BW LPG’s continued collaboration with Jotun reflects its forward-thinking decarbonisation strategy and determination to remain ahead of evolving market dynamics and regulatory requirements.
Jotun has recently signed a commercial agreement with BW LPG, the world’s foremost owner and operator of LPG vessels, to implement its Hull Performance Solutions (HPS) across 38 vessels.
This new contract follows the successful performance of Jotun’s HPS on 17 existing BW LPG vessels. The solutions have delivered significant fuel savings and emissions reductions, reinforcing BW LPG’s confidence in Jotun’s technology and commitment to operational efficiency.
“We conducted a very thorough process where we invited several paint suppliers for Dry Dock paint. Criteria such as ESG, delivery time, fuel saving as a result of hull performance through the coatings, references and obviously price played an important role. After identifying all elements and analysing the proposed coating solutions, the offered solutions and proposed logistics from Jotun were a deciding factor. The vast experience we had ourselves with Jotun DD paint and the fact that we hardly had any hull cleaning on vessels with the SeaQuantum X200 contributed to this decision,” has stated Ricardo Ackermann, Head of Procurement at BW LPG.
As the maritime industry strives to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, BW LPG continues aligning its fleet with the IMO’s GHG strategy and regional regulatory frameworks. Key initiatives include retrofitting 15 LPG carriers with dual-fuel propulsion systems and exploring next-generation propulsion technologies, such as ammonia fuel. Hull performance optimisation has become a crucial component of this strategy, offering immediate efficiency improvements and compliance benefits.
“Our long-lasting relationship with BW LPG is taking another step forward with this new HPS agreement, signed and celebrated at Nor-Shipping. The companies' relationship is dating back several decades to the days of Bergesen D.Y. ASA, and it now culminates with this agreement that builds on a proven track record and Jotun's Clean shipping commitment,” has declared Jessica Doyle, Global Sales Director, Shipping at Jotun.
"We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Jotun, whose commitment to quality in both service and product delivery has been invaluable to us. Jotun's products align perfectly with our needs, trade requirements, and sustainability strategy. The fuel consumption is directly linked to the condition of the hull, and we have found that Jotun's products effectively maintain low hull fouling over the five-year period between dry dockings. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with Jotun,” has commented Knut-Helge Knutsen, Vice President and Head of Technical at BW LPG.
Since 2020, 17 BW LPG vessels have employed Jotun’s HPS, with the first – BW Aries – achieving exceptional results, including a minimal speed loss of just +0.04% over a 56-month dry docking interval, far exceeding the guaranteed 1.5%. Through ISO 19030-2-compliant real-time performance monitoring, underwater inspections, and internal assessments, the vessels achieved sustained hull efficiency with zero unplanned cleanings – a notable operational milestone.
“About five years ago, BW LPG opted to use Jotun’s HPS for its hull coating systems during scheduled dry dock periods. Subsequent monitoring of the vessel’s performance since application has shown positive results relating to fuel and emissions’ efficiency. Vessels undergo a six-monthly underwater hull inspection and propeller polish, which in most cases have negated the need to undertake any hull cleaning. Furthermore, BW LPG adopts a multi-factor approach to fuel efficiency and emission reduction. Utilizing the services of voyage weather routing and speed optimization, in conjunction with Jotun hull coatings, we have seen fuel savings and emission reduction in the region of 3~5%,” has added Kevin Knott, Senior Manager, Fleet Performance at BW LPG.
Under the new agreement, BW LPG will also gain access to Jotun’s HullKeeper – an intelligent hull management platform. Among its digital services is the ‘Alerts’ feature, which uses a proprietary fouling risk algorithm to assess data and recommend timely inspections. This enables BW LPG to make informed, data-driven decisions and proactively manage vessel performance.
“As the home of hull performance, we are humbled by the responsibility of delivering HPS to 38 ships to the world's leading owner and operator of LPG vessels. At the same time, we are confident in our solution which includes our best antifouling technologies, unmatchable technical service, intelligent hull condition management and credible performance guarantees. In total this will enable BW LPG to preserve fuel, cut carbon emissions and protect biodiversity,” has concluded Elaine Tam, General Sales Manager, Marine & Protective at Jotun Malaysia & Singapore.
About BW LPG
BW LPG is the world’s leading owner and operator of LPG vessels, owning and operating a fleet of more than 50 Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs) with a total carrying capacity of over 4 million CBM. With five decades of operating experience in LPG shipping, an in-house LPG trading division investment in LPG downstream distribution, BW LPG offers an integrated, flexible, and reliable service to customers along the LPG value chain.