CimbriaTOC Europe 2023ViganVan AalstTBA GroupTOC Europe 2023
  • Port of Stockton
  • TOC Europe 2023
  • TBA Group
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • IMPA Events

Nippon introduces first biocide free SPC antifouling

(Posted on 11/09/18)

Japan-headquartered Nippon Paint Marine has introduced what is thought the world’s first biocide-free, low friction self-polishing copolymer (SPC) antifouling technology.

Aquaterras, a product name derived from the Japanese word for shining and the Latin for water – Shining Water – is an entirely new type of marine coating developed using neither biocide materials nor silicone.

Nippon Paint Marine Director John Drew said: “Typically ships’ antifouling paints have contained some form of biocide – copper, tributyltin, co-biocides. But the use of biocides today is strictly controlled by both national and international regulations such as the BPR in the EU. And while there are no immediate plans to further regulate the use of approved biocides, we cannot rule out the possibility that copper in antifouling will be regulated in the near future.

“Nippon Paint Marine has always looked to develop systems that go beyond the regulations. And with Aquaterras our chemists have achieved the impossible – a truly effective and efficient long-life, self-polishing antifouling paint without the use of biocides.”

The technology adopts an advanced antifouling mechanism based around the anti-thrombogenic polymers used in the construction of artificial hearts and blood vessels in the medical sector.

The medical polymeric material was designed so that no biological substances or life would or could adhere to the surface so as to prevent blood clots (thrombosis). Using the technology in marine pants allows the new hydrolysis polymer reaction developed at Nippon Paint to continuously self-polishes. It also exposes active micro-domain structures to seawater ensuring that Aquaterras provides long-term antifouling performance.

“Biocides are normally comparatively heavy and rough in paint formulations but since Aquaterras is without such heavy pigments, we can achieve a remarkably glossy and smooth film is achieved, said Drew. “This smoothness is further enhanced by its in-service self-polishing. Unlike silicone types, Aquaterras can be applied simply without the need for costly and time-consuming masking. It can also be overcoated in the same way as today’s SPC’s and can even be applied onto existing SPC’s if they are in good enough condition.”

Registered as a tin-free antifouling paint, Aquaterras has received approvals from all the major classification societies and is certified with no ’active ingredients’ in its Type Approval Certification.

A full and comprehensive technical Dossier has been compiled to demonstrate the rigorous and exhaustive testing carried out by Nippon Paint over years of research.

Latest News

Norden enters Capesize segment

(Posted on 31/03/23)

In line with Norden’s 2023-2025 strategy to capitalise on the most attractive opportunities in... Read more


Maritime leaders to explore ammonia as marine fuel in US East Coast

(Posted on 31/03/23)

American Bureau of Shipping, A.P. Moller - Maersk, Fleet Management Limited, Georgia Ports Authority... Read more


MHSS offers free support to seafarers affected by Turkey/Syria earthquakes

(Posted on 31/03/23)

Although news teams might have moved on to other locations and different crises, for those Turks and... Read more


Oldendorff Carriers announces change of leadership

(Posted on 28/03/23)

The board of Oldendorff Carriers, has appointed Patrick Hutchins as the new President and CEO of the... Read more


Swedish Club boosts management team

(Posted on 28/03/23)

The Swedish Club is looking to the future with the expansion and restructuring of the Club’s management... Read more


Groke brings new situation awareness expertise to One Sea

(Posted on 24/03/23)

One Sea has welcomeed Finnish start-up Groke Technologies as its new member, bringing additional expertise... Read more


ClassNK releases FAQs on EU-ETS for shipping

(Posted on 24/03/23)

ClassNK has released “FAQs on the EU-ETS for Shipping”, an overview and necessary preparation... Read more


New AXSMarine tool helps users visualize CO2 emissions and CII

(Posted on 20/03/23)

AXSMarine, a pioneer and market leader in the provision of advanced solutions for shipping professionals... Read more


Shipzero advances the decarbonization of logistics

(Posted on 20/03/23)

Shipzero is enabling transport and logistics companies to create transparency about their emissions... Read more


Isle of Man Ship Registry joins INTERCARGO

(Posted on 07/03/23)

The Isle of Man Ship Registry (IOMSR) has become an associate member of The International Association... Read more


IMPA EventsTelestackPort of South LouisianaSailors SocietyThe Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology Port of Stockton
  • Sailors Society
  • The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping