Gothenburg-based I-Tech AB is currently introducing the first pharmaceutical mode of action to combat barnacle settlement in the market. With Chugoku Marine Paints it has a first strong partner
I-Tech has developed an organic and synthetic compound, which aims to effectively prevent marine hard fouling whilst having a[ds_preview] minimal effect on the marine environment. »Selektope represents a new generation of marine biocides that do not rely on toxicity, but on reversible stimulation in order to deter fouling organisms,« Chairman Stefan Sedersten explains (see also »4 questions to…«).
Selektope acts by interfering with a specific target in the larvae of hard foulants, namely the octopamine receptor. When the receptor is stimulated, the legs of the larvae start kicking, which makes it unable to attach itself to the preferred surface. The effect of Selektope is temporary and reversible. After the larvae have left the surface, they will regain movement control, according to I-Tech. Selektope would not affect organisms that do not have a direct contact with the surface treated with the substance.
»Due to the highly specific effect, the compound is only required in minute concentrations and the impact on the surrounding marine life is minimal. The potency of Selektope allows for lesser use of additional biocides in the antifouling paint, subsequently decreasing the environmental strain on aquatic life,« he adds.
The first customer is Japan’s Chugoku Marine Paints (CMP), which integrated the technology in its portfolio. CMP stresses that with Selektope a good antifouling performance can be delivered, even when a ship has a long layup at anchorage or a long static period. In addition, I-Tech has the Volvo Venture as an investor in the back, which might lead to a good connection to some potential customers as well. »We are convinced that our customers will save fuel using this coating,« says CMP General Manager for Sales, Masaya Hata.
A challenge for making a big step is the current market situation for shipowners, facing huge liquidity problems as well as the very low oil price which in several cases leads to a reduced awareness of hydrodynamics and consumption. »This does indeed effect our business,« says Sedersten, but coming from »zero« it would be manageable. »We just launched our project after a long journey with 16 years of research. First we got acceptance of Japan, Korea and China and then had the most rigorous procedure which is in Europe. We believe that in the long term there will be a shift towards more awareness, coming from a better understanding of the impact of fouling.«
