The Port of Antwerp authority asked us to take good care of their Tugboat 30 to apply various coating systems on the vessel.
We took on this project together with our application partner, VHB Marine, Antwerp.
The various items that had to be taken care of on the vessel where following:
Long term corrosion protection of the sea chests
For this task we selected the unique Chemco International system of Epo-Chem RS 500P, rust and wet tolerant primer system, followed by Epo-Chem RA 500M Glassflake filled topcoat. By using this system we created a complete barrier in the sea chests, in fact isolating them completely from any possible current and thus giving them long term protection against corrosion. This system offers protection for 8 to 10 years.
Protection of Voith Schneider against cavitation and fouling
The main aim here was to protect this high cavitation area against pitting whilst preventing fouling. Here we had to remove the old remaining Antifouling completely by means of hydrojetting it with 2500bar so we get down to the pre-existing tie coat and/or bare steel. The areas where the steel got exposed got treated with the EPO-Chem RS 500P rust and wet tolerant primer, and then the complete sole of the voith schneider got treated with the EPO-Chem RA 500CG ChemGlide system. This is a screened glassflake reinforced epoxy resin with non stick additives. This solvent free, 100% biocide and copper free coating is an environment friendly solution to prevent fouling especially on high impact areas of any vessel and thus a perfect fit here.
Repair of Potable water tanks
Both potable water tanks of the vessel had welding/burn damage and needed to be recoated. With conventional coating systems this would require a full recoat of the tanks. We could avoid this by yet again using the Chemco Epo-Chem RS 500P on mechanically prepared areas where the welding damage occured, as a primer coat. This was followed by overlapping the primer with Epo-Chem RA 500M glassflake topcoat which is certified for potable water tanks. This was an easy, cost effective repair solution which also saved a lot of time. The unlimited overcoating time of this coating system will allow for easy repair if ever needed.
Application of Antifouling on the Hull
The hull of the vessel was power washed with 500 bar to remove all fouling and loose remaining old AF. Areas that were damaged got touched up with the Epo-Chem RS 500P primer and then there was a full coat with a conventional Antifouling system, in this case from PPG.