The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has returned to International Paint for more of the latest fuel saving technology, Intersleek 900, for the hull of the UK Navy’s flagship HMS Ark Royal. She is the latest UK MoD vessel to benefit from Intersleek foul release coatings which can cut fuel consumption and reduce emissions.
As part of the Ark Royal’s Contractor Support Period at Portsmouth Naval Dockyard in the UK, the 20,600 ton Invincible Class aircraft carrier has had her underwater hull coated with our premium fluoropolymer foul release coating, a move estimated to cut fuel costs by as much as 9% and reduce the 1985 built vessel’s emissions by a similar margin.
Since Intersleek 700 was applied to the hull of the Type 23 frigate HMS Northumberland in January 2005, no fewer than 18 UK Navy vessels have been coated with Intersleek foul release systems. Intersleek 700 has been applied to the hulls of four frigates and three recently built Type 45 destroyers whilst Intersleek 900 has been applied to a range of naval vessels including a Type 42 destroyer, six minesweepers, three new T45 destroyers, a helicopter carrier, a landing ship and a frigate.
Emissions from international shipping are a contentious issue and one that is increasingly under the spotlight in the run up to the December UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. Although it is merchant ship emissions which present the largest challenge – many of these are designed to burn the very heaviest grades of fuel – those in charge of the world’s navies are increasingly aware that they too have a role to play.