The Paint Patch Trials Project

The Paint Patch Trials Project (PPT) is a Natural Heritage Trust funded cooperative project between the Australian Shipowners Association, the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), the Australian Paint Manufacturers Federation and the Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage to trial new tributyltin (TBT) free anti-fouling paint on commercial ships. The results have been very positive showing the new TBT free paint to be an effective alternative.

Anti-fouling systems on ships are necessary in order to reach and maintain required speeds more efficiently, minimising fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and saving time and money. Further, a clean hull, free of bio-foul helps to prevent marine pest incursions and domestic translocation of marine pests from port to port. Badly fouled hull (DSTO)

From the 1960’s TBT, a toxic organotin compound, has been the active ingredient in anti-fouling paint for both commercial and recreational vessels. Although a very effective anti-fouling agent, TBT was found to leach into the water column in ports and marinas, having devastating impacts on marine life.

In response to the issue the states and the Northern Territory have already banned the use of TBT on vessels less than 24 meters in length and in 2002 Australia became a signatory to the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships. It is anticipated that Australian legislation giving effect to the convention ahs been drafted and is expected to enter into force in 2004. From 2008 TBT will no longer be allowed to be present on ships in Australian ports by unless sealed to prevent it leaching into the environment.

Coinciding with the international and domestic banning of TBT containing anti-fouling paints, the PPT presented a significant opportunity to independently test the effectiveness of some of the emerging TBT alternative paint on ships under commercial conditions. Important project outcomes include increasing industry confidence in the new tin-free anti-fouling paints, assisting with approval for use and sale of the products in Australia and increasing the number of available products on the market.

Four ships the MV Lady Kari-Ann, the MV Iron Monarch, the MV Iron Chieftain and the MV Alltrans, all engaged in different voyages along the east coast of Australia, were painted with three to five patches of different brand tin-free anti-fouling paints in 2001/2002.

To assess the performance of the paint over time, in water hull inspections were scheduled for twelve and twenty-four months following paint application. Underwater still images and video footage of each of the paint patches (TBT free) and the main hull system (TBT) were taken and samples of any organisms found attached to the patches were collected.

Project results will be finalised early 2004 but observations so far have been positive in terms of paint performance with some algal hull fouling evident but no animal biofoul present on any of the trial patches. The TBT free alternatives appear to be as effective in preventing hull fouling as the old TBT products.

This is good news for industry and the environment.

For more information on the Paint Patch Trials project please contact Angela Gillham at the Australian Shipowners Association on phone: 03 9646 0755 or email: angela.gillham@asa.com.au

 

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Contact info:

Australian Shipowners Association
Level 1, 4 Princes Street
Port Melbourne
VIC, 3207

Telephone: 613 9646 0755
Facsimile: 613 9646 2256