Tag: antifouling

During a 40-month trial of an antifouling coating containing an anti-barnacle active agent, barnacles failed to anchor themselves to the tanker's hull. The technology activated the barnacle larvae’s octopamine receptor, keeping them in swimming mode and preventing them from attaching to the hull with non-fatal effect.

Guyana ratified two key IMO measures aimed to preserve bio-diversity: the Ballast Water Management Convention and another on use of harmful anti-fouling systems on ships hulls. It also ratified others regarding unlawful acts against the safety of navigation and removing wrecks from the seabed. In addition, it signed four instruments covering liability and compensation.

During a ship’s lifetime microorganisms, plants, algae, or animals will gather in its hull, during a process called biofouling. These organisms, known as invasive aquatic species, can negatively affect a ship’s operation, while they also present a threat to the marine environment. However, there is a solution and is called antifouling.

In an exclusive interview, Mr. George Vranakis, Marine Manager at Jotun Hellas, discusses about the key challenges concerning antifouling, providing also tips to operators for choosing the right coating for the protection of their vessels’ hulls. Mr. Vranakis highlights that the right selection starts with the identification of the operational needs, while considering the technical issues after discussion with experts are also important. In this regard, Mr. Vranakis shares his insight on the suitable approach toward an antifouling coating that best fits the operational profile of vessels.

Identifying organisms and microbes in ballast water, as well as monitoring port marine life where ballast water may be released, are key for countries preparing to enforce IMO's Ballast Water Management Convention. A workshop in Batumi, Georgia, from 3 to 5 July provided participants from nine countries with theoretical and practical training in compliance, monitoring and enforcement of the Convention.

During his presentation at the last GREEN4SEA Conference, Dr. Ioannis Arabatzis, CEO, Nanophos, attempted to clarify the misty landscape of underwater marine coatings, for non-chemists. He namely presented contemporary chemical technologies in the market, in a simplified, understandable way and formulated the checkpoints for a successful selection of a hull coating system.

A team of chemistry researchers from the University of Sydney Nano Institute has created nanostructured surface coatings that have anti-fouling properties without using any toxic components. The new coating uses ‘nanowrinkles’ which are inspired by the carnivorous Nepenthespitcher plant.

GAC Egypt announced that expanded its HullWiper hull cleaning system to vessels berthing at ports in the Suez Canal.  The eco-friendly remotely operated vehicle has already attended its first vessel, respectively a crude oil tanker.

Coatings manufacturer Hempel announced that it is launching two new antifouling coatings with the aim to offer potential 2.5 per cent reduction in speed loss resulting in significant fuel savings and lower CO2 emissions improving the operational efficiency of a vessel and minimizing the operator's environmental footprint.