Last month the application of Ecospeed on the two floaters of the semi-submersible mobile spacecraft launch platform Odyssey started in Malaysia. The vessel was converted from a mobile drilling rig in 1997 and is used for equatorial Pacific Ocean satellite launches.
She is stationed in the Port of Long Beach, California. In total 8500 m² will coated with Ecospeed to give these parts of the vessel that are permanently underwater a lasting protection against corrosion damage.
A coating that claims to be suitable for offshore structures should satisfy several conditions. This coating has to offer long-term protection from corrosion and bio-fouling. An environmentally safe solution is becoming increasingly essential. In addition, the hull should always keep its optimum condition by on-site maintenance only.
Ecospeed is a durable hull paint which requires only a single application during the normal service life of the vessel, and which is specially designed for underwater maintenance without damaging the protective coating.
Durable protection against corrosion
Ecospeed demonstrates excellent anti-corrosive properties. Diffusion of watery solutions, including very aggressive chloride ions in acidic solutions, has no effect on Ecospeed immersed in seawater. Based on experience with similar coating concepts used in the offshore industry, Ecospeed comes with a guaranteed corrosion protection of ten years. The expectations are that Ecospeed will last 25 years or the typical lifetime of a vessel or offshore structure. Ecospeed is a pre-qualified coating system in accordance with NORSOK standard M-501, Rev.5, June 2004.
Durable protection against biofouling
Ecospeed is distinguished from other coatings by its impenetrability by fouling organisms. Regular underwater cleanings will effectively remove all fouling organisms and improve the surface characteristics.
Environmental benefits
Ecospeed demonstrates remarkable environmental benefits with no negative or damaging effects to its surroundings. Ecospeed is totally free of biocides, and experiments in collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment have shown that there is no release of toxins during the curing process and during on-site treatment such as underwater cleaning. In addition, the application of Ecospeed has a very low environmental impact, not only because Ecospeed has a low contents of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) but especially because only one application is required throughout the lifetime of the vessel or structure.
Maintenance benefits
Every existing coating will eventually suffer from marine fouling. Ecospeed has been especially designed for underwater treatment. In-water cleanings of Ecospeed continuously improve the surface characteristics without damaging the protective qualities or affecting the coating thickness. Specially designed tools have been developed for fast, efficient and optimal underwater treatment. Experience has shown that prolonged static exposure on any coating will result in heavy fouling but a single underwater treatment on Ecospeed suffices to remove all fouling effectively and return the surface to its pristine condition.
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Subsea World News Staff , February 05, 2012; Image: Hydrex