Research by PML Applications Ltd shows that AQUATERRAS produced no negative effects on key marine organisms following simulated in-water hull cleaning.
9th April 2025: Marine coatings leader, Nippon Paint Marine, today announced that results from a recent independent study shows that its AQUATERRAS hull coating had no negative impact on the marine life tested – including zero mortality among marine invertebrates – following simulated in-water hull cleaning. The trial, conducted by the independent laboratory PML Applications Ltd and concluding in August 2024, exposed marine organisms in estuarine sand and mud to flakes of the AQUATERRAS biocide free self-polishing coating.
AQUATERRAS is a low friction, biocide-free, self-polishing coating that provides a long-lasting smooth hull surface for up to 90 months and provides up to 14.7% fuel savings compared to market average. In-water cleaning has become a greater feature of on-going hull maintenance, as awareness of the fuel saving benefits of reduced friction between hull and water has increased. While the IMO’s best management practice requires in-water cleaning operators to be aware of local regulation regarding the discharge of biofouling and waste substances into the marine environment, particle abrasion is an unavoidable outcome of the process, which may cause risks to marine life.
Dr Tom Vance, COO of PML Applications, the commercial arm of Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) stated that “PML Applications provides cutting-edge facilities and expertise to test the efficacy and potential ecological impacts of marine coatings. In this study, we were commissioned to independently assess the impact of five different types of marine coating particles, including AQUATERRAS, on selected marine life, and also to characterise the physical effects of in-water cleaning on the integrity of the various coatings.
“Our tests showed no adverse effects on either ragworms or bivalve cockles after 28 days of exposure to AQUATERRAS coating particles. The bivalves continued to gain weight and grow, with no significant difference in growth rates compared to the control group. Similarly, ragworms gained weight throughout the 28-day trial with no significant differences from controls.
“Using specialist testing protocols, we also simulated in-water hull cleaning on AQUATERRAS-coated panels using standard soft brush, medium brush, and water jet methods. Zinc and copper levels remained at background levels across all cleaning methods, confirming no release of these metals from the coating. Our next challenge would be to understand any longer-term impacts of paint debris generated during in-water hull cleaning”
Commenting on the outcomes of the testing, Kazuaki Masuda, Technical Division Director at Nippon Paint Marine, said, “regulation to protect marine life from any harm caused by hull coatings is hugely complex. While global regulation exists on the composition of paint formulation, local regulators also aim to protect unique marine ecosystems with guidance and limits on when and where cleaning can take place, and how to prevent contamination of local waters. The reality is that the generation of debris in such operations is hard to avoid, and as such, a hull coating that causes no harm to marine organisms provides peace of mind to ship owners and operators, as well as local port authorities”.
Gladys Goh, President, Nippon Paint Marine commented, “Our AQUATERRAS range offers shipowners a proven biocide-free hull coating that delivers significant fuel and emissions savings. With increasing regulatory focus on biocidal hull coatings, AQUATERRAS is an important solution for the industry. In service, we have observed strong performance without the need for regular grooming. The work for their client by PML Applications provides valuable independent validation of our own R&D efforts which span more than a decade. The confirmation that after 28 days exposure AQUATERRAS has no negative effects on two model marine organisms as a result of particles created from in-water cleaning further reinforces its sustainability credentials.”
AQUATERRAS uses an innovative polymer technology, adapted from the pharmaceutical industry by Nippon Paint Marine’s R&D team, to create hydrophilic and hydrophobic micro-domain structures. These actively combine to prevent & deter marine life from adhering to the hull surface. The self-polishing nature of the coating ensures the micro-domain structure is always exposed to prevent adhesion, eliminating the need for the inclusion of biocides in the coating polymer.
Download the report:- Ecological Impacts of Nippon Aquaterras Following Simulated In-Water Hull Cleaning
