption at numerous major shipping companies and shipyards worldwide, with applications spanning Europe, the Middle East, Singapore, and China.

Frictional resistance from biofouling can account for up to 50% of a vessel's total resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption. By using electrostatic spraying to apply low-friction coatings such as PPG's SIGMAGLIDE 2390, a smoother, higher-gloss film can be achieved. This reduces hydrodynamic drag, thereby cutting fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. The process also reduces the need for raw material extraction, manufacturing, and transportation, contributing to Scope 3 carbon lifecycle savings.

To date, PPG has completed its 100th ship dry-docking operation utilizing electrostatic spraying technology. Compared to conventional spraying, this method can lower paint loss by approximately 25%, with a theoretical reduction of 20% in VOC emissions.

PPG will also showcase its 360-degree marine coatings solution at the Posidonia international shipping exhibition, encompassing low-friction hull coatings, electrostatic spray application, and digital tools.