Rik Breur, managing director, Micanti, told GreenPort: “We have a unique opportunity with our Thorn-D product. We’ve just signed a contract with our new distribution partner for the UK, Fendercare, and have received a great amount of interest from the shipping industry.”
Unlike traditional copper antifouling coatings, the company’s non toxic antifouling adhesive foil, which lasts for more than five years, is effective in all conditions whether a vessel is moored or sailing.
The foil’s fibres create a textured surface which acts like a physical barrier to prevent organisms such as mussels, barnacles and algae, from settling on the hull of a vessel.
These fibres also smooth water flow over the hull to ensure there is no loss of speed or wasted fuel and can be applied to quayside structures in and around ports.
Accredited by Lloyd’s Register, ABS and Bureau Veritas, the foil is also environmentally friendly as it works without emitting toxic chemicals which harm marine life.
Micanti told GP that Thorn-D, which is collected after use on a vessel for recycling, has also been designed to ensure it does not contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions like conventional antifouling, where paint based organic solvents (VOCs) evaporate during drying.
Thorn-D has already been applied and tested on a number of vessels in the Middle East, Europe and the US.