Ramesh Tripathi, Chugoku Paints (India) Pvt Ltd, Mumbai
Marine coating systems are ap- plied to ships and offshore structures both in sea and
fresh water environments. They serve the
dual purpose of protecting the structure
from deterioration and keeping the ships
looking good. The world merchant fleet is
comprised of bulk carriers, tankers, container ships, cargo ships, and passenger
and cruise ships, among others.
Marine coatings have specific functional properties that provide superior
corrosion protection to the surfaces on
which they are applied. The coatings protect submerged materials such as vessels,
ships, or yachts from sea water. Marine
coatings also protect materials from corrosion and abrasion. The application of
such coatings improves the durability and
overall performance of the vessel.
The latest survey report on the global
antifouling paint market, published by
Markets and Markets, projects the market to grow from U.S. $5.61 billion in
2015 to U.S. $9.22 billion by 2021 at
a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth
Rate) of 8. 6 percent between 2016 and
2021. High demand for antifouling coatings from the shipping industry is expected to drive the growth of the market in
the near future, the report states.
Asia-Pacific dominates the global distribution of marine coatings for both new
shipbuilding and repairs. China is fast
becoming the world’s largest shipbuilding nation and has set a goal of becoming
number one in the industry by 2017.
As per record from ‘The Shipbuilders
Association of Japan’ the New Shipbuilding
share for 2015 is: Japan 19.2%, South
Korea 34.4%, China 37.2%, Europe 1.4%,
and the rest of the world 7.7%.
High demand for marine coatings in
Asia-Pacific, especially due to the emergence of China as a major player in the
shipbuilding industry, is driving the marine
coatings market in the region. Need for
fuel-saving and low emission coatings are
factors that have driven the growth of the
marine coatings market over the past few
years. Growth in the shipbuilding industry in India, Vietnam and the Philippines
is expected to provide large opportunities
for players in the marine coatings market
during the forecast period.
The global marine coatings market
is heavily consolidated, with 80% of
the market shared by five companies—
AkzoNobel (through its International
Paint business), Chugoku Marine Paints,
Hempel’s Marine Paints, Jotun and PPG.
What Are Antifouling
Coatings?
Antifouling coatings are specialized paints
applied to the ship’s hull to slow the marine
growth on the underwater area which can
affect the vessels performance and durability. In addition to preventing marine growth,
the hull coating can also act as a barrier
against hull corrosion that will degrade and
weaken the metal. It also improves the flow
of water passing the hull of a fishing vessel
or high-performance racing yacht.
Prevention of Marine
Growth (Biofouling)
Antifouling paint, applied to the underwater hull of ships, discourages or prevents the growth of organisms that attach
to the hull. Its self-polishing resin and
biocide, such as cuprous oxide along with
a booster biocide, help to prevent biofouling organisms.
A self-polishing copolymer (SPC) antifouling paint will release biocide at a
nearly constant rate throughout its life.
The diffusion of the biocide on the hull
surface is primarily due to a chemical reaction between the paint and seawater.
The self-polishing mechanism of an anti-fouling paint film ensures a consistent renewal of paint film and release of biocide
on the surface to prevent settlement and
attachment of biofoulants.
The self-polishing activity is very dependent on the speed and activities of the vessels. Based on various studies, the polishing
rate of anti-fouling paint reduces almost by
half when it is stationary as compared to
when the vessel travels at 14 knots. Hence,
the duration of the vessel staying stationary will enable the colonizing of micro- and
macrofouling as explained below.
Mechanism of Marine
Growth (Biofouling)
Marine biofouling can be defined as the
unwanted deposition or accumulation
of microorganisms, plants and animals
on the ship hull immersed in sea water.
Fouling of the ship’s hull will result in
High demand for antifouling coatings is expected to drive market growth.
Advances in Antifouling
Coatings Technology
