Intersleek Bottom Coating Saves Maritime Industry $8B in Fuel

Real-world performance data collected from ships using International® brand Intersleek® 1100SR over the past 10 years shows the coating has cut ship fuel bills by $8 billion and reduced CO2 emissions by 41 million tonnes.

AkzoNobel revolutionized the coatings industry in 2013 when it launched the world’s leading biocide-free, antifouling coating, which has since been applied to more than 3,000 ships.

Due to the high performance of biocide-free technology, demand has risen sharply over the past 18 months as shipowners strive to reduce CO2 emissions to comply with new carbon regulations and find proven solutions.

Last year, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced new carbon targets for the fleet, which include a 20% reduction in emissions by 2030 and a 70% reduction by 2040 compared with 2008 levels, with the ultimate goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Groundbreaking Intersleek 1100SR is the world’s first biocide-free fouling control coating, featuring patented slime release technology to address microfouling issues on boat hulls.

The technology maintains performance throughout the entire docking cycle without the use of biocides and provides excellent macro and micro control and improved anti-static capabilities, even in warm waters.

As the ship moves through the water, the mucus accumulated during docking is released, reducing drag, improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions.

Launched in 1996, Intersleek was the shipping industry’s first patented biocide-free coating.

The Intersleek 425 evolved into the 700 in 1999 to meet the needs of deep sea vessel waste discharge. Eight years later, the 900 version was launched, using original fluoropolymer technology to ensure foul release for all vessels traveling in excess of 10 knots.

In 2013, the Intersleek 1100SR became the best slime releaser for any vessel, even in warm winters and slow sailing conditions, and has set the standard for fouling release technology in the industry over the past decade.

Chris Birkert, AkzoNobel Marine Coatings Division Manager, said: "Our ground-breaking Intersleek range sets new standards in biocide-free performance for efficiency, performance and sustainability in the marine industry."

"Intersleek has the largest pollution emissions record with our customers, collected from 20 years of ship performance data, demonstrating that our Intersleek coatings have helped shipowners save $19.6 billion in fuel costs and 103 million tonnes of CO2 .Help them achieve their carbon emissions targets."

"This incredible savings includes $8 billion in fuel costs and 41 million tonnes of CO2 emissions saved by the Intersleek 1100SR over the past 10 years."