Hempel is setting new standards for cruise coatings
As the maritime industry faces mounting pressure to decarbonise, cruise operators are increasingly turning to innovative solutions that balance operational efficiency with environmental performance – and Hempaguard Ultima, Hempel’s groundbreaking new two-layer coating system, is helping meet this challenge says John Mangano, Senior Sales Manager at Hempel A/S.
John Mangano, Senior Sales Manager at Hempel A/S
Hempaguard Ultima combines the tried-and-tested performance of Hempaguard X7 with Hempel’s revolutionary new biocide-free silicone topcoat, Hempaguard XL, preventing growth of marine organisms while ensuring long-lasting hull protection. It offers up to 21% fuel savings, enhanced fouling resistance and verified reductions in CO₂ emissions.
Q. Why is hull performance such a key focus in the cruise industry?
A. Hull performance is a critical factor in cruise operations due to the sector’s unique operational profile. Cruiseships typically operate on short, repetitive itineraries, making frequent stops in warm, tropical waters where fouling pressure is high. If not properly managed, this results in biofouling, which increases hull resistance and fuel consumption, as well as the risk of carrying invasive species between ports.
The cruise sector also faces growing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint. Efficient hull coatings contribute directly to reduced biocides and emissions by improving fuel efficiency. As such, when we talk about hull performance in cruising, we’re talking about something that directly impacts both operational cost and sustainability goals.
Q. How have silicone-based coatings helped cruise operators address these challenges?
A. The cruise industry has been a pioneer in adopting silicone-based coatings, primarily because they deliver a smoother hull surface and offer exceptional fouling resistance. Given the frequent port calls and warm-water routes cruiseships typically operate on, silicone coatings help to reduce friction, maintain speed and minimise fuel consumption.
Compared with other vessel types, cruise operators embraced these technologies early on. The benefits – better fuel efficiency, fewer unplanned drydocking expenses and more reliable schedules – were immediately clear. With high passenger expectations and tight operational windows, cruise lines need hull coatings that deliver consistent, long-term performance, and silicone coatings have proved to be the best solution for that.
Q. Now that you’ve introduced Hempaguard Ultima, what makes it stand out from previous coatings?
A. Hempaguard Ultima takes the performance of Hempaguard X7 to the next level. One of the most significant innovations is the separation of topcoat layers, which allows us to independently optimise each layer for better performance.
This unique two-layer system combines the trusted performance of Hempaguard X7 with a new biocide-free silicone topcoat, Hempaguard XL, which offers extended fouling protection. The result is a coating system that delivers up to 21% fuel savings, 160 fouling-free idle days, a 0.9% average speed loss and 6% immediate out-of-dock performance increase.
These performance improvements help vessels stay cleaner for longer, spend more time in service and reduce fuel consumption – directly supporting both operational efficiency and sustainability.
Q. Is it safe to say that Hempaguard Ultima is as much about environmental impact as it is about operational efficiency?
A. Absolutely. Hempaguard Ultima addresses both environmental and operational goals. The improved fuel efficiency translates into reduced emissions, helping operators stay compliant with IMO regulations and achieve their ESG targets. Less fuel consumption also means lower operating costs and fees related to EU ETS – an essential factor in the cruise industry’s competitive landscape.
Additionally, the extended fouling defence means longer intervals between drydockings, reducing maintenance costs and providing greater scheduling flexibility. Hempaguard Ultima aligns operational efficiency with environmental sustainability in a way that is truly synergistic.
Q. What kind of reception has Ultima received from cruise operators so far?
A. The response has been very positive. Cruise operators are increasingly looking for high-performing, sustainable coating systems and Hempaguard Ultima delivers exactly that. We’ve seen strong adoption on both newbuilds and retrofits, and the technology is helping operators improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and stay on track with their environmental commitments.
There’s a clear demand for solutions that can help the industry transition to more sustainable operations without sacrificing performance, and Hempaguard Ultima is a perfect fit to meet that need.
Read more articles like this in the Nor-Shipping issue of DryDock magazine