Antifouling Techniques: History and Evolution of Marine Fouling Control

Marine biofouling significantly increases fuel consumption, operating costs, and greenhouse gas emissions, making effective antifouling technologies essential for the shipping industry. Following the IMO's 2008 prohibition of TBT-based coatings, research and industry have accelerated the development of safer alternatives. Today, antifouling technologies include self-polishing copolymer (SPC) coatings, fouling-release coatings (FRCs), hydrogel coatings, nanoparticle-based systems, biomimetic surfaces, natural biocide systems, and advanced chemical biocides. Recent advances, particularly in hydrogel and biomimetic coatings, indicate strong potential for high-performance, environmentally friendly antifouling solutions.

• Reviews the evolution of antifouling technology from traditional methods to modern, environmentally sustainable coating systems following the 2008 IMO ban on TBT.

• Identifies seven major antifouling technology platforms, including SPC coatings, fouling-release coatings, hydrogels, biomimetic surfaces, nanoparticle-based systems, natural biocides, and advanced chemical biocides.

• Demonstrates that moderate biofouling can increase fuel consumption by 20–40%, emphasising the economic and operational importance of effective antifouling strategies.

• Highlights hydrogel and biomimetic coatings as the most promising non-toxic solutions, with hydrogel systems achieving performance comparable to conventional biocidal coatings in recent field trials, supporting wider adoption over the coming decade.