I-Tech AB, the developers of Selektope antifouling biotechnology for marine coatings, and RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden) will host the International Antifouling Conference in Gothenburg for a second year following demands for its return as one of the key platforms for antifouling coating experts, academia, and end users to discuss challenges, solutions, and approaches towards marine biofouling prevention.

As the maritime industry takes steps towards significantly decarbonizing, the risk of marine biofouling accumulation on underwater surfaces is posing an increasing threat to the reduction of gaseous exhaust emissions from vessels. Marine biofouling can be extremely detrimental to ship performance since it increases hydrodynamic drag when a vessel sails through water, resulting in vessels burning more fuel to maintain a set speed or suffering speed losses if operating on fixed shaft power.

Unfortunately, rising oceanic and coastal water temperatures are providing a more favorable environment for biofouling species to flourish. As such, the risk faced by vessels from the negative effects of biofouling will only intensify in coming years. While antifouling coatings provide the best line of defense against biofouling, the technology must continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of vessels now, and in the future.

Participants of the inaugural International Antifouling Conference in 2022 held the unanimous belief that collaboration between technology providers and their suppliers, in addition to the expansion of the antifouling toolbox to include emerging novel solutions, are key to ensuring that antifouling coating solutions offer the best protection in intensifying biofouling conditions.

“This conference provides a much-needed platform for the R&D community from the marine coatings sector to meet, with the bonus that academia and end users participate and provide their vital insights,” said Dr. Markus Hoffmann, technical director at I-Tech. “Having a platform to discuss and gain inspiration from learning about novel solutions to ensure coatings are reliable and as high performance as possible is particularly important at this moment in time.”

The International Antifouling Conference 2023 will be held on Sept. 13-14 in the iconic Eriksberg shipyard area in Gothenburg, Sweden. The conference is sponsored by Stena Teknik and Lanxess. Keynote addresses will be delivered by representatives from Jotun, Stolt Tankers, Hapag Lloyd, Arxada, and the Florida Institute of Technology.

For more information about the International Antifouling Conference 2023, visit: https://antifouling-conference-2023.confetti.events/

Abstracts are currently being accepted from any stakeholders interested in presenting at the International Antifouling Conference 2023, please visit the conference website for more details.