Home > News > EU project delves into nanotechnologies to solve age-old problem for marine vessels
October 2nd, 2007
EU project delves into nanotechnologies to solve age-old problem for marine vessels
Abstract:
An EU-funded project is breaking new ground in its bid to develop a coating containing nanoparticles that could deter marine micro-organisms from sticking to the hulls of sea vessels.
When organisms such as bacteria, barnacles and algae stick to the surfaces of ships it is a costly nuisance. The problem has plagued ships as far back as the Phoenician period. According to some estimates, these biofouling organisms mean that ships burn 40% more fuel at an annual cost of more than €5 million for businesses, as well as an incalculable cost to the environment.
In recent times, the problem has been tackled with anti-fouling paints containing biocides. However, some of these biocides, such as copper and organo-tin (TBT), have fallen foul of EU environmental laws, which are becoming increasingly stringent and prohibitive.
Source:
cordis.europa.eu
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