Novel Hull Coating to Reduce Friction and Fouling

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Thales Underwater Systems and Exeter University have successfully collaborated in a program to evaluate the efficacy of the new material GRAPHENE to improve the efficiency of marine vessels. It is estimated that marine growth increases worldwide fuel bills by as much as 5% with a follow-on adverse effect on carbon and sulphur dioxide emissions. The aims of the project, which have been successfully achieved, were to replace potentially poisonous and environmentally unfriendly antifouling paints and biotoxins with hydrophobic graphene layers on a marine vessel. Graphene exhibits hydrophobicity, which means that it does not wet when in contact with water. The layer of air trapped between the water and the ship's hull means that marine growth and slime cannot adhere to the ship. The coefficient of friction significantly reduces since the vessel is effectively floating on a cushion of air with benefits to speed and fuel economy.