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Advanced antifouling coating systems
MSC has committed to proper hull treatment of its
vessels during each dry-docking and uses advanced
anti-fouling paints to reduce the frictional resistance
of the vessels. This leads to reduced GHG emissions.
MSC has also opted for the antifouling coatings based
on silicon technology, which is recognised as the gold
standard for reducing carbon footprint and improving
energy efficiency, while effectively minimising the risk
of introduction and spread of invasive species. Several
vessels have already undergone this transformation.
MSC has further extended its experience and has very
successfully tested long-term fouling free operation
of propellers coated with silicon paints. Today, during
scheduled dry-dockings, MSC owns and manages
vessels’ propeller blades and hub with boss cap
fins that are coated with silicon paint. This ensures
optimum performance until the next scheduled
docking, without a need of any underwater cleaning. It
also replaces the old practice of underwater cleaning
of the propeller blades while at berth. This practice
was not always allowed by the relevant ports and the
quality of the result was inconsistent.

48 MSC’S COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT MSC SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2016 49