(With extra pictures) Ecoshield is a new rudder coating that protects a rudder from cavitation damage.
Recently, six container ships were coated with this coating at shipyards in China and the United Kingdom. Cavitation erosion damage had appeared on the old rudders of these ships.
Tough and Flexible
The coating provides the rudder with an impenetrable protective layer. At the same time its toughness and flexibility enables absorption of the forces that are produced by cavitation. This prevents the damage normally caused by this phenomenon.
No Repaint
Ecoshield is guaranteed for ten years. With an Ecoshield application no repaint will be needed during drydocking. At most, minor touch-ups will be required. Planning the maintenance of the vessel’s stern area therefore becomes much easier.
Better Hydrodynamic Conditions
The smoothness attained by the coating also provides optimum hydrodynamic conditions. This allows rudders to operate at maximum efficiency. The ship's performance therefore remains stable.
Suitable for Other Areas
Ecoshield is also suited for other areas prone to cavitation erosion or other damage, such as propeller nozzles, thruster tunnels, the bulbous bow or stabiliser fins. For this reason, several of the container vessels also had Ecoshield applied to their thruster tunnels.
Picture: Cavitation and corrosion damage can destroy a rudder
Below a photoalbum with extra pictures of Ecoshield. Please click the pop-out link (the little squares at the bottom right) to view the pictures in their proper dimensions.
