Epoxy Bilge Paint

Problem: Cleaning and painting bilges is a time-consuming, degrading job that has been a sailor de-motivator for years. In addition, standard bilge paints are no longer considered to be EPA compliant.

Solution: During the past five years, new environmentally friendly plural epoxy paints have been developed to coat bilges. MTTC, in conjunction with CES, Inc., verified the installation process on two paint brands in two engineering spaces on USS DETROIT.

NAVY POC
Andy Seelinger
NAVSEA-05M1
(202) 781-3670

Benefits

Estimated Navy Cost Avoidance:

Minimum annual:      $6,000 K

Minimum 15 Year:   $90,000 K

Fleet Impact: Nominally, the periodicity of bilge painting will be extended from quarterly to at least every 5 - 10 years. This will result in huge savings in fleet maintenance expenditures and sailor workload. It will practically eliminate one of the most undesirable shipboard jobs.

Status: Complete

U.S. Navy considers the tests to be complete and satisfactory. A Technical Manual change (interim) has been issued permitting the use of the Euronavy ES301 plural epoxy in bilge areas.

Applications Include
• AllSurface Ships
• Nuclear Submarines and Aircraft Carriers currently considering for mainspace applications.