The ‘Miss Christin’, a 65’ passenger ferry operated by the Potomac Riverboat Company was coated with HullSpeed 3000-Series in early February. The Alexandria based boat was hauled for its regular coast guard inspection and will be receiving routine maintenance including new bottom paint.
The Potomac Riverboat Co. which operates more than eight vessels was excited to try a new innovative bottom paint that could potentially be a simple cost saving tool. A HullSpeed application over their traditional barrier coat could provide significant improvements in vessel efficiency and hull maintenance.
HullSpeed coatings create a very durable low drag surface that is ideal for boats that are routinely under way. The application was entertained by the captains and owners of the fleet mainly because of the cost savings potential. By reducing fuel consumption, improving speed and improving the ease of cleaning, the Miss Christin would be able to operate more efficiently and save the company thousands. With a launch date scheduled for the end of February, all eyes will be on the Miss Christin to see if HullSpeed can once again prove the benefits of water-based, eco-friendly performance bottom paints. Previous vessels coated have seen speed increases up to 9.5% and fuel savings up to 8.5%. Decreases in fuel consumption directly reduces the carbon foot print of the vessel and helps to reduce the contamination of local and global water ways.
HullSpeed Performance Marine Coatings improves fuel efficiency. With marine coating regulations moving away from traditional anti-fouling paints, commercial entities such as the Potomac Riverboat Co. will help lead the way in the implementation of eco-friendly bottom paints.
The Potomac Riverboat Company has operated out of historic Alexandria, VA for the past 28 years and offers daily water taxi services as well as sightseeing tours and private charters.
HullSpeed Performance Marine Coatings is a subsidiary of Greenfield Mfg. Inc. in Saratoga Springs, NY.
