Author: Daniel G. Teleoaca – Marine Chief Engineer

Biofouling – the unwelcome accumulation of barnacles, algae, and other marine life on a ship’s hull – is a constant battle for the maritime industry. This unwelcome hitchhiker not only increases drag, reducing fuel efficiency and speed, but can also accelerate hull corrosion and require more frequent cleaning, leading to higher maintenance costs and environmental damage.

Traditionally, antifouling paints containing biocides like copper were the go-to solution. However, concerns about their environmental impact have led to stricter regulations and a surge in innovation for more sustainable alternatives. Let’s set sail and explore some of these exciting developments:

Beyond the Paintbrush: Exploring New Antifouling Technologies

• Silicone-based coatings: These non-toxic coatings offer a smooth, slippery surface that deters organisms from adhering. They are also long-lasting, requiring less frequent application compared to traditional paints.

• Microstructured surfaces: Inspired by nature’s genius, researchers are developing surfaces with microscopic ridges or patterns that mimic shark skin, a natural deterrent to barnacle settlement. This passive approach holds promise for a long-term, eco-friendly solution.

• Electrochemical antifouling: Disrupting the party with science, this method uses low-level electrical currents to disrupt the settlement and growth of barnacles and other organisms. While still under development, it offers the potential for an on-demand and environmentally safe approach.

• Biofouling release coatings: Imagine a slow-release capsule for eco-friendliness! These coatings incorporate a thin sacrificial layer that degrades slowly, releasing non-toxic deterrents that prevent biofouling. This offers a more targeted approach compared to traditional paints.

• Bioinspired antifouling surfaces: Taking a page from nature’s playbook, researchers are studying the natural antifouling mechanisms in marine organisms like seaweeds and mussels to develop coatings that mimic their properties. This biomimetic approach could lead to highly effective and eco-friendly solutions.

• Ultrasonic antifouling:

  Ultrasonic antifouling utilizes high-frequency sound waves to deter the settlement and growth of marine organisms on submerged surfaces. These sound waves, inaudible to humans, create vibrations that can be employed in two ways:

  • Sub-cavitation: This method uses high-frequency vibrations to create a less favorable environment for larvae attachment. The constant microscopic agitation disrupts their ability to settle and establish themselves on the hull.

  • Cavitation: At higher frequencies, the sound waves can cause cavitation, the formation and collapse of tiny bubbles in the water. This collapse generates intense localized pressure and microscopic jets that can damage the delicate cells of biofouling organisms.

The future of antifouling likely lies in a combination of these technologies. Imagine a hull coated with a microstructured surface supplemented by controlled-release biofouling deterrents—a powerful and eco-friendly shield against biofouling.

The future is here: The Role of Robotic Inspections

Keeping hulls clean requires vigilance. Robotic inspections are becoming a vital companion to these innovative antifouling technologies. Here’s why:

• Early Detection: Regular robotic inspections, like those performed by Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) or Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), can detect the beginnings of biofouling before it becomes a significant problem. Early intervention is key to minimizing the impact on fuel efficiency and hull integrity.

• Targeted Maintenance: Gone are the days of guesswork. By precisely identifying the location and extent of biofouling, targeted cleaning methods can be employed. This reduces the need for extensive hull cleaning and its associated environmental impact.

• Monitoring Performance: Antifouling strategies are only as good as their results. Robotic inspections help assess the effectiveness of different coatings and systems over time. This data allows for informed decisions about future maintenance and antifouling choices.

 In-Transit Solutions or Cleaning On the Go

Biofouling doesn’t have to wait for port calls. In-transit cleaning offers a revolutionary approach to keeping hulls clean while ships are underway. Here are two technologies leading the charge:

• Shipshave ITCH (In-Transit Cleaning of Hulls): This system utilizes a tethered, semi-autonomous robot equipped with soft brushes.

The robot glides along the submerged hull, propelled by the ship’s movement, and gently removes biofouling without damaging the coating. This regular cleaning helps prevent the accumulation that can significantly impact fuel efficiency.

• NakAI Robot: Taking automation to the next level, NakAI offers a fully autonomous in-transit cleaning and inspection robot.

This innovative solution operates independently, continuously cleaning the hull throughout a voyage and inspecting for damage or coating wear using integrated sensors. This proactive approach to biofouling control holds immense potential for the future.

These are only a few examples of innovative solutions, and there are many more developing nowadays on the market. Through a internet search, you can read and learn more about these innovative solutions.

The Future of Clean Seas

The battle against biofouling is constantly evolving. As these innovative antifouling technologies, combined with robotic inspections and in-transit cleaning solutions, continue to develop, we can expect to see a future where clean hulls, improved fuel efficiency, and minimal environmental impact become the norm for the maritime industry. It’s an exciting time to set sail towards a cleaner and more sustainable future for our oceans!

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Video Source and Credit:

• Deep Trekker Inc. – Youtube
• Eirik JohannesRamstad – Youtube
• Aviv Melman (NakAI Robotics) – Water bag test video