Life Cycle Assessment of Marine Coatings Applied to Ship Hulls

Abstract

This paper presents the methodology developed for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of antifouling marine coatings with regards to fouling accumulation on hulls and maintenance of ships. The methodology is based on mathematical models vis-à-vis the environmental and monetary impacts involved in the production and application of hull coatings, added fuel consumption due to fouling accumulation on ship hulls, and hull maintenance. This subject was investigated in a recently completed EU-Funded FP7 Project entitled FOUL-X-SPEL. The LCA methodology was developed using the results of the studies conducted by FOUL-X-SPEL Consortium as well as additional data provided by coating manufacturers, shipyards and shipping companies. Following the introduction of the new LCA model, a case study was carried out to show how to utilize the model using a real tanker which is assumed to be coated with 2 different types of existing coatings, namely a silicone-based fouling release coating and a tin free self-polishing antifouling paint. The total costs and emissions due to the use of different coating types were calculated for the whole life-cycle of the ship. It has been found that CO2 emission reduction due to mitigation of fouling can be achieved using a silicone-based fouling release coating while reducing the cost by means of fuel cost reductions for the shipowners despite the additional capital expenses. The developed LCA model can help stake-holders determine the most feasible paint selection as well as the optimal hull-propeller maintenance schedules and make condition based maintenance decisions.