Hydrex Ecospeed Coating for RRS ‘James Clark Ross’

Hydrex has recently coated the bow area of the underwater hull of Royal Research Ship (RRS) James Clark Ross in Frederikshavn, Denmark. The ship is one of the two ice-strengthened research vessels operated by British Antarctic Survey (BAS).

Led by their previous experience, BAS decide to coat the bow area of RRS James Clark Ross with Ecospeed. The vessel can steam at a steady two knots through level sea ice one meter thick. The bow area has to endure a constant impact with the ice and needs the best possible protection. Ecospeed low friction coating demonstrates attachment to the hull and successful resistance to extremely icy conditions. The coating has proven an ability to withstand the harshest winter conditions on numerous occasions, as BAS has experienced firsthand.

Ecospeed has received the Lloyd’s Register certificate that recognizes the coating as an abrasion resistant ice coating. This allows owners of vessels intending to navigate in ice conditions to reduce the scantlings of the ice belt, the area on the bow just above the waterline that is most prone to mechanical damage from sailing through ice, if this area is coated with Ecospeed.

The RRS James Clark Ross was launched in 1990 and was named after British naval officer and explorer Sir James Clark Ross (15 April 1800 – 3 April 1862). He is remembered today for his exploration of the Arctic with his uncle Sir John Ross and Sir William Parry and his own expedition to Antarctica.

Press Release, October 01, 2014