NEW TECHNOLOGY ANTIFOULING PAINTS: U.S. GOVERNMENT RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT

Abstract

ABSTRACTMarine fouling growth on the hulls of ships results in unacceptable increases in drag and consequent increases in fuel consumption. Conventional paints cannot maintain hulls free of fouling for the extended operating cycles now being imposed. Accordingly, new antifouling paints featuring organometallic polymer (OMP) toxicants have been developed at a U.S. Government laboratory in response to these requirements. In addition, commercial paints based on the use of OMP biocides have become increasingly available in the last several years, most of which have ablative properties that enhance antifouling performance and promote retention of smooth surfaces. Screening tests that include static and dynamic panel exposure and laboratory evaluation of coating properties are being conducted to qualify candidate materials for ship trials.This paper describes several ship trials that are now underway on various types of ships. Over twenty different commercial and U.S. Government specification paints have been applied as patches, as bands, on entire hulls, and on exposure test panels mounted on bilge keels. Periodic inspections utilizing diver‐operated still and video cameras are made. The factors of ship power, paint condition, and hull roughness are being correlated for selected test vessels.New trends in antifouling paint technology are also discussed, as are problems associated with application and removal of toxic paint materials.