ANTIFOULING

Protection of Ships

Lecture 1: Corrosion

Lecture 2: Antifouling

Lecture 3: Foul Release

Colin Anderson

(Technical Director, International Paint, Yacht-USA)

Introduction

• Measurement of Hull Roughness
• What is fouling?
• Regulatory Issues
• Antifouling Technology

There are three main resistance forces that have to be overcome when moving a vessel through sea water :

–Form or Shape

–Wave-making

–Friction

Frictional resistance is largely controlled by the roughness of the outer hull, and this is the main purpose of antifouling coatings. Roughness is caused by surface deterioration or by fouling.

As resistance increases, the vessel either slows down or has to increase power to maintain the same speed. Either way, operational costs increase.

In addition to surface roughness caused by defects, fouling is the other major contributor to drag.

Control of fouling is an essential part of keeping hulls as smooth as possible, and thus keeping costs down. Antifouling coatings are the most economical method for control of fouling.

Read Lecture 2  – Antifouling