AkzoNobel and Philips convey Damen Shipyards on board tomove novel antifouling resolution nearer to market.
A pioneering biocide-free antifouling integrates UV-C light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in a coating scheme that emits simply sufficient mild to supply complete prevention of bio-fouling accumulation on the protected space. The resolution has been below improvement by Philips and AkzoNobel and now Damen Shipyards has joined the initiative,
Although profitable small-scale trials have already taken place, bringing Damen Shipyards on board will usher in experience in areas akin to vessel integration – complementing AkzoNobel’s floor safety and adhesion know-how and Philips’ capabilities in UV-C LED functions and electronics.
“We’re both delighted and excited to welcome Damen Shipyards to the consortium,” says Ralph Slikkerveer, analysis and improvement director for marine, protecting and yacht coatings at AkzoNobel. “As a leading international shipbuilder, they’ll bring essential knowledge and experience and significantly increase our chances of success.”
All three events will now work collectively to construct on the progress that AkzoNobel and Philips have made since first setting up the RunWell consortium in 2017. The aim is to create a totally biocide-free fouling management resolution which can present groundbreaking efficiency, resulting in substantial financial and environmental advantages.
“As a leading global innovator, Philips is continuously developing and expanding its extensive catalog of technologies that bring opportunities for growth and innovation in many business areas,” says Jako Eleveld, head of IP Licensing at Philips. “By offering access to our technologies through our technology licensing programs, we drive cooperation with partners that share our commitment to delivering impactful innovations. It’s great to see that Philips’ UV-C technology has found its way to this innovative antifouling solution, which will benefit the shipping industry while at the same time enabling a positive environmental impact.”
Jasper Schuringa, head of company venturing at Damen Shipyards, provides: “This is a very exciting project and an excellent fit with our own strategy to become the world’s most sustainable shipbuilder. There’s still some way to go, but the solution being developed clearly has the potential to reshape how the industry has traditionally thought about antifouling systems.”
It was again in 2014 when Philips first began experimenting with UV-C LED expertise – identified from its use in water remedy and sterilization functions – nevertheless it had by no means been utilized in open water. Since becoming a member of forces with AkzoNobel, promising progress has been made to the purpose the place trials on business buying and selling vessels have taken place.
As nicely as persevering with to enhance the expertise, a key subsequent step for the consortium is vessel integration, and all three companions will now work in direction of making a commercially viable resolution within the close to future.
