Paint-Free Anti-Fouling Project Gets EU Backing

The eSHaRK project is aiming to develop a version of PPG's SIGMAGLIDE self-adhesive anti-fouling film

U.S.-based PPG Industries, Inc. (PPG) has announced that its protective and marine coatings business has received funding from the European Union (EU) in support of a project that aims to produce a new fouling-protection system for commercial vessels.

The eco-friendly Ship Hull film system with fouling Release and fuel-saving properties (eSHaRK project) is aiming to develop a version of PPG's SIGMAGLIDE self-adhesive anti-fouling film, and an automatic robotised application process.

This, says PPG, aims to improve on more traditional paint-based solutions by being easier and faster to apply, and without the constraint of overcoating intervals, while also having a reduced impact on the environment.

The amount of funding received was not specified.

Along with PPG, the development team includes MACtac, Meyer Werft GmbH (Meyer Werft), ND Coatings GmbH (ND Coatings), VertiDrive BV (VertiDrive), and Hamburgische Schiffbau-Versuchsanstalt GmbH (HSVA).

Having completed laboratory testing, PPG says it is now looking for full-scale testing before a targeted launch date of 2018. 

"The eSHaRk project aims to bring to the market a fouling-protection technology which not only maintains the current state-of-the-art fouling-protection standards but is superior to existing paint-based solutions in terms of eco-friendliness, easiness of application, robustness and drag-reduction effects, all of which will lead to fuel savings and the reduction of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions," said Christophe Cheikh, Product Manager at PPG.

PPG says the fouling-release system is based on the company's silicone binder technology and MACtac's self-adhesive film designed for underwater use, adding that it intends to optimise the surface morphology of the film further reduce drag by an estimated 10 percent, increase fuel-savings, and emissions-reduction benefits to "previously unattainable levels."

In July, PPG announced that its protective and marine coatings business had introduced a new high-performance antifouling coatings range, called the SIGMA SAILADVANCE, which it said could provide an average fuel savings of 5 percent through reduction in hull friction.