A pioneering technically advanced fouling release coating system - an improvement on a unique fouling control application launched two years ago - has been introduced for use on a range of deep-sea scheduled vessels.

Intersleek 717 is being promoted as a pioneering linkcoat conversion coating that functions as a sealer for existing SPC anitfoulings and as a strong linkcoat, said International Coatings, a part of the Akzo Nobel group of companies based in the Netherlands.

It said the new product would allow the application and ensure the subsequent adhesion of Intersleek 700, the world's first biocide-free non-stick fouling release coating system that was introduced in March 1999.

"For scheduled shop operators whose vessels in service are currently coated with biocides containing SPC antifoulings, Intersleek 717 offers a high-performance, cost-effetive conversion route to the Intersleek 700 system with all of the associated operational and environmental benefits without the need for expensive reblasting," said International Coatings, which is art of the Akzo Nobel group of companies.

Intersleek 700 had used specialised adhesion characteristics of the intersleek technology but it was only designed for surfaces prepared to near white metal ISO 8501-1: 1998 Sa 2.5 (SSPC - SP10) which meant it was an expensive operation. It was specially designed for deep sea, high-activity, scheduled ships travelling at 15 to 30 knots such as container vessels, reefers, LNG/LPG carriers, cruise liners, ro-ro ferries and vehicle carriers.

The two-coat Intersleek 700 is based on silicone technology and since it did not rely on biocide leaching for its efficacy had outstanding potential durability and longevity.

International Coatings first started working on non-stick, fouling release technology in the 1970s.