Stena Line Stays Cool and Saves Money with Bekaert Window Film

Stena Line Stays Cool and Saves Money with Bekaert Window Film

January 09, 2007

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
[e-mail].

    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.


    For more information, please contact: 

     Francoise Vanthemsche 
     Bekaert
     Tel: [phone]

     Andrea DiRuscio 
     Matter Communications
     Tel: [phone] x 225


SOURCE  Bekaert