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The recent ban by the International Marine Organization (IMO) on the use of TBT-containing antifoulings has forced many Owners and manufacturers who have relied upon this technology for a high level of performance of up to 60 months to convert to new TBT-free technology that offers little, if any, long-term proven track record. Although many of these new TBT-free technologies are based upon chemistries that worked exceptionally well when combined with the use of TBT biocides, it is still relatively uncertain that the same level of service can be expected with these new materials.

On the other hand, ABC self-polishing technology was considered, from its initial development and still today, to offer the highest level of performance without the use of TBT for up to 60 months. Self-polishing antifoulings that utilized TBT as their primary biocide were considered very hazardous material from their introduction into the market more than 20 years ago, and Owners and manufacturers who used these materials were forced to comply with many restrictions, fees, permits and other high costs that were not associated with ABC materials. ABC’s 20-plus year track record has demonstrated that a level of performance rivaling that of TBT-containing antifoulings has been and still is available without unnecessary additional handling, application and disposal costs.

Furthermore, Owners who have previously taken advantage of the high value-added nature of ABC are now enjoying the benefit of not being subjected to the high cost and unpredictable results of a major change to their underwater coatings systems. TBT-containing materials may be sealed or encapsulated during the early stages of the IMO ban; however, removal of those materials for any reason will be a high additional cost item sometime during the remaining life of a vessel during normal maintenance cycles. Much like with red lead-containing primers that have been encapsulated for many years, that require many precautions and disposal expense, the removal of TBT antifoulings for any reason will present tremendous additional costs to drydockings.

The economical advantages and high-performance characteristics of ABC antifoulings are well –proven and this technology continues to offer Owners the most economical and effective alternative to the use of TBT.