Jotun introduces SeaMate

Jotun, the Norwegian paint manufacturer, has introduced a new self-smoothing and self-polishing hydrolysis antifouling coating based on the unique silyl acrylate technology.

Called SeaMate, it is a TBT free antifouling, fully complying with the IMO rules for vessels which came into force on 1 January 2008, enabling ships sailing between 12-26 knots to significantly reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions over time.

According to Geir Boe, Divisional Vice President for Jotun Marine Coatings, SeaMate fills an important gap in the company’s well known brands SeaForce and SeaQuantum. “While sharing many of the benefits of our leading brand SeaQuantum – launched as the first TBT free, self-smoothing and self-polishing antifouling in year 2000 – SeaMate is a more affordable alternative. We are confident SeaMate will meet the market demand, especially in the tanker and bulker segments.”

For ship owners concerned about rising dry-docking costs, SeaMate can be applied in two coats only for most vessel types giving a claimed 60 months of antifouling protection. The unique properties of SeaMate based on silyl acrylate technology gives excellent technical qualities, enabling rapid drying and reducing both application and materials costs. SeaMate also gives a hard finish offering protection against mechanical damage.

The same silyl acrylate technology that is used in SeaQuantum is now introduced in SeaMate, and this technology has proved to reduce the build up of leached layers compared to ion-exchange technology normally used in other self-polishing antifoulings.

All antifoulings release biocides resulting in the formation of a leached layer. However, by maintaining a low leached layer and an unrivalled linear polishing pattern for the full 60 months period SeaMate delivers a constant release of the biocides. The new hull coating is claimed to be a true hydrolysis antifouling product that uses second generation copper biocides giving the product an environmentally sustainable profile.

“Now that we have added SeaMate to our product portfolio of antifouling solutions, we believe Jotun can offer one of the most comprehensive selections of quality TBT free antifoulings in the industry,” says Boe.