Eliminate cavitation damage: the ultimate protection for running gear

Cavitation damage on running gear is a persistent and costly problem for shipowners. The repeated cycle of painting, suffering erosion and corrosion, conducting expensive repairs, and repainting again is an ongoing battle. There is, however, a tried and tested solution that eliminates this issue once and for all. Ecoshield, an advanced protective coating, has seen hundreds of applications in the past year alone, safeguarding rudders, bow thruster tunnels, nozzles, and other energy-saving devices from cavitation damage and corrosion. This article explores the benefits of Ecoshield and why more and more shipowners turn to it as their preferred long-term solution.

The growing need for protection

The rise in demand for underwater rudder repairs has highlighted the need for a durable, cost-effective, and lasting protective solution. Rudders are a crucial part of any vessel, and when they are poorly protected with the same conventional coating that is used on the rest of the hull, they are highly susceptible to cavitation erosion. This leads to longer stays in drydock for repairs and underwater interventions, resulting in substantial financial losses for shipowners.

By applying Ecoshield, shipowners can break free from the cycle of damage and repairs. The coating forms a robust, impenetrable layer on the rudder or other running gear, ensuring complete protection against cavitation erosion and subsequent corrosion. With Ecoshield, rudders and running gear do not need to be repainted at every drydocking as is usually the case with conventional coatings. This saves time in drydock as well as the labor and material costs which are commonly incurred in the maintenance of these parts of the ship.

Ecoshield  and Ecofix: a perfect match

Ecoshield is particularly effective in cases where the rudder has already suffered from cavitation damage, often showing up as eroded and pitted steel plating. In such instances, it should be used in combination with Ecofix, another innovative product from Subsea Industries. Ecofix is a high-performance filler designed to restore damaged steel to its original smooth surface before recoating. Since Ecofix shares the same basic resin composition as Ecoshield, the latter can be applied just one hour after the filler is used and the two products bond together perfectly.

The ability of Ecofix to replace expensive and time-consuming hot work makes it a cost-effective repair solution. In the case of newbuild rudders, slot welds can also be filled with Ecofix before applying Ecoshield, creating a hydrodynamically smooth surface.

Quick and flexible application

Time is of the essence when it comes to drydock operations, and Ecoshield’s short overcoat time is a key advantage. Ecofix can be overcoated with Ecoshield just one hour after application and a second coat of Ecoshield can be applied three hours after the first. There is no maximum overcoat time. The coating’s flexible application schedule ensures that it can be integrated into the shipyard’s workflow without causing delays. The entire process—including grit blasting, Ecofix application (if needed), and applying the two required layers of Ecoshield—can be completed in just one day. No special equipment or personnel are required.

Complete protection for all running gear

Beyond rudder protection, Ecoshield is highly effective for other underwater ship gear, including thrusters, azimuth thrusters, Azipods®, thruster nozzles, thruster tunnels, and other critical components. The coating’s exceptional strength ensures that these areas remain fully protected throughout the vessel’s operational life, eliminating the need for major repairs or recoating.

Proven long-term results

The success of Ecoshield is evident in the number of shipowners who have transitioned from experimental single applications to fleet-wide implementation, with many specifying the coating for their newbuilds. Those who have used the coating for over a decade report zero cavitation damage or failures, reaffirming its durability and effectiveness.

Ecoshield comes with a ten-year guarantee. It is the only coating we know that provides full protection against cavitation damage. Given the extensive financial risks associated with cavitation erosion and corrosion, Ecoshield offers peace of mind and a lasting solution to shipowners looking to protect their assets.

A smart investment for the future

The strategic use of Ecoshield provides shipowners with significant cost savings by reducing drydock time, eliminating the need for hot work, and even allowing anodes to be dispensed with. For newbuilds, applying Ecoshield during construction ensures protection from the moment the ship leaves the yard until the end of its service life.

Existing vessels also benefit immensely from the application of Ecoshield. By addressing corrosion damage early and preventing further deterioration, shipowners can extend the lifespan of their running gear and avoid costly repairs down the line.