The selection, application and maintenance of outer hull coatings are an essential component of sustainable shipping andrnthe efficient operation of ships. Mismanagement of these systems will result in increased hull roughness, fouling, fuelrnconsumption, exhaust emissions, costs and the transport of invasive species. The commercially mature systems may bernbroadly divided into biocide based copper and copper free coatings, biocide free silicone fouling release technologiesrnand inert hard coatings combined with underwater cleaning. These systems are performing remarkably well; however,rnthere is no universal system that works satisfactorily under all operational conditions and improvements are still requiredrnto qualify as truly environmentally sustainable.
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