International. Damen Shipyards joins AkzoNobel and Philips to help further develop a pioneering foul control solution that uses UV-C light technology to keep ships' underwater hulls clean.
The technology used integrates UV-C light-emitting diodes (LEDs) into a coating scheme that emits enough light to provide total prevention of biofouling build-up in the protected area. Damen Shipyards will help incorporate the technology into ships.
Although successful small-scale trials have already been carried out, the addition of Damen Shipyards will add vital expertise in areas such as vessel integration, perfectly complementing AkzoNobel's knowledge of surface protection and adhesion and Philips' unrivalled capabilities in UV-C LED and electronic applications.
The three parties will now work together to build on the progress AkzoNobel and Philips have made since they first established the RunWell consortium in 2017.
The goal is to create a totally biocide-free scale control solution, which generates significant economic and environmental benefits.
"We are delighted and excited to welcome Damen Shipyards to the consortium," said Ralph Slikkerveer, Head of Research and Development for Marine Coatings, Protectors and Yachts at AkzoNobel.
"As an international shipbuilder, they will bring essential knowledge and experience and significantly increase our chances of success," he said.
Jako Eleveld, Head of Intellectual Property Licensing at Philips, said: "As a global innovator, Philips is continuously developing and expanding its extensive portfolio of technologies that provide opportunities for growth and innovation in many business areas.
Meanwhile, Jasper Schuringa, Director of Corporate Venturing at Damen Shipyards, said: "This is a very exciting project and fits perfectly with our own strategy to become the most sustainable shipbuilder in the world."
"There is still some way to go, but the solution being developed clearly has the potential to reshape the way the industry has traditionally thought about antifouling systems," Eleveld said.
"By offering access to our technologies through our technology licensing programs, we drive cooperation with partners who share our commitment to delivering impactful innovations."
"It's great to see that Philips' UV-C technology has come to this innovative antifouling solution, which will benefit the shipping industry while enabling a positive environmental impact."
Philips began experimenting with UV-C LED technology, known for its use in sterilization and water treatment applications, but had never been used in open water. Since joining forces with AkzoNobel, promising advances have been made to the point that tests have been carried out on commercial vessels.
