International Paint Sees Uptake in Fouling Control Technologies

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, International Paint launched two new hull-coating technologies in March, 2013. International Paint said Intercept8000 LPP and Intersleek1100SR were created to improve vessel operating performance, increase efficiency and reduce fuel costs and emissions, and now the manufacturer reports that the two new coatings have already made a significant impact on the market within months of their debut.

Since March 2013, Intersleek1100SR has been applied to 52 vessels with 45 contracted and 27 under negotiation across all main classes, including container, cruise, LNG, Ro-Ro, and tanker vessels. Intercept8000 LPP has been applied to 44 vessels with 10 contracted and a further 32 currently in the pipeline, and has seen significant take-up with containers, proving the expectation that this is aimed at being the most eco-efficient product for this class.

Paul Robbins, Marine Marketing Director at International Paint said, "The popularity of Intercept8000 LPP and Intersleek1100SR so soon after their launch reflects the growing awareness of the economic importance of underwater hull condition, driven by sustained high bunker prices, lack of liquidity in the market and increasing environmental regulation.”

He added, "Using innovation to meet these challenges, as well as the drive to create more sustainable operations is rapidly becoming a strategic priority for businesses. It is also clear that customers want access to a choice of products, and a broad range of fouling control solutions that provide increasing and scalable levels of eco-efficiency benefits depending on their budgets and commitment to sustainability.”

international-marine.com