AkzoNobel is developing a fouling prevention technology using ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LED) for the hulls of ships and boats.

The pioneering solution, which uses technology from Royal Philips, will be applied to underwater surfaces to eliminate fouling growth. By combining AkzoNobel’s surface protection and adhesion know-how with Royal Philips’ capabilities and intellectual property in UV-LED lighting and electronics, the companies are developing an economical solution for underwater fouling prevention.

The innovation will integrate UV light-emitting diodes in a protective coating scheme, allowing for the UV light to be emitted from the coating surface. In turn, this provides total prevention of biofouling accumulation on the surface of the protected area.

Total Biofouling Control

The fully biocide-free solution will provide groundbreaking performance and offer complete fouling prevention, the company explained. The total control of biofouling represents a substantial economic and environmental benefit, and when realized, the impact of this new technology on vessel owners and operators could be significant.

"In our sustainable fouling control initiative, we actively explore and develop alternatives to biocidal-based solutions," said Oscar Wezenbeek, director of AkzoNobel’s marine and protective coatings business. “This development is a great proof point of our continuous focus on delivering eco-friendly solutions to our customers.”

Widespread Adoption Goals

Despite the complexity of the project, AkzoNobel said it is confident the challenges will be overcome, adding that the technology could revolutionize the fouling control industry.

Initially, the focus will be on applications for ships, yachts, and offshore assets. But beyond those assets, the project could potentially be extended to include other surfaces challenged by biofouling issues.

“In our quest to not only protect and color, but also functionalize surfaces, we actively look for complementary technologies and partners to innovate with,” said Klaas Kruithof, AkzoNobel’s chief technology officer. “In this case, the combined capabilities and technology of Royal Philips and AkzoNobel will enable us to accelerate the realization of this transformative innovation, which we intend to initially market ourselves and consider licensing out to third parties for large-scale adoption.”

For more information, contact: AkzoNobel, (312) 544-7000, www.akzonobel.com