Mistra´s research findings will soon be found on boat hulls.
The Marine Paint research programme has developed an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional anti-fouling paint for boat hulls. The product, soon to be commercialised, prevents barnacle (Balanus) larvae from attaching themselves to the surface of ships´ hulls.High priceMarine biofouling is a major problem for both commercial ships and pleasure craft. It affects, for example, fuel consumption. Today, anti-fouling paints containing metal compounds are used to inhibit growth of ship-fouling organisms. However, the price is high: the active substances leach out and affect these organisms. Björn Dahlbäck, Marine Paint Programme Director, says: ‘We have laid the knowledge foundations for a new paint containing an active substance called medetomidine. This keeps barnacles at bay.´ At I-Tech, the Gothenburg company engaged in commercialising the paint, the hope is that it will be on the market by the forthcoming boating season.Welcome productPer Jansson, Managing Director of I-Tech, says: ‘Our contacts with owners of small boats have confirmed that barnacles are by far the most difficult fouling species to get rid of, and that a solution that tackles them is more than welcome on the market.´.
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