AK-Ships has completed the dry docking of the MV EGY CROWN, marking a major milestone in Egypt’s sustainable ship management. The project is part of the company’s broader initiative to modernize maritime operations with more innovative and environmentally-friendly solutions.

Preparations began well in advance, with meticulous planning and material procurement to ensure smooth execution. At the heart of the upgrade was the application of Azra Tech’s Durable Nano Advanced Reduced Friction Coating System—a biocidefree, ultra-low friction technology engineered to boost hydrodynamic performance and minimize environmental impact. Developed in partnership with Azra Tech, the next-generation hull and propeller coating system was applied across the vessel’s surface to reduce drag, improve fuel efficiency, and align with modern environmental standards.

Applied in multiple phases using advanced primers and nanotech-enhanced topcoats, the system also includes Azra Tech’s Blue Race® guarantee, offering continued support with hull cleaning and performance monitoring throughout the vessel’s dry dock lifecycle.

One of the most tangible outcomes of this upgrade is its guaranteed fuel savings of at least 3%

throughout the dry dock lifecycle. However, real-world results as verified by class-certified sea

trials have shown fuel savings exceeding 5%, offering both ecological and significant financial advantages.

Underpinning the project’s success was rigorous preparation, surface treatment, and international- standard inspections, all orchestrated by AK-Ships’ technical team. The operation achieved an exceptionally low Friction Increase Ratio (FIR) of under 0.05%, significantly outperforming conventional coatings.

The coating also helps maintain cleaner hulls, limits the spread of invasive species, and cuts

emissions across the vessel’s operational life.

This project sets a benchmark for sustainability in shipping, demonstrating how environmental

responsibility can be seamlessly integrated into vessel performance.

By investing in cleaner technologies, AK-Ships is steering maritime operations toward a greener

future.