1. Marine Environmental Awareness Course
Antifouling paint
Name • Date

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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 …

8. 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

9. Questions?