KCC, a global chemical company specializing in applied materials, has recently unveiled its latest innovation, "METACRUISE NS (Neo Silicone)," a revolutionary bipolar silicone antifouling paint.
This product, incorporating an antifouling agent, marks the first application of bipolar technology to silicone paint in Korea.
Drawing upon over 50 years of expertise in ship coating technology, KCC has successfully combined its subsidiary Momentive's silicone technology with its own know-how to develop a highly effective antifouling solution.
The key component in "METACRUISE NS" is silicone oil, a widely used industrial material known for its smooth surface akin to rubber. This unique feature prevents the attachment of marine organisms, and the antifouling performance is further enhanced through the addition of an antifouling agent.
By applying the high-performance antifouling paint "METACRUISE NS" to the submerged surface of a ship, KCC provides a robust defense against marine organism attachment. This coating not only ensures excellent energy efficiency but also contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. When marine organisms accumulate on a ship's surface, frictional resistance with seawater increases, resulting in decreased speed, heightened fuel consumption, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been actively regulating the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) of ships since January of this year to control their greenhouse gas emissions. The CII is a metric that quantifies the amount of carbon dioxide emitted per 1 ton of cargo transported over 1 nautical mile, taking into account the corresponding fuel consumption.
Meanwhile, KCC offers a diverse range of antifouling paint products, including the silicon-based Lo-frick Series, the fuel-saving Egis Series, and the Sea-care Series.
