HAI-TECH - Streamlined surfaces thanks to innovative coatings
The HAI-TECH project is working on the development of a low-cost system solution based on a reliable process for coating hulls with a sharkskin-like structure. At the same time the project makes use of bionics: nature serves as the model for this technical innovation.
The objective is to reduce flow resistance by means of new types of coatings so as to lower the fuel consumption of ships significantly and diminish emissions of greenhouse gases. Major side effects are a possible increase in the speed of the vessels and minimisation of noise emissions.
In this context Beluga Shipping makes one of its ships available for test coating purposes. This coating shall also contain antifouling products that minimise growth of algae and mussels on the hulls of vessels since they impair flow characteristics as well.
The results of the research project will enable application of high technologies, such as coating systems hardened by UV radiation, flow simulation and nanotechnology, in the maritime sector. This is also aimed at generally improving the competitiveness of German shipbuilding.
Applicant/Project Coordinator: Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Applied Materials Research
Project partners: Beluga Fleet Management GmbH & Co. KG, Blohm + Voss, Fahrion Produktionssysteme, Nordseewerke, Hamburgische Schiffbau-Versuchsanstalt (HSVA)
Support: German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology
Planned project period: 01.09.2008 – 31.08.2011
Beluga Shipping GmbH
Research & Innovation
Dr. Brigitte Behrends
Teerhof 59, 28199 Bremen, Germany
Phone: | +49 (0) 421 - 333 22 0 | |
Fax: | +49 (0) 421 - 333 22 700 | |
e-mail: |
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Please note as well Beluga’s great commitment to the
Maritime Campus Elsfleth and the
Maritime Research Centre in Elsfleth
