Foil replaces paint on Dutch tug

Thorn-D is described as an adhesive foil with fibres that creates a textured surface. Instead of killing marine growth, as is the case with conventional chemical antifouling coatings, the textured foil prevents it from attaching itself to the hull. Thorn-D® is set to replace the generally used chemical coatings on hulls of ships.

Rick Breur, founder of Micanti says: “Five years ago I developed this patented non toxic antifouling. The technology provides a physical barrier in the shape of specific short fibers for organisms such as mussels, barnacles and algae to settle. The basic thought behind Thorn-D is that a combination of prickliness and swaying of Thorn-D fibres makes the surface unattractive for organisms. Multiple tests under various circumstances and in different locations around the world have been done and Thorn-D has proven to be effective every time.”

Thorn D is said to have an expected lifetime of at least five years. It is sold as an easy-to-apply self adhesive foil instead of a paint, therefore the physical nature of the product means it is environmentally-sound.