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Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced that it will be applying a silicon-based anti-fouling paint on a 38,000-class newbuild bulker, which is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 6 percent.

The vessel is currently under construction at the Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. Shitanoe Works. Once completed the ship will sail under a long-term charter with Doun Kisen Co., Ltd.

The new fluoropolymer foul release coating, Intersleek 900, was developed by International Paint Ltd.. It is said to offer the following advantages:

(1) Reduced coefficient of friction underwater is expected to cut fuel consumption by 6 percent, with a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions.

(2) Improved water repellency makes it more difficult for marine organisms to attach to the hull.

(3) More environmentally friendly because it does not contain anti-fouling agents such as cuprous oxide.

The newbuild bulker is scheduled to be launched on February 25th.

MOL said that it will be carrying out a performance comparison between the new ship and a similar vessel completed in February that uses conventional anti-fouling paint. The company will then decide whether to proceed with a full scale adoption of Intersleek 900.