POLYUREA HULL COATINGS FOR PROTECTING CONTAINER VESSELS

Corrosion Resistant Underwater And Exterior Hull Coatings

PROTECTING STEEL HULLS

Today’s globalized world relies on sophisticated trade networks, which are dominated by large container vessels. In fact, an estimated 90% of the world’s goods are now transported by sea, supported by ever-larger ships that can hold as many as 24,000 containers. Their increasing numbers and sizes, and still growing importance to global trade, makes protecting these vessels more important than ever before. While it’s imperative to protect each and every part of a ship, the hull – the watertight body serving as the main structural framework – is both most at risk, and most essential for protecting the ship’s cargo, machinery, and passengers.

Typically composed of complex networks of steel plates and beams, the hull of container vessels is susceptible to salinity-induced corrosion and marine fouling, which has traditionally been combated with various ship paints. However, advances in materials science have seen the rise of new and improved solutions for protecting the hulls of container vessels. Namely, polyurea spray elastomer technology can be used as a robust, all-in-one solution for protecting steel hulls from abrasion, corrosion, and marine fouling.

CORROSION RESISTANCE

One of the biggest threats to the hulls of container vessels is corrosion. The high salinity of seawater, which is in constant contact with the steel hulls of container vessels, can drastically speed up the corrosion process. Seawater contains high concentrations of dissolved ions, which can facilitate electron transport that underpins the formation of rust. To most effectively combat seawater-induced corrosion, it’s therefore best to prevent or reduce a hull’s exposure to seawater in the first place. Polyurea coatings can be used to create a watertight barrier on the surface of a ship’s hull, separating steel hulls from corrosive seawater. Lasting for up to several decades, polyurea coatings are a one-time solution for decades of protection against corrosion.

HYDRODYNAMIC & ANTIFOULING

Protecting steel hulls involves more than creating a durable barrier; surfaces must be kept clean and smooth to avoid the accumulation of marine life like plants and algae. Such buildup of these organisms can lead to lost transport efficiency, increasing fuel costs and the time from port to port. Even more importantly, fouling risks damaging the hull of a ship, creating grave dangers for maritime personnel and requiring expensive and time-consuming repairs and replacements. Polyurea coatings can be used in lieu of or in combination with anti-fouling paints or chemical agents, creating a durable surface for the quick and easy removal of marine life or other embedded debris. Polyurea coatings also improve the hydrodynamics of the ship’s hull, creating a smoother surface that reduces drag and surface tension, allowing for higher speeds and better fuel efficiency.

WATERPROOF & WATERTIGHT

While it goes without saying, any materials used to protect the hull of a ship needs to be waterproof. Hulls experience near constant exposure to corrosive seawater, and must be capable of surviving the same conditions that they aim to protect the ship from. Polyurea coatings are waterproof and watertight, not only resilient to water and moisture, but also effective at creating a durable buffer that insulates hulls from corrosive materials. Typically applied with pressurized spray equipment, polyurea coatings occupy every crack and crevice to form a comprehensive watertight seal, forming a superior barrier than that created with traditional ship paints or alternative coating technologies.

ARMORLINER: THE BEST POLYUREA COATING

So now that you know more about why polyurea is one of the best technologies for protecting the hulls of container vessels, the question is: what polyurea coating should you choose? There are countless different polyurea coatings available on the market, each with different properties, qualities, and applications. That’s why we’ve developed ArmorLiner, our ultimate solution for protecting container vessels. Unyielding to gouging, rips, tears, and scuffs, ArmorLiner can be used to protect surfaces for maximum resistance to weathering and abrasion. For container vessels, ArmorLiner serves as the perfect waterproof barrier, insulating hulls from corrosive seawater, while protecting them from a rough return to port or unexpected debris while sailing the high seas. Flexible in its formulation, ArmorLiner can also be customized for specific vessels, and provides a hydrodynamic anti-fouling surface for reduced maintenance and improved operational efficiency. ArmorLiner represents the best polyurea coatings for protecting marine vessels, and ArmorThane is proud to help support the infrastructure that keeps our world turning.

FAQ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Polyurea Better Than Ship Paints For Protecting Container Vessels?

Polyurea is among the best solutions for protecting container vessels, and other types of marine vehicles. Compared to ship paints, polyurea offers improved resistance to weathering and abrasion, and creates a watertight barrier that insulates hulls from corrosive seawater. Polyurea coatings also serve as effective anti-fouling agents, and create smoother surfaces that increase fuel-efficiency and reduce shipping times.

Do Polyurea Coatings Only Work For Steel Hulls?

Polyurea coatings are perfect for use with steel hulls, as well as countless other structural and surface materials. Container vessels are typically made from steel frames, which can be particularly susceptible to corrosion and fouling. Just as polyurea is an effective protective coating for steel hulls, it provides the same benefits to many different ship designs and constructions.

Why Is Polyurea Better Than Anti-Fouling Paints?

Polyurea is an overall better solution for protecting container vessels than anti-fouling paints. Not only does polyurea serve to create an anti-fouling surface, but it also insulates hulls from corrosive seawater, and protects them from other forms of weathering and abrasion. Polyurea offers more functionality, with better performance and longevity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT POLYUREA COATINGS

Protecting container vessels means protecting global shipping, vital to sustain modern economies and support our contemporary lifestyles. If you’re interested in learning more about our suite of polyurea products and services for container vessels or other marine applications, contact us today! We’ve led the coatings industry for more than 35 years, and have everything you’ll need to tackle your next coatings project with ease. With 24/7 customer service and technical support staff, you’re always only one call away from partnering with the best in the industry.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TYLER GLECKLER

I am a chemist with a specialization in nanotechnology and applied materials chemistry. My work has focused on the characterization of optoelectronic materials, namely including semiconductor nanocrystals.

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