Why Zero Pollution Matters in Marine Coatings

Rethinking marine coatings for a cleaner ocean

Every ship interacts constantly with the ocean. For decades, the coatings industry has accepted that this interaction would always involve some level of pollution, from toxic antifouling biocides, microplastic erosion, or solvent emissions.

At Brunel Coatings, we believe it is time to end that compromise. Zero pollution is not a slogan. It is a measurable, achievable standard for how vessels can protect their hulls without harming the environment.

Through EnviroMarine, our flagship coating system, we are helping shipowners, shipyards, and defense operators move beyond traditional paint technology to a truly sustainable alternative that performs better and lasts longer.

What zero pollution really means

When we talk about zero pollution, we mean it in literal, technical terms. A zero-pollution coating is one that does not release any harmful substances into the environment throughout its lifecycle.

That means:

• No chemical release into seawater during service

• No microplastic generation through erosion or cleaning

• No solvent emissions during application or curing

• No recurring waste from surface blasting and reapplication

Each of these points represents a measurable step forward in environmental stewardship and operational efficiency. Together, they define a new standard for sustainable hull protection.

The hidden impact of traditional antifouling coatings

Conventional antifouling paints are designed to stop marine growth by killing or deterring organisms that attempt to attach to the hull. To achieve that, they rely on active agents, most commonly copper or organic biocides, that leach continuously into the water.

This chemical release does not stop when the vessel sails. It accumulates in harbors, sediments, and food chains, harming marine ecosystems and increasing regulatory scrutiny around the world.

At the same time, these paints gradually wear away. As they do, they generate microplastics that persist in the ocean for decades. This erosion also reduces coating thickness and performance, requiring frequent cleaning or reapplication, a costly and environmentally damaging cycle.

Even modern silicone-based fouling-release coatings are not exempt. Many wear down through mechanical cleaning or water flow, still producing waste and requiring maintenance.

A new approach: inert, permanent protection

EnviroMarine is fundamentally different. Instead of dissolving or releasing toxins, it forms a smooth, inert surface that resists biofouling by physical means rather than chemical action.

This ultra-smooth surface, less than 2 microns in measured roughness, offers two key advantages:

1. Organisms cannot easily attach, and

2. Water flow remains stable, reducing drag and fuel use.

Because EnviroMarine does not erode, leach, or degrade, it remains intact for years of continuous service. The same hull that was coated a decade ago continues to perform today, with no need for reapplication or underwater cleaning.

Zero pollution in practice: performance backed by data

Over more than ten years of commercial service, vessels coated with EnviroMarine have shown exceptional results. Operators have documented:

• Zero measurable pollution release in service water samples

• Stable surface condition even after prolonged operation

• Significant fuel efficiency gains due to reduced hull drag

• Extended drydock intervals, lowering maintenance costs and downtime

Case studies from Ro-Pax ferries, cargo ships, and naval craft demonstrate coating lifetimes exceeding a decade, even in mixed operating conditions, from cold Atlantic routes to warm tropical waters.

These results are independently verified and supported by DNV certification, confirming both performance and environmental safety.

Regulatory momentum toward non-toxic coatings

Across the maritime sector, environmental regulations are tightening. Ports and classification societies are increasingly focused on coating emissions, hull cleaning waste, and microplastic release.

The IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) continues to evaluate new measures targeting antifouling systems that contribute to pollution. Regional authorities, including the EU and US EPA, are also studying the ecological effects of biocide leaching and paint erosion.

This momentum is pushing the industry toward sustainable alternatives, not just in fuel or propulsion, but in every material that interacts with seawater. Coatings are a crucial part of that transformation.

EnviroMarine positions operators ahead of this curve. By adopting a coating that produces no emissions, owners can meet current standards and prepare for future regulations without costly retrofits or repaints.

Beyond sustainability: operational and economic benefits

Zero pollution is not only good for the environment. It also makes strong business sense.

Because EnviroMarine is a permanent coating, it eliminates the recurring drydock and reapplication cycles associated with traditional systems. Owners save on materials, labor, and lost operating time. The smoother hull also contributes to measurable fuel savings and consistent performance over time.

When combined with EnviroPrime, EnviroGrip, and CaviCure, complementary products within the Brunel Marine Coating Systems portfolio, shipyards can achieve full protection across all surfaces, from underwater hulls to topsides and internal structures.

Together, these systems reduce lifecycle costs while aligning with sustainability goals that are increasingly central to fleet management and corporate ESG reporting.

The path forward: protecting hulls and oceans together

For too long, marine coatings have been viewed as a necessary environmental compromise, a balance between protection and pollution. EnviroMarine breaks that tradeoff entirely.

By removing VOCs, biocides, and erosion from the equation, Brunel Coatings delivers a solution that protects both the vessel and the water it sails through. The result is a cleaner, safer, and more efficient way to maintain fleets across commercial, passenger, and defense sectors.

Zero pollution is achievable today. The data, technology, and service record all prove it.

At Brunel Coatings, we are proud to lead this change in North America, helping shipowners, operators, and shipyards take the next step toward sustainable performance without compromise.

Learn more about EnviroMarine and our full system range at www.brunelcoatings.com.