International Paint has introduced its next generation of foul release technology, Intersleek 900, the latest in a series of innovations.

The company, part of Akzo Nobel, has been supporting the shipping industry with pioneering fouling control technology since the introduction of the first self polishing copolymer (SPC) antifouling in 1974. In 1996 it introduced Intersleek 425, the first commercially available biocide-free foul release coating for fast craft and in 1999 came the revolutionary Intersleek 700, now firmly established as the industry benchmark in foul release technology for deep-sea scheduled ships.
“Setting even higher performance standards with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, Intersleek 900 is a unique patented fluoropolymer foul release coating which represents the very latest advances in fouling control technology, significantly improving upon the performance of the best silicone-based system Intersleek 700,” a company statement said.
“Intersleek 900 is exceptionally smooth with unprecedented low levels of average hull roughness, has excellent foul release capabilities and good resistance to mechanical damage. For the very first time all vessels above 10 knots, including scheduled ships, tankers, bulkers, general cargo ships and feeder containers can now benefit from foul release technology.”
Compared to the Intersleek 700 silicone-based system, Intersleek  900 is 25 per cent smoother and provides 38 per cent better coefficient of friction, the company said.  According to other details it provided, the new product has up to 80 per cent better static fouling resistance; 40 per cent better foul release properties; 50 per cent per cent reduction in slime; 100 per cent better hold up; 35 per cent higher gloss; 60 per cent  reduction in overspray and 60 per cent better abrasion resistance.
In terms of fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, Intersleek 900 offers predicted savings of 2 per cent in comparison to Intersleek 700 and 6 per cent in comparison to SPC antifoulings. The potential exists for even greater savings in comparison to controlled depletion antifoulings, the company said.
For a single VLCC currently coated with an SPC antifouling this could mean savings of over 4,500 tonnes of fuel, a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of over 14,000 tonnes and savings of $1.2 million over a five year period.
The absence of biocides brings cost advantages at the next drydocking on treatment and disposal costs of wash water and blasting abrasive. Durable and flexible with good resistance to mechanical damage means options on drydocking schedule and control of hull roughness. Excellent colour retention improves vessel appearance and good ‘hold-up’ with reduced overspray removes the need for double application and reduces yard rework and clean up. Conversion costs to the Intersleek 900 system from approved SPC antifoulings can be controlled via the use of a specially designed linkcoat.