Performance of the Tin-Free Antifouling Coating International Ecoloflex in DSTO/RAN Trials

摘要

A national and global ban on the application of antifouling paints containing tributyltin (TBT) is being introduced because of the detrimental effects of TBT on non-target marine species. DSTO, supported by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), undertook a comprehensive program in an attempt to find alternative products that would match or approach the antifouling performance and effective life of TBT-based systems. The evaluation program included static immersion trials, dynamic flow testing, and trials on Navy ship hulls. Within this program, the Akzo Nobel coating Ecoloflex demonstrated antifouling efficacy, consistent ablation characteristics, and long term effectiveness on vessels operating in temperate and tropical Australian waters. This was the best performance seen from a copper-based antifouling coating to date and offered the RAN an alternative to TBT-based systems.