BIOCIDE FREE FOULING RELEASE SYSTEM

Dec 19, 2022

A NEW DIMENSION TO ANTIFOULING

INTRODUCTION

Following many seasons of repetitive antifouling and a welcoming home for fouling organisms such as seaweed and barnacles to attach firmly to the boat’s hull, it was evident a new antifouling solution was required.

The client approached Landaus Marine to look into this and recommend a more advanced solution.

CHALLENGE

Faced with a large build-up of marine life, from barnacles to muscles and seaweed to sea squirts, the client was challenged with an ongoing cleaning requirement of their boat’s hull, as well as a continuous concern on the boat’s performance and fuel efficiency.

On inspection of the client’s boat, a basic copper based antifoul had been applied. This type of product is becoming more of a legislative concern and therefore driving the end user to look for alternative options. An additional challenge was to lower their maintenance costs through less frequent applications, also the potential for less wear and tear on the engine, gear box and fuel reduction.

The constant seasonal cleaning, sanding and re-application was also a factor. There was a clear requirement to slow the growth and/or facilitate detachment of the subaquatic organisms, which was beginning to affect the boat’s durability and performance.

Landaus Marine were challenged with finding the right hull coating that would effectively overcome their client’s challenges.

Making the right choice was key to reducing the client’s maintenance costs and time, increasing the boat’s speed, working towards potentially decreasing their fuel costs, as well as ensuring Landaus Marine were being mindful of a solution that would be less damaging to the environment.

SOLUTION

On review of the boat’s current challenges, it was recommended that a Hempel Fouling Release System application would solve the problem.

The biocide free product based on silicone and hydrogel, gives the coating surface water-like properties, making it difficult for fouling organisms to attach to the hull and easy for them to be removed when the boat is in motion.

This revolutionary paint introduces a new dimension to boating. Hempel’s Silic One.

A biocide free paint/method to prevent fouling
Non-stick paint
Copper free

The fouling release silicone system provides a smooth, low surface energy repellent surface with unique fouling release properties. A hydrogel micro layer prevents fouling organisms firmly adhering, while the silicone polymers facilitate self-cleaning.

Hydrogel is based on unique, non-reactive polymers that are added to the paint, creating an invisible barrier between the hull surface and the water.

Landaus Marine chose this application with a continuing effort to be ahead of the market, with Hempel opening the door to a completely new approach to the fight against fouling.

Fouling organisms perceive the hull as a liquid and consequently attaching to a much lower extent.

Landaus Marine set about preparing the boats hull through a multi-stage process with the final coat being applied with the latest Fouling Release paint. The Silic One required constant monitoring during application and good weather to ensure an effective application.

Landaus Marine's specialist engineers worked within a temperature controlled environment to ensure the temperature did not drop below 10 degrees, as the timings between coats was paramount to the process and performance of the Fouling Release System.

Surface preparation – removal of old antifouling down to gel coat. Surface was then abraded and thoroughly washed down in preparation for the light primer.
Light primer – Once the hull had been prepared back to a good sound condition, the light primer was then applied. On this occasion four coats of light primer were applied as per specification.
Silic One Tie Coat – Once the light primer had been applied, the next step was to apply the Tie Coat. This effectively bridges the coatings, allowing the system to move between a two pack epoxy coating, to the single pack Silic One. The application and timings of the Tie Coat were crucial to the application process.
Silic One – Final stage was the Silic One where two coats were applied, ensuring the final coatings completely covered the Tie Coat leaving a full complete system. Again the application and timings of the Silic One were crucial to the application process.

RESULTS

The new application has already shown impressive results.

Unlike antifouling, the Fouling Release System doesn’t rely on biocides. The product is based on silicone and hydrogel, which gives the coating surface water-like properties, making it difficult for fouling organisms to attach firmly to the hull and easy for them to be removed when the boat is in motion.

Lower long term costs – The Fouling Release System has higher costs in the first year, but maintenance costs in the second year will be lower.
Increases speed and saves fuel – Silic One reduces the friction, hence increasing speed and saving fuel.
Suitable on all types of boats – The Fouling Release System can be used on all types of boats, except wood and all types of water. The frequency of usage and speed can influence the amount of fouling, so the best performance is expected on motor boats.
Maintenance – Maintenance of Silic One is easy and simple. Maintenance costs are lower compared to traditional antifouling. In order to maintain the system, a new layer of Top Coat should be applied every year.

“This new Hempel Fouling Release Technology has added a new dimension to Landaus Marine’s product offering. Seasonal conventional antifoulings are under pressure due to legislation, which has opened up a new requirement for our customers and we’ve already noticed a number of savings too.” Sarah Tayler, Marketing & PR Manager, Landaus Marine

“We love the fact that at faster speeds the self-cleaning is most effective, but even lower speed self-cleaning has been possible too! A great investment Landaus Marine. Thanks for the product recommendation” Boat Owner of Fino, Swanwick Marina