The European Commission has granted approval to I-Tech’s anti-fouling solution »Selektope«, a pharmacological mode of action to combat barnacle settlement. Philip Chaabane, CEO of the Gothenburg-based bio-tech company, explains the advantages
How did you come up with Selektope and how does it work?
Philip Chaabane: There are about 4,000[ds_preview] marine species that contribute to fouling. The barnacles are by far the biggest problem. So we concentrated on that and started the search for a molecule that simulates the barnacle larvae to leave the surface.
The idea behind it was, rather than to kill the organisms, to deter them from the hull. Selektope stimulates the larvae’s octopamin receptor and thereby activates the swimming only for a few minutes. It does not harm or kill the organism and it works even better than conventional methods.
What about the other 3,999 species?
Chaabane: Regarding drag resistance, the barnacles are by far the worst. They can cause up to 30% increase of drag. The growth on the hull also gives an even better surface for more organisms to settle. Selektope is used as a core biocide against barnacles and it can be brought into action together with co-biocides against soft fouling. It can replace copper oxide but it is also strong enough to coexist with copper. Copper is still important because it controls polishing but it needs all the co-biocides mainly against barnacles. Selektope can be used to reduce copper. So you can take the metal for its polishing ability only.
How is Selektope being applied and how much of it is needed? Does it gradually lose effectiveness as conventional anti-fouling does?
Chaabane: The substance is added to the paint. We have seen extremely good results with a loading of only 0.1% of Selektope. The substance will not degrade or leach out into the seawater like conventional biocides. Of course the coating polishes off by and by, as we recommend use with self-polishing coatings. Once in the water, the molecules are nontoxic and degrade by bacterial means.
Manufacturers constantly research the formulations. The efficacy of a coating depends on speed, route and trade area, as fouling is influenced by such factors like water temperature and light. Our recommendation is 0.1%. It is a five year system, the concentration stays the same all the time. We currently work together with three paint manufacturers. The first commercial application comes from Chugoku, the others will still require some time.
Does Selektope already have approval from other administrations or maritime organizations?
Chaabane: So far the product is approved in China, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries as well as in Africa and South America. The EPA approval process for US waters is starting now, but it will be a few years down the road until it is finalized.
Is there a big difference in costs between Selektope and other biocides?
Chaabane: That is a question for the formulator of the paint. What I can say is that you have to keep in mind the fuel costs. DNV GL calculated possible fuel savings of 30 bill. $ a year if hulls were kept clean. Fuel will be getting more expensive in the future, either the oil price will go up or there will be more regulations. Right now an ISO standard is being developed to differentiate and measure anti-fouling systems in terms of fuel savings.
Not only will fuel prices change. Salinity, water temperature and light are factors that have a huge impact, that is why fouling is especially bad in subtropical regions. With zones of warm water expanding and water temperature generally increasing, anti-fouling measures will become more and more important in all regions.
What is your outlook on the market for Selektope?
Chaabane: After the TBT ban in 2008, the market has been waiting for something with a comparable performance, Selektope can provide that. Furthermore, because copper concentrations are building up in the oceans, there is a regulatory strive for diversification. Also in terms of invasive species effective anti-fouling is important. In the end fuel is a main driver as well as the amount of expensive biocides needed.
Chugoku is preparing the first commercial application of Selektope right now. They have three products for seagoing vessels, outfitting and coastal applications that are not yet introduced to the market because of the approval procedures. At this point it is worth mentioning, that we spent ten years on regulatory papers ourselves. Of course it always takes some time for a new product to be introduced to the market, especially in an environmentally sensitive area.Interview: Felix Selzer
Felix Selzer
