Antifouling

A ship must be painted with antifouling paint to prevent the growth of marine organisms such as algae, barnacles, mussels, and slime molds on the hull. This growth (called fouling) can have significant disadvantages:

1. Performance & Speed

• The growth increases water resistance , which slows down the ship .

• A hull covered in vegetation can reduce propulsion efficiency by up to 40% .

2. Fuel consumption & costs

• More resistance means that the engine has to use more energy , which significantly increases fuel consumption .

• A clean surface can reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% .

3. Protection of the ship's hull

• Organisms can attack the hull structure – e.g. through corrosion in metal hulls or osmosis in GRP ships .

• Without protection, the vegetation can burrow deep into the surface over time .

4. Functionality of the technology

• Barnacles and mussels can get into cooling water intakes , sensors or steering gear and cause damage.

• A propeller covered in vegetation can severely limit maneuverability .

5. Environmental protection & sustainability

• An efficient ship hull reduces CO₂ emissions through lower fuel consumption.

• Modern antifoulings contain special active ingredients that selectively prevent growth without unnecessarily polluting the environment.

Since antifouling paints wear out over time , the paint must be renewed regularly depending on the area of operation and use – usually once a year .

Do you own a boat yourself or are you interested in the topic for another reason?