Keep it off
Barnacles and algae both begin by gripping a material’s surface. We treat that surface with plasma and bond a fluorine-based antifouling agent to it, leaving a surface they struggle to grip. We use no copper, silver or other biocides.
Ships
For boat owners, shipyards and marine parts makers
See the Ships page
Fishing and aquaculture
For fishers, aquaculture businesses, fishing cooperatives, local governments and fishing gear makers
We are considering treating the surfaces of ships’ water intakes and pipework, and of the intake equipment and cooling lines of power stations and factories, to hold back fouling and cut the chemicals now added to prevent it, such as copper ions and chlorine.
Talk to us about “Water intakes and cooling lines”
In KAKEN grant 22K04725 (fiscal 2022–2024), led by Professor Kuroda, our technical supervisor, glass plates and other materials were also tested in the sea. At Kure (Marine Craft Kazenoko) the same test went on after the period of the report, and the treated glass held up for 12 months. It turns slightly cloudy, but looks clear when it is in the water.
Source: Published report of KAKEN grant 22K04725
Talk to us about “Underwater glass (windows, cameras and more)”
We are also considering extending the treatment that holds back fouling to marine equipment other than ships: offshore wind installations, subsea cables, piers, tidal power, filters for seawater desalination, underwater robots and more.
Talk to us about “Marine equipment and infrastructure”
We are also considering ways to combine the treatment that holds back fouling with paints, for example by treating a surface as the base for the paint.
Talk to us about “Working with paints”
Where the technology comes from
Antifouling with silver, copper or zinc ions, or precious metals (tried in research, and not used)
Where the technology comes from
Sea trials of rope and floats (KAKEN grant 22K04725)Tell us what you want to keep fouling off: what it is made of, how big it is and the waters it is used in.
Talk to us
SeatecHIROSHIMA Ltd.