From January 1, 2023, Cyclobutyne Will Be Banned in Marine Antifouling Coatings

In order to effectively control and reduce the impact of harmful anti-fouling systems on ships on the marine environment, the International Maritime Organization IMO formally adopted the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships (hereinafter referred to as the "AFS Convention") in October 2001, and It came into effect on September 17, 2008.

The "AFS Convention" officially entered into force in my country on June 7, 2011. For details, please refer to the Ministry of Transport Announcement No. 22 of 2011: Announcement on the Entry into Force of the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships of the International Maritime Organization).

Currently, the AFS Convention prohibits the use of harmful organotin compounds in antifouling paints used on ships. The IMO has published amendments to the AFS Convention, which will enter into force on 1 January 2023.

The amendments introduce new requirements that prohibit future installations of antifouling systems containing a toxic substance called cyclobutane. The amendments also include requirements for ships already fitted with anti-fouling systems containing cyclobutane.

Major revisions include the following requirements:

All ships shall not apply or reapply anti-fouling systems containing cyclobutyne on or after 1 January 2023;

All ships with anti-fouling systems containing cyclobutene in their hulls or in the external coatings of external parts or surfaces on 1 January 2023 should have their anti-fouling systems removed;

Either apply a coating to prevent the substance from leaching from the non-compliant antifouling system below.

The above measures must be implemented in the next anti-fouling system update plan after 1 January 2023, but not later than 60 months after the last application of the anti-fouling system containing cyclobutane to the ship.

Existing coatings on the following ships are not subject to the requirements:

Fixed and floating platforms, floating storage units and floating production storage and offloading units constructed before 1 January 2023 and not yet in dry dock on or after 1 January 2023;

ships not engaged in international voyages;

Ships of less than 400 gross tonnage engaged in international voyages, if accepted by the coastal State.

What should ship operators be aware of?

Ship operators should ensure that from 2023 only approved antifouling coatings that do not include the banned substance cyclobutane are installed. A plan should be in place to remove or cover the existing cyclobutane-containing coating with a seal coat.