PPG white paper highlights benefits of electrostatic coating application to marine industry

Key Terms

electrostatic application technical

Electrostatic application uses electric charge to make liquid droplets or powder particles cling evenly to a surface—similar to how a rubbed balloon sticks to a wall—and is used for painting, coating, disinfecting, and some drug sprays. For investors, it matters because the technique can cut material waste, boost production speed and product quality, and affect regulatory compliance and capital and operating costs, all of which influence margins and risk.

scope 1 emissions technical

Direct greenhouse gas emissions that come from sources a company owns or controls, such as fuel burned in boilers, on-site manufacturing processes, or emissions from company vehicles. Investors care because these emissions create regulatory, cost and reputation risks and signal how efficiently a business runs—think of them as the pollution coming from a household’s own car and furnace, versus emissions from the electricity it buys.

biofouling technical

Growth of unwanted plants, microbes, or animals on a man-made surface—like barnacles on a ship hull or slimy films on a medical implant—that reduces performance, increases maintenance and can lead to failures. Investors care because biofouling raises costs, shortens equipment life, and can trigger regulatory action or liability; companies that sell prevention, cleaning technologies, or materials that resist fouling can gain steady demand and competitive advantage.

greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions technical

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are gases released into the atmosphere—most commonly carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide—that trap heat and raise global temperatures, like a blanket warming the planet. Investors watch GHG emissions because they influence regulatory costs, physical climate risks, insurance and supply-chain stability, and public reputation; companies with lower emissions may face fewer future expenses and attract more capital, while higher emissions can lead to fines, disruption or divestment.

International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulatory

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the United Nations–linked agency that writes and enforces the global rules for commercial shipping, covering safety, pollution controls and vessel operations. Think of it as the traffic-law and environmental regulator for the world’s shipping lanes; its rules can force carriers and shipbuilders to change equipment, fuels or procedures. Investors watch IMO decisions because they can raise costs, shift competitiveness and affect freight capacity and trade flows.

fouling control coatings technical

Fouling control coatings are specialized surface paints or treatments designed to prevent unwanted build-up of organisms, dirt, or mineral scale on equipment and structures, especially in marine and industrial settings. Like a nonstick coating on a pan, they reduce drag, corrosion and clogging, lowering fuel and maintenance costs, extending asset life and cutting downtime — all factors that can materially affect operating expenses and profitability.

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Novel method improves transfer efficiency, helps reduce environmental impact

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- PPG (NYSE: PPG) today announced the publication of a white paper, Electrostatic Application of Marine Hull Coatings, detailing how this advanced application technology can help ship owners and operators improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

PPG issues white paper exploring how electrostatic application supports operational efficiency throughout the shipping industry.

Electrostatic application works by negatively charging paint particles at the spray gun nozzle while the substrate is grounded, causing the coating to be attracted to the surface like a magnet. Compared with traditional spraying, the process improves transfer efficiency and reduces overspray, resulting in a more uniform coating application. In one case study, the EDR Antwerp shipyard reported a 40% reduction in overspray.

“Electrostatic application is a breakthrough process innovation that, combined with our chemistry innovation, delivers improved productivity and sustainability for our shipyard customers,” said Jan Willem Tegelaar, PPG global platform director, marine coatings. “It has already revolutionized the automotive and aerospace industries; building on this cross-industry expertise, we have adapted the technology and developed compatible fouling control coatings to save time and reduce waste without disrupting existing workflows for marine vessels.”

The process supports reduced waste and Scope 3 carbon lifecycle savings compared to traditional application methods, as significant reduction in paint consumption means fewer raw materials need to be extracted, manufactured or transported. These reductions are in addition to the operational carbon savings achieved by vessels coated with low-friction solutions, which can help ship owners reduce Scope 1 emissions.

“Electrostatic application is just one piece of the puzzle. Combined with advanced hull coating performance, it contributes to a more effective sustainability solution,” said Joanna van Helmond, PPG product development director, marine fouling control, Protective and Marine Coatings. “Friction caused by biofouling can account for 50% of a ship’s total drag¹, leading to higher fuel consumption. By applying solutions such as PPG SIGMAGLIDE® 2390 coating electrostatically, we can create a smoother, glossier film that reduces hydrodynamic resistance. This in turn leads to lower fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.”

Topics covered in the white paper include:

• The history of electrostatic spray technology and how it works.
• Operational advantages of electrostatic application for shipyards and owners.
• The role of hull coatings in supporting the International Maritime Organization (IMO) decarbonization goals and improving vessel efficiency.

In addition, PPG will present its 360 degree approach to marine coatings, including low-friction hull coatings, electrostatic application and digital tools, at the Posidonia International Shipping Exhibition (Stand 3.104) under the theme Reach New Horizons of Sustainability and Performance.

The white paper is available for download here. To learn more about PPG’s Protective and Marine Coatings business, visit ppg.com/pmc.

1) Youngrong Kim, Refik Ozyurt, Underestimated penalty of hull fouling: A scenario-based analysis of GHG emissions from global shipping, Applied Ocean Research, Volume 165, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apor.2025.104870.

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD®

At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty products that our customers have trusted for more than 140 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 50 countries and reported net sales of $15.9 billion in 2025. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.

The PPG Logo and We Protect and Beautify the World are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

Sigmaglide is a registered trademark of PPG Coatings Nederland B.V.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260602638674/en/

PPG Media Contact:
Zachary Madden
PPG Protective and Marine Coatings
+1 412 328 1104
Zmadden@ppg.com
www.ppg.com

Source: PPG