Lloyd’s Register (LR) has issued the maritime industry’s inaugural Enhanced Antifouling Type Approval to GIT Coatings. This newly developed approval is expected to establish a benchmark for antifouling coatings, addressing the increasing demand for efficient biofouling management that supports decarbonization initiatives.
LR is the first classification society to offer this service, which provides ship owners and operators with validated assurance for antifouling coatings’ performance in relation to hull cleanliness and smoothness, pre- and post-grooming operations. Grooming is the periodical removal of microfouling (slime) to prevent the development of macrofouling on ships’ hulls.
The coating creates an ultra-low friction surface to increase vessel performance while reducing emissions, without the use of biocides, silicon oils or toxic components. This ‘out of dock’ performance is maintained during the docking cycle using a hull grooming programme, which removes biofoul from the hull without damaging or delaminating its paint and does not cause discharge of organisms into the marine environment.
Philippos Sifiris, Head of Market Strategy & Vessel Performance at GIT Coatings, said:
In alignment with IMO’s emphasis on prevention, we are committed to continuing our work on sustainable biocide-free solutions that provide shipowners and operators with confidence in choosing the hull management solution of the future today.
The Enhanced Antifouling Type Approval is in direct response to the IMO’s 2023 guidelines for the control and management of ships’ biofouling to minimise the transfer of invasive aquatic species. While the IMO AFS Convention ensures antifouling coatings do not contain prohibited substances, it does not address performance or cleaning requirements, which are key to biofouling control.
Heather Hughes, Team Leader for Non-Metallics and Coating Materials at Lloyd’s Register, added:
Our new approval provides a crucial service in plugging this gap, moving it beyond statutory IMO compliance to help companies comply with rapidly changing legislation.
As more nations consider implementing rigorous entry requirements to protect their marine environments, this approval will be invaluable for businesses seeking to comply with evolving regulations, Heather Hughes concluded.
