Maritime Industry Benefits from Innovative Window Film for Energy Conservation
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 9 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Stena Line selects Bekaert to help conserve energy among its fleet of ships. With the installation of Bekaert advanced solar control window film, industry leader Stena Line minimizes fuel consumption, improves comfort for passengers and employees and significantly lowers air conditioning use. The savings based on the cost of air conditioning has been calculated to be approximately 247,000 kWh/year, which could equal fuel savings of 58 cubic meters/15,321 U.S. gallons for one ship.
The collaboration between Stena Line and Bekaert creates vast opportunities, both for the maritime industry leader and the environment.
Protecting the environment and profitability
Stena Line is the leading international transport and travel service company and one of the world's largest ferry operators. Lars-Erik Hellring, project manager for Energy Saving Project, explains why Bekaert was the most beneficial solution for Stena Line.
"As one of the largest ferry operators in the world, we realize that it is our social responsibility to do everything possible to protect the environment through energy conservation techniques," said Mr. Hellring. "One of the immediate and highly-efficient solutions to meet our needs was Bekaert window film, which has been successfully installed on the windows in nine of our ships. We are anticipating the rest of our fleet to be equipped in the coming months. According to tests by ECIS (Energy Consultants in Sweden), the measured surrounding air temperature decreases up to +6 degrees Celsius/42 degrees Fahrenheit in a cabin with Bekaert window film installed, compared to a similar cabin without film installed -- depending on the weather conditions over the year. The result is approximately 247,000 kWh/year less air conditioning consumption, which could equal fuel savings of 58 cubic meters/15,321 U.S. gallons for one ship."
Global research leading to performing and rewarding solutions
Bekaert window film was developed after years of research by the company's scientists active in its pioneering research and development centers in San Diego, California, and Deerlijk, Belgium. By applying its ground-breaking sputter-coating technologies, using gold, silver and various other alloys, Bekaert window film blocks 95% of infrared heat, offering strong protection against bothersome glare, uncomfortable heat, hotspots and uneven temperature fluctuations -- improving climate and energy efficiency.
"We are extremely pleased to supply Stena Line with a cost-effective, reliable and green-friendly product to help them achieve their goals," said Per Jarnebrink, managing director, Nordic region at Bekaert. "Our extensive window film lines, including solar, safety and decorative, are ideally suited for use in homes, automobiles and commercial buildings. Currently, we are seeing an increasing number of maritime installations, including personal recreation vessels and commercial transportation services."
More information on professionally installed Bekaert window films is available at htpp://www.bekaertfilms.com . For media or photography inquiries contact bsf@matternow.com.
Profile
Bekaert ( http://www.bekaert.com ) seeks sustainable profitable growth based on its two core competences: advanced metal transformation and advanced materials and coatings. Bekaert aims to consolidate its position as both market leader and technological leader around the world. With its broad range of advanced products, systems and services, Bekaert provides high added value for its customers. Bekaert (Euronext Brussels: BEKB) is a European-based company, headquartered in Belgium and employing 17 000 people. Bekaert, which has a presence in 120 countries, generates sales of euro 3 billion.
