The role of antifouling coatings in supporting greener cargo shipping operations

摘要

Yesterday's antifouling paint formulations will not work for tomorrow's challenges, especially when the shipping industry is having to achieve rapid CO2 reduction targets by 2050 set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The pivotal role of the antifouling coating in maintaining a smooth hull and preventing excess fuel consumption and resulting emissions means that innovation in marine coatings is rife. Biofouling, whether macro (hard organisms-predominantly shell forming creatures) or micro (soft organisms-algae and bacteria), significantly increases the amount of hydrodynamic drag across a ship's hull when it moves though water. Hydrodynamic drag is commonly known as frictional resistance and it requires increased fuel burn to maintain the same speed. Alternatively, if the ship is required to conduct a voyage on a fixed shaft power, or fixed amount of fuel consumption, speed losses will occur.