Oman- Almouj develops enhanced non toxic coating for vessels

2/18/2016 1:14:24 AM

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat-

Almouj Marina has successfully developed a non-toxic coating that has proven to be as effective as commercial anti-fouling paints without endangering the environment.

The month-long experiment was conducted in Almouj Marina and in partnership with researchers from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) stated a press release.

The first-of-its-kind project in the region could help preserve Oman's marine environment and save the maritime industry millions of dollars annually. Biofouling is the colonisation of submerged surfaces by unwanted organisms such as bacteria barnacles and algae.

The fouling of boats structures and industrial equipment has had a major impact on the maritime industry. For decades toxic compounds have been used to keep the hull of ships free of organisms. This has led to the contamination of marine environment and harming of many marine organisms.

Khalil AbuJaber marina manager of Almouj Marina said 'This milestone moment is a major step forward in our quest to prevent the degradation and pollution of marine species in the sultanate.' Dr Sergey Dobretsov head of department of Marine Science and Fisheries at SQU said 'Biofouling is a major problem for the marine industry incurring worldwide more than US$15bn per annum to control the issue. Oman in particular has a great deal of biofouling because of its long coastal areas.

'The development of an environmentally friendly coating will bring massive benefits to Oman ranging from sustaining wildlife and ecosystems to significantly reducing costs.' The nano-coating developed during the experiment in Almouj Marina is technologically enhanced and can cover more surface with less material.

Produced with the aid of nano-technology the coating successfully reduces the impact of biofouling on waterways marine life maintenance cost and fuel consumption. Kickstarted as part of an agreement made between Almouj Marina and SQU last February with the help of The Research Council the first experiments were undertaken on fishing nets.

The project's extended phase will soon begin and researchers will be focusing their trials on larger surfaces in long-term experiments.

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