Loodsboot 1 is the first in a series of four similar ships to be coated with the same protection system.

The ECOSPEED system consists of a high-performance glass-flake coating that is conditioned to an extremely smooth finish. Together with regular underwater reconditioning and maintenance it will provide a very long in-service life. It is claimed that pollution from TBT paints and most of their replacements can be reduced to zero by ECOSPEED.

After seven years of research and testing, ECOSPEED is now being made public. Boud Van Rompay, Executive Director of Subsea Industries, the company releasing the concept said at the launch of the pilot cutter, 'I have seen at close quarters the damage that toxic antifoulings can do.

It always seemed to me that there must be a better solution than the use of poisonous chemicals.

As we had a broad experience of many different forms and ways to perform underwater hull maintenance, we were able to come up with the solution of ECOSPEED, a high-speed, non-toxic, extremely durable and reconditionable hull protection and antifouling system. Now that we have successfully completed our test programmes and launched the first larger ship coated with the product, I believe it is time to share this find with the shipping community.'

Mr Van Rompay went on to explain, 'The basis of the system is an extremely durable glass-flake based coating of which the surface is treated and changed to a mirror-like ultra-smooth finish. Lasting for a very long period and providing superb corrosion protection makes this solution a real economical proposition. As the STC also prevents fouling penetration into the coating by organisms, their adherence to the hull is greatly reduced and their removal made very easy, leaving the coating intact at all times.

'The ECOSPEED system is suitable for all kinds of ships and boats but the company is now focusing on European coastal vessels.

'Ecospeed represents a considerable financial saving for the shipping community - not to mention the enormous benefit to the environment, ' Mr. Van Rompay explained. 'The international maritime community has had a great deal of concern about the problems generated by chemicals used in the existing anti-fouling systems, even after the TBT ban goes into effect.

Ecospeed represents a way out as it really deals with the problem, both economically and ecologically. We believe that this technology is completely innovative as we have not found any prior art or literature on the subject of surface treatment of coatings for underwater hull protection. This resulted in a first European patent on the basic technology. We have since filed many more patents that comprise novel methods and technology for underwater hull surface conditioning and maintenance.'

The final step in the system is the coating's maintenance. The key element of ECOSPEED is the possibility to clean and recondition the coating above and underwater. Some of the systems will be automatic onboard devices, allowing the owner to intervene at any time when there is an acute marine fouling problem, for example because of a prolonged stay in port or at anchor.

The number of times this operation can be repeated is virtually unlimited. Each time the coating will be brought back to its original condition and even better. All these factors add up to an extremely promising modern solution to the problem of fouling.

The longevity of the coating, probably for the entire lifetime of the ship, its corrosion protection properties, the use of a single multiple layer not requiring primers and anti-corrosives and the resulting ease of application and repair should add up to significant financial benefits.

MJ Information No: 18500