蜜桃TV

Green chemistry and biocide-free coatings

In parallel, academic research continues to test the boundaries of antifouling without relying on traditional biocidal compounds.

A new study published in Materials (June 2025) by a team of researchers in Greece has explored the use of nanocomposite-based coatings incorporating polyaniline, titanium dioxide and magnetically responsive carbon nanotube blends. Applied to steel coupons and exposed to Greek seawater over 50 weeks, the coated surfaces exhibited minimal fouling, with the research attributing the performance to a combination of low surface energy and anti-corrosion functionality.

The researchers reported that uncoated control samples were 鈥渇ully covered with macrofouling鈥�, while the new formulation experienced only light biofilm accumulation, which could be wiped off manually. The same paper notes a corrosion rate reduction of around 90% when compared with control surfaces.

While the coatings are still in the early stages of development, the results have been framed as promising for future application in hull protection systems, particularly where reduced environmental toxicity is desired. The coating system does not release toxic compounds into the marine environment and could offer an alternative in areas where copper and booster biocide use is restricted or under review.

Surface engineering and drag reduction

A separate review article published in late June 2025 surveyed recent innovations in fouling resistance based on surface structure rather than chemical activity. The review highlights that silicone and fluorinated coatings with low surface energy remain the benchmark for foul-release coatings, but ongoing work on biomimetic surfaces 鈥� such as microgrooved patterns or sharkskin-inspired textures 鈥� may offer future avenues for fouling resistance with low environmental impact.

Researchers have also observed increasing cross-disciplinary collaboration between polymer chemistry and marine biology, with antibacterial peptides, surface charge manipulation and magnetic response systems now entering the scope of hull materials science.

While these technologies are not yet commercially viable at scale, they are being evaluated for long-term antifouling performance and lifecycle cost.

Operational risk and cleaning accountability

From the ship operations side, hull condition is increasingly viewed as a dynamic risk rather than a one-off maintenance task.

In its latest advisory, Britannia P&I warns port delays, warm water idle time and long anchorage periods have created a 鈥渉eightened fouling risk鈥� that is not always covered by standard charterparty provisions. The club recommends shipowners insert specific clauses into time charter agreements that provide for timely hull cleaning 鈥� by divers, ROVs or dedicated systems 鈥� and define who is responsible for inspection, cleaning and associated downtime. Without such provisions, owners risk bearing the full financial and operational burden of fouling.

According to the club鈥檚 risk management guidance, 鈥淥perators should be proactive in managing hull fouling, particularly in tropical and warm water ports where fouling can establish rapidly.鈥�

The guidance also notes disputes over vessel speed performance and fuel consumption linked to fouling are rising, particularly in the dry and wet bulk sectors.

Regulatory momentum

Although not directly linked to the most recent developments, the regulatory direction established at IMO鈥檚 MEPC 83 session continues to shape industry activity. The committee agreed to proceed with the development of a mandatory international instrument on biofouling, moving beyond voluntary guidelines. This would align fouling control with the organisation鈥檚 broader goals on GHG emissions, invasive species and underwater noise.

Technologies such as ultrasonic antifouling, surface-active cleaning systems and biofilm-inhibiting coatings are all being considered as part of the future compliance toolbox.

In parallel, operators will likely be required to maintain vessel-specific Biofouling Management Plans, similar to the documentation and recordkeeping standards already enforced for ballast water management.

The combination of regulatory tightening and commercial pressure is creating a more structured framework for fouling control, where passive solutions such as coatings must be demonstrably compatible with cleaning systems and be verifiable through inspection or digital monitoring.

Sign up for Riviera鈥檚 series of technical and operational webinars and conferences:

• Register to attend by聽visiting our events page.
• Watch recordings from all of our webinars in the webinar library.