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The Problem

A worldwide controversy has developed regarding the use of organotin compounds (also referred to as Tributyltins or TBT in antifouling coatings). The toxicity of TBT to marine life, combined with its inability to dissipate in water, has led to serious concerns over the environmental impact of such coatings.

In response to these concerns over the past decade, various legislation has been enacted worldwide ranging from a total ban to severe restrictions on the use of TBT antifouling coatings. More recently, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) passed a resolution that should ban the application of TBT-containing antifoulings on a worldwide basis commencing January 1, 2003. The resolution goes on to ban the presence of TBT on ships' hulls or other external surfaces after January 1, 2008.

The consequences of a ban will be far-reaching, including: 1) vessel owners worldwide being forced to replace TBT-containing antifoulings with TBT-free products, 2) the high cost of removing and disposing of the TBT-containing paints.

The Proven Solution

PPG's , the proven organotin-free self polishing antifouling, provides shipowners with all the benefits previously associated with TBT copolymers without the use of TBT: The environmental hazards of organotin compounds are thereby avoided.

Introduced in 1983, has been successfully applied to military, commercial and recreational vessels gaisning a loyal following of repeat customers.

releases cuprous oxide in a controlled, engineered manner via the hydrolysis of the superficial antifouling layer in seawater in combination with the polishing action caused by the motion of the vessel through the water. The outer layer continually wears away exposing fresh layers of antifouling.