Marine Environmental Awareness Course Antifouling paint Name • Date
Antifouling paint Contents Fouling on ships’ hull Antifouling paints using biocides Impacts of antifouling paints Role of shipping 2 Photo credits: International Paint/Green Award Foundation
1. Fouling on ships’ hull Fouling by: micro-organisms (slime layer), sea weeds, shellfish (such as molluscs and barnacles) … Up to 150 kg per square meter Up to 40% more fuel consumption Photo credits: International Paint
2. Antifouling paints using biocides Biocide = a substance that kills organisms History: Copper plates Lime Arsenic / mercury Pesticides such as DDT Since the 70s: TBT (tributyltin) Self polishing paints Very toxic: Reduced fouling effectively BUT also damaged other marine life! Photo credits: International Paint
3. Impacts of antifouling paints TBT characteristics and effects: Very toxic Imposex (72 species) shell deformations (oysters) immune responses neurological and genetic effects Bioaccumulates - Highly persistent female whelk with imposex Photo credits: unknown / Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, NIOZ
Antifouling paint Contents Fouling on ships’ hull Antifouling paints using biocides Impacts of antifouling paints Role of shipping 6 Photo credits: International Paint/Green Award Foundation
The International Convention on the Control Of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems entered into force in 2008 TBT is prohibited, common paints with biocides are now: Paints with other biocides than TBT – mostly copper and zinc Paints with (agricultural) pesticides Paints with natural biocides Negative effects of copper have been reported as well …
Biocide-free anti-fouling systems Non-stick coatings - very smooth, polished surfaces (silicones, Teflon) Systems using electricity – creating chlorine Ultrasonic systems – sound as a repellent Prickly coatings - Covering the ship’s hull with microscopic hairs that make it impossible for marine organisms to attach Periodical scrubbing Photo credits: International Paint
Questions?