Following the approval of Selektope under the EU’s Biocidal Products Regulation, developer I-Tech reports extraordinary uptake for antifouling coatings that include the industry’s first pharmacological means of combatting barnacle settlement. In the first month of 2016, orders amounted to double the volume achieved during the whole of 2015, with antifoulings including Selektope being applied for complete hull coating projects.

I-Tech CEO Philip Chaabane says that the higher than anticipated demand from shipowners and acceptance by major coatings suppliers of performance claims for the biotechnology solution represent a decisive movement in the marine paints industry.

“We are very pleased to witness the market response to Selektope following recent achievements in securing major regulatory approval,” said Mr. Chaabane. “A key factor is the product’s ability to extend static performance of the coating, which is one of the major areas where improvements are needed. This is a good start. I am confident that uptake by the marine coatings industry will quickly bring Selektope’s other benefits into focus, contributing to an overall improvement in the performance of antifouling coatings.”

I-Tech has been able to meet the surge in demand through its agreement with life sciences giant Cambrex to produce Selektope on an industrial scale. “Venturing from academia into the industry of antifouling has been truly demanding, and we still have a long way to go. But we are stronger than ever and determined to see continued success,” concluded Philip Chaabane.