A tremendous dilemma
Should we sacrifice the atmosphere?
In the absence of proper protection, the underside of vessels is susceptible to significant marine biofouling. Heavy biofouling can result in a substantial increase in fuel consumption, up to 50%, leading to poor fuel efficiency and higher CO2 emissions. The shipping industry accounts for nearly 3% of the world's total CO2 emissions.
Or poison the sea?
The solution today is antifouling coatings. All cost-efficient coatings are toxic to marine organisms making up the fouling. Unfortunately, coatings contain toxic additives so-called biocides, which are released into the ocean contaminating marine life. Annually, 15,000 tons of copper are discharged into the oceans due to antifouling coatings, equivalent to the weight of a blue whale.
EnCoat cuts the dilemma in half
Traditional antifouling coatings often rely on excessive biocides to compensate for their tendency to leach into the sea before proper usage. EnCoat's technology, however, encapsulates the co-biocides, extending their antifouling effectiveness. This innovative approach allows for up to a 50% reduction in the required amounts of biocides while maintaining the same level of protection.
