The hull area of large container ships can be over 30,000 square meters, on which a variety of organisms such as algae, mussels and barnacles settle. On the one hand, this increases the flow resistance and therefore fuel consumption, and on the other hand, sensitive marine ecosystems are endangered by introduced species.

Sustainable antifouling coatings

The BioSHIP project is developing sustainable antifouling coatings that effectively control fouling and biofilm formation. The biodegradable coatings are intended to replace conventional products and largely dispense with toxic heavy metals or microplastics. 

In order to reduce the problem of biofouling, biocide-containing coatings with problematic heavy metal salts that end up in bodies of water and sediments have mostly been used to date. The self-polishing coating components developed in the project are designed to protect against fouling, while at the same time being durable and environmentally friendly. This is achieved by using special compounds that break down on contact with water and thus always create a smooth surface. The bio-based polymers used in the project, such as polylactide (PLA) and chitosan derivatives, degrade without leaving any harmful residues. The durability can be further optimized with functionalized additives.

After the development phase, the coatings will be tested under real marine conditions. The results of BioSHIP could not only contribute to more sustainable shipping, but also provide impetus for other industries.

Interdisciplinary cooperation for innovative coatings

Various disciplines are working together on the project. The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) in Bremen and the companies Hydrotox GmbH and Dr. Brill + Partner GmbH are involved in material development. The project partners are also conducting ecotoxicological studies to ensure the environmental compatibility of the products. BioSHIP is coordinated by Momentive Performance Materials GmbH in Leverkusen.

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) is funding the project with EUR 1.6 million from August 2024 to January 2028.

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