FASTAR is a self-polishing antifouling paint that incorporates a unique nano-domain resin structure designed to minimise the effect that seawater temperatures, vessel speeds, and other external factors have on coating performance. By precisely controlling the release of biocides, Nippon Paint Marine has been able to deliver a high-performing AF system with lower polishing rates, as in general, antifouling performance becomes less reliable when its polishing rate is low.
The resin’s nano-domain structure which derives from the micro-domain structure used in Aquaterras, a biocide-free self-polishing hull coating, allows antifouling components to be accurately delivered and released in a much more precise, controlled and effective way.
Due to the reduced film thickness needed, shipowners applying the new product will benefit from shortened in-dock application and drying times, resulting in further cost savings. The required total minimum drying time at drydock for a large container vessel, for instance, is reduced by a maximum 37%, compared to the length of time needed for other typical coating systems, depending on the actual ambient temperature during application, continued the company.
FASTAR, is available in four main versions – FASTAR I & II and FASTAR XI & XII, of which the latter two products incorporate Nippon Paint’s hydro-gel technology. In addition, Nippon Paint Marine stated that the addition of the hydro-gel gives FASTAR XI & XII the same 8% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as the company’s A-LF-Sea series, which has been applied to more than 3,300 vessels since market introduction.
