The maritime industry, vital to global trade, is at a turning point. Pressures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prevent the spread of invasive species, and eliminate toxic discharges are mounting. Traditionally, antifouling (AF) paints—many of them toxic—have been used to combat biofouling, the buildup of marine organisms on hulls. But a new, more sustainable approach is emerging: proactive, robotic hull grooming. This article explores the history of hull coatings, the impact of biocidal paints, and how EverClean’s robotic solution is helping steer shipping toward a greener future.
Seafarers have battled biofouling for centuries, using tar, animal fats, and later oil-based paints. The 20th century saw the rise of synthetic antifouling coatings, especially those containing organotin compounds like tributyltin (TBT). While effective, TBT proved devastating to marine life, causing deformities and widespread toxicity. It was banned by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2008.
Copper-based paints—often with added biocides like cybutryne—replaced TBT. But copper also raises environmental concerns, especially in high-traffic areas where it accumulates and harms marine organisms. Cybutryne is now banned under the IMO’s AFS Convention for its persistent toxicity.
Beyond marine ecosystems, AF coatings pose risks to human health. Applicators face exposure to harmful chemicals through inhalation and skin contact. Effects include skin irritation, dermatitis, and conjunctivitis. Strict safety measures and PPE are required, and old coatings remain hazardous waste.
Even with AF paints, poorly maintained hulls are a key vector for invasive species. Biofouling also increases hull resistance, meaning more fuel is burned and more CO₂ is emitted. Frictional resistance can account for up to 90% of propulsion energy.In 2022, there were an estimated 858 million tonnes of CO2 emissions globally from the shipping industry. A smooth hull is proven to significantly cut these emissions.
The traditional approach to hull maintenance is often reactive: cleaning occurs only after significant fouling has accumulated. This reactive cleaning, typically performed with powerful machinery, damages coatings, leads to excessive discharge of paint particles and biocides, and may require the capture and disposal of contaminated waste. For foul-release coatings, which rely on a smooth surface for effectiveness, such aggressive cleaning can cause microscopic scratches, compromising their performance.
This is where a proactive grooming program, such as that offered by EverClean, fundamentally changes the game. Hull grooming is defined as the "gentle, habitual and frequent mechanical maintenance of submerged ships' hulls" to keep them free from extraneous matter with minimal impact to the coating. Our EverClean robots are designed to apply the minimum force necessary to remove incipient fouling and biofilms without damaging the coating surface. By maintaining a consistently clean hull, EverClean offers a compelling array of benefits:
Looking ahead, the next frontier for sustainable hull maintenance goes beyond reducing biocides—it must also address the growing concern over microplastic pollution. Traditional cleaning methods, even when applied to non-toxic coatings, can release microscopic paint particles into the water. These particles contribute to long-lasting marine contamination. For EverClean, the future lies in a global fleet maintained with durable, non-eroding hard coatings that contain no biocides and are not designed to slough off over time.
Realizing this vision will require continued development of technology that enables gentle, comprehensive cleaning of the entire hull as often as necessary—without degrading the coating. EverClean’s roadmap reflects this goal: advancing robotic systems capable of operating at high frequency and low impact, with the precision needed to support a shift to hard coatings. In parallel, coating manufacturers are developing new hard, non-eroding systems that forgo biocides and are designed to perform under regular, light-touch grooming. Together, EverClean and its industry partners are building the foundation for a future where the world’s fleet can rely on durable coatings maintained proactively—rather than on paints that release toxins or gradually wear away in the water. By enabling vessels to move away from coatings that rely on gradual erosion or chemical toxicity, EverClean supports a long-term transition to hull maintenance practices that prioritize durability, environmental protection, and operational efficiency. The future of coatings is one where performance and sustainability are no longer in tension—and proactive grooming makes that future possible.
The path to a cleaner, greener maritime industry will require both innovation and commitment. As regulatory pressure grows and environmental impacts become more visible, ship operators are seeking solutions that reduce emissions, protect marine ecosystems, and enhance operational performance. EverClean offers a practical and scalable way forward. By shifting from reactive cleaning and toxic coatings to proactive, robotic grooming, the industry can maintain cleaner hulls, extend coating life, and lower fuel consumption—all while minimizing harm to the ocean. Though challenges remain, especially in moving toward durable, biocide-free coatings, EverClean is investing in the tools and technology to make that future achievable. A fleet that stays clean without polluting the water is no longer just a vision—it’s an emerging reality. With EverClean, the maritime sector can meet its environmental obligations without compromising performance, helping to shape a sustainable future for global shipping.