Marine Coatings
Catherine Diamond, Associate Editor
Transporting goods by sea has historically been the most widely used form of shipping throughout human his- tory. Though it doesn’t offer the speed of air shipping,
it remains the preferred method for larger, heavier goods such
as cars. It is also less expensive, less taxing on the environment, and there are virtually no restrictions on destinations. In
short, it is nothing less than a driving force behind a functional
global economy.
Keeping ships efficient is no small task. Coatings designed for
this market are specifically formulated to ensure smooth sail-
ing (pun intended) and as such are used for anti-fouling, anti-
corrosion and self-cleaning purposes. Anti-fouling coatings,
which are used to protect ships from organisms that can impede
performance, have been the most in-demand over the last few
years. According to market research firm Transparency Market
Research, these coatings are primarily consumed during ship re-
pair and maintenance activities.
In a market study published in October, researchers found
that an increase in ship repair and maintenance activities in various regions across the globe is projected to boost the demand
for anti-fouling coatings through 2020. Additionally, anti-corrosion coatings are expected to remain stable during the same
time period.
“Anti-corrosion coatings are majorly applied during new
shipbuilding activities,” the report stated. “These coatings offer
protection to the surface from abrasion, corrosion and impact.
Foul-release coating is one of the popular marine coatings in
the maritime industry. Foul-release coatings are biocide-free and
The market for marine and protective coatings is being driven by an increase in ship
repair and maintenenace activities globally.
