International Paint has introduced two new patented, “revolutionary” fouling control technologies – the  Intercept 8000 LPP, a biocidal antifouling set to revolutionise predictability in hull coating performance, and Intersleek1100SR, the industry’s first patented biocide free slime release technology.

International Paint, part of AkzoNobel, the world’s largest global paints and coatings company, announced a “sea-change” in hull performance with the launch of the two registered new coatings solutions.

“Designed to address the industry issues of predictability in antifouling performance not seen since the days of tributyltin and the difficult issue of slime fouling on ships hulls, the two new technologies are set to improve vessel operating performance, increase efficiency and help control fuel costs and emissions,” the company said.

LUBYON TECHNOLOGY
Intercept 8000 LPP is a brand new biocidal linear polishing polymer antifouling featuring patented Lubyon technology that delivers predictable long-term performance for in-service periods up to 90 months. Intersleek1100SR is the industry’s first biocide-free fouling control coating featuring unique patented slime release technology that combats micro fouling on ships hulls, maintaining performance throughout the docking cycle.

Intercept 8000 LPP provides customers with consistent and predictable linear polishing. This will enable ship owners and operators to plan and budget effectively throughout the dry-dock cycle of the vessel. The unique Lubyon polymer technology gives the coating a ‘superhydrophilic’surface. When the coating is immersed, the seawater has a lubricating effect, resulting in less friction. This reduces drag and increases vessel efficiency giving average fuel consumption and associated emissions savings of 5 per cent annually compared to typical controlled depletion polymer antifoulings. The coating surface also swells on contact with seawater, helping to smooth out imperfections and potentially further reducing drag.

Lubyon technology reacts with seawater via a constant surface active zone releasing only the optimum amount of biocide over the scheme life to control fouling settlement. Critically, this biocide release rate is largely unaffected by seawater temperature meaning Intercept 8000 LPP has total trading flexibility and can operate across global routes and through all seasons.