The number of ships using a Selektope-containing antifouling coating is expected to more than double in 2019 following a successful 2018.
Selektope, a barnacle-repelling antifouling ingredient has been developed by Swedish company I-Tech. The organic, non-metal compound temporarily stimulates barnacle larvae’s receptors, preventing them from attaching to any ship’s surface. The effect lasts only a short time and is non-fatal.
In December 2018, the company received the largest ever single volume order from marine coating manufacturer Chugoku Marine Paints (CMP).
The order will be delivered during 2019 for use in CMP’s range of existing coating products containing Selektope that target both new building and dry-docking demands.
Hundreds of ships have been coated with antifouling paints containing Selektope since the launch of the technology into the marine market.
Philip Chaabane, I-Tech CEO commented: “Positive indications of the superior antifouling performance of antifouling coatings including Selektope on a wide range of ship types is driving the demand for our technology in the market. Performance results continue to demonstrate that Selektope-powered coatings can save fuel, cut emissions and reduce the risk of transferring invasive aquatic species; for all these reasons, confidence is increasing in our technology as a very attractive investment.”
Read more about Selektope on VPO Global:
The molecule targeting shipping’s biofouling problem
