Hempel introduced Hempaguard, a groundbreaking hull coating concept for the shipping industry that offers outstanding resistance to fouling during idle periods and significant fuel savings, according to the company,  The new patented technology, ActiGuard, has been five years in development and is based on silicone-hydrogel and biocide science.

Hempel’s new Hempaguard has shown excellent fouling resistance of up to 120 days during idle periods, fuel savings of six per cent on average and effectiveness when switching between slow and fast steaming anywhere in the world. The unique fouling defense system is available as two separate products: Hempaguard X5 and Hempaguard X7.


Hempel  is offering a performance satisfaction guarantee contract for vessels complying with a full Hempaguard X7 specification.


ActiGuard integrates silicone-hydrogel and full diffusion control of biocides in a single coating. Surface retention of the biocide activates the hydrogel, which effectively holds fouling organisms at bay, cutting friction to a minimum while utilizing a minimum amount of biocide. It also has the long-term stability and mechanical properties required of a durable solution.