To protect this vessel, over 35,000 litres of International products were applied across key areas, including the underwater hull, deck, and cargo oil tanks.
International has used over 350,000 litres of advanced marine coatings to protect Brands Hatch, the world’s first sail-assisted Aframax tanker. This groundbreaking vessel marks a major step forward in the industry’s push to reduce emissions.
Built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd for UK-based Union Maritime, Brands Hatch is equipped with BAR Technologies’ WindWings, intelligent fiberglass sails designed to improve fuel efficiency through wind-assisted propulsion. And to protect this vessel, over 35,000 litres of International products were applied across key areas, including the underwater hull, deck, and cargo oil tanks. These advanced coatings deliver fouling control, corrosion protection, and long-term technical assurance.
High-Performance Coatings
International stated that to support eco-sufficient operation, it applied Intercept 8500 LPP to the underwater hull. It combines linear polishing technology with an optimized biocide package. This product delivers consistent, effective performance that helps maintain a clean hull, contributing to fuel savings and reduced carbon emissions.
Brands Hatch is an Aframax-class oil tanker, commonly used for short to medium-haul crude oil transport (typically 80,000–120,000 DWT). Its wind-assisted design, coupled with proven International® technology, demonstrates the real-world potential of energy-efficient shipbuilding. Using WindWings is projected to reduce the vessel’s fuel consumption by approximately 1,200 tonnes annually, equating to a reduction of over 3,800 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, providing a 30 percent improvement when compared with a modern 2022-built vessel of similar specification.
Moreover, Brands Hatch will ensure full compliance with global sustainability standards through to 2030, including achieving the maximum 5 percent Wind Reward Factor under the FuelEU Maritime regulation, removing the need for alternative fuels. The WindWings will be classified as a zero-GHG energy source, enhancing Brands Hatch’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and supporting compliance with the newly approved IMO Greenhouse Gas Fuel Intensity (GFI) standard.
Clean Transition
Furthermore, this is the third major vessel constructed in China using International’s marine coatings, with other noted examples being Dream (China’s first domestically designed and built ultra-deepwater drilling vessel, coated with over 300,000 litres of International® protective coatings), and Adora Magic City (the country’s first large cruise ship, protected using Intersmooth® fouling control technology).
International marine coatings continue to support the shipping industry’s transition to cleaner, more efficient operations, delivering performance and protection for vessels shaping tomorrow’s fleet.
