Page 40: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (May 2021)

GREEN COATINGS we’re reducing the operational costs of the ? eet, and we’re recting existing funds towards more sustainable options, for signi? cantly reducing the CO2 emission from the vessels. example, our R&D function will introduce sustainability cri-

Over the course of the last six to seven years, more than 2000 teria into their design process.” ships have applied Hempaguard X7, and in doing so, reducing their emission by more than 20 million tons of CO2.” R&D

One of the conundrums facing all maritime companies to- Research and development operations are running at full day is balancing the need to change and generating the rev- tilt across industries, as the speed of technology development enue needed for investment in new technologies. According has effectively cut the lifespan of certain products in half, if to Scherling Nielsen “Sustainability and pro? tability are not not more, during the last decade. Today’s complex problems, mutually exclusive.” and in fact sustainability is good busi- particularly on decarbonization, in many cases demand a col- ness with inherent savings. At the same time, she said that laboration among industry stakeholders as well as the need to

Hempel’s unique ownership structure is a big bene? t. “Hem- ‘think outside the box.’ pel is owned by the Hempel Foundation, a unique ownership Hempel, too, is taking a hard look at how it develops and de- structure that enables us to take a long-term perspective on livers solutions to its four key sectors, establishing technology growth, sustainability, and corporate responsibility.” research programs and harnessing Hempel’s new innovation

While the path to sustainability is taking shape, little is incubator, GrowHub.

crystal clear. “Sometimes bold decisions will need to be Initially Growhub will be an internal effort, as Hempel puts made and bigger investments will likely be needed,” said its team together, “but as we progress, we’ll be working pri-

Scherling Nielsen. “For example, we’ve asked all our fac- marily with our customers to identify the most urgent needs tories to map how they can phase out fuel driven equipment in their respective industries,” seeking to combine efforts and and transition to electric equipment. Also, we will be redi- resources to mutual gain, said Hansen. “Traditionally, the

Photo courtesy Hempel 40 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • May 2021

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