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
Record numbers from Indian subcontinent for Sailors’ Society conference
(Posted on 22/09/25)More than 4000 cadets, trainees and ratings from the Indian subcontinent took part in the first of Sailors... Read more
The Swedish Club expands management team
(Posted on 22/09/25)The Swedish Club have announced that it is strengthening its management team to match the pace of its... Read more
Shipowners face Port State Control crackdown on BWTS compliance
(Posted on 22/09/25)BIO-UV Group is advising shipowners to ready themselves for extensive Port State Control inspections... Read more
CORE POWER welcomes agreement to accelerate investment in maritime decarbonisation
(Posted on 16/09/25)The U.S. and the UK have announced a bilateral collaboration to accelerate reactor licensing from three... Read more
Cobelfret accelerates digital transformation with integrated maritime platform
(Posted on 14/09/25)Cobelfret, a leading global dry bulk shipowner and operator based in Singapore, has partnered with Smart... Read more
Support grows for India’s new maritime CCTV rules
(Posted on 14/09/25)Zelim is calling on international regulators and flag states to follow India’s lead on enhancing... Read more
Ionic extends Orca AI to bulker fleet to boost safety
(Posted on 09/09/25)Athens-based Ionic controls a fleet of eight crude tankers and 11 bulkers under its respective wet and... Read more
Columbia and Pan Marine launch Egyptian JV
(Posted on 09/09/25)Columbia Group, a global leader in integrated maritime services, has announced the establishment of... Read more
Indonesian ship operator selects Veson as partner for digitalisation Journey
(Posted on 01/09/25)Veson Nautical, a global leader in maritime data and freight management solutions, and Andhika Lines... Read more
VIKAND : Digitalisation presents emerging psychological pressures for seafarers
(Posted on 01/09/25)As the digital transformation accelerates across the maritime industry, global maritime healthcare leader... Read more
