(LONDON) — AkzoNobel, a leader in marine coatings, is partnering with Royal Philips to create a first-of-its-kind fouling prevention technology, using UV-LED light-emitting diodes in a protective coating.
Fouling is known to increase the hydrodynamic drag, fuel consumption and emissions of marine vessels. The new partnership pairs AkzoNobel’s groundbreaking surface protection and adhesion capabilities with Royal Philips’ depth of knowledge in UV-LED light.
Highlights of the protective coating include:
• Complete fouling prevention – including algae, barnacles and biofilm (slime) – for ship and boat hulls.
• LED minimum lifetime of 35,000 hours, meaning any marine vessel can be protected throughout, at least, a full docking cycle.
• Fully biocide-free, meaning no release of bioactive chemical substances into the environment.
The technology is based on the fact that ultraviolet light is known to have a sterilizing effect on biological organisms. Using UV light-emitting diodes in a protective coating assures that ship and boat hulls will see complete prevention of biofouling accumulation. The UV light is not visible to the human eye, so ships will not “glow in the dark.”
The first-generation commercial product is expected to be in market in 2023 and will be developed for ships, yachts and offshore assets.
For more information, visit www.akzonobel.com.
