THEME 2: SHIPBUILDING AND LEISURE BOAT-BUILDING

Every year, 20 000 tonnes of marine antifouling paint are used to protect the hulls of ships and all submerged equipment against the organisms which adhere to them, encourage deterioration and corrosion and lead to increased energy consumption. These products do however pose a threat to flora and fauna. Moreover, the terms of the European and international regulations governing them are shortly to become much more stringent. Tin, which is an ingredient in 80% of products currently available, will be banned as from 2008.

The new generation of antifouling paints will be composed of active, and in some instances marine-sourced, molecules designed not only to effectively limit the adherence and growth of unwanted organisms, but also to disperse safely and completely along with any dirt when subject to friction in water.

PAINTCLEAN project partners

Companies

• Nautix in Guidel is an innovative small business specialising in paints for boats.
• DCN Brest, as part of its responsibility for maintaining the naval fleet, is researching paints which give outstanding results and comply with regulations.

Research centres

• Biotechnology and Marine Chemistry Lab at the Université de Bretagne Sud in Lorient
• Industrial Engineering Centre in Guidel
• IFREMER Brest

The 3 laboratories are combining their skills and expertise in biology, microbiology, materials research, chemistry, ecotoxicology, etc., to perfect these new products and to ensure they comply with future statutory regulations.

Contacts

marc.boeuf@pole-mer-bretagne.com
marc.dufournaud@pole-mer-bretagne.com