NCMS Project #: 142240
Problem: Watercraft of all sizes need a smooth hull to move through water efficiently. The ability to maintain speed and fuel economy can be degraded by corrosion due to harsh marine conditions as well as fouling due to organic materials such as barnacles and sea grasses. Therefore, regular maintenance on ship hulls must be done to prevent or mitigate the resulting rough surfaces. Specialized coatings applied to the outer layer of the hull have been developed over the years that address both issues. But as with all vehicles, large-scale ships such as barges and freighters, and small personal watercraft have evolved with new technologies, speeds, and designs that increase performance, efficiency, and durability. Along with those improvements, the hull protective coatings need to keep pace to address both legacy as well as forward-looking concerns.
Benefit: The completion of project tasks will serve as an example to commercial industry in advancing high-performing watercraft coatings. Such coatings can be used to improve the life span, increase fuel efficiency and save maintenance and sustainment costs of both commercial and military watercraft fleets.
Solution/Approach: The objective of this initiative is to identify, develop and demonstrate coatings that improve the lifetime, efficacy, and ease-of-use of watercraft coatings. Phase I evaluated waterborne fire-retardant coatings systems for occupied spaces. Phase II assessed antifouling coatings designed for high-speed and variable operating tempo vessels. Phase III will evaluate coatings that have the durability to withstand robotic hull cleaning methods.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Increase time between maintenance cycles
- Enhance fleet readiness
- Decrease maintenance and sustainment costs
- Improve durability of vessels
DOD Participation:
- U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) Materials Directorate
- U.S. Army TACOM Watercraft Inspection Branch
Industry Participation:
- PPG Industries, Inc.
- NCMS
Benefit Area(s):
- Repair turnaround time
- Obsolescence
- Positive environmental impact
- Mx management improvement
- Improved readiness
- Survivability
- Durability
- Reliability improvement
Mx Focus Area:
- Coatings and Corrosion Prevention
