Sonihull cleans-up in Norway
The UK-based firm that has become the world’s leading ultrasonic biofouling specialist, is helping show the way to a future of zero-toxin boating thanks to a 3-year project in the crystal-clear waters of Norway.
NRG Marine, the UK-based manufacturer of Sonihull ultrasonic anti-fouling systems, has been helping the ‘Green Marina’ project in Norway get some amazing results with its research into a zero-toxin approach to leisure boating.
eco-friendly
The project has shown that a combination of just three eco-friendly measures will keep a hull in perfect condition and free from marine growth. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a close partner of the Green Marina project, which is in the middle of a 3-year trial at Vollen Marine Centre near Oslo which is funded by The Norwegian Environmental Agency and the Norwegian Research Council.
Avoiding the VOC emissions
“In our opinion, the combination of three key elements: a low friction coating, the Sonihull ultrasonic anti-fouling system and a boat-washer, is a win-win-win for boat owners and the environment,” says Anders Øgaarden, coordinator of the ‘Green Marina’ project.
“Firstly, there is a one-time application of a durable and slippery hull coating. In addition to avoiding the VOC emissions during application, our tests have shown that boats will also benefit from significantly increased speed and a reduction in fuel consumption.”
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“Secondly, the Sonihull system prevents the settlement of macro-growth on the hull (weeds, barnacles, mussels etc). Any remaining light slime or small cases of micro-growth are easily removed by the third element, a regular pressure wash, or in the case of Vollen Marine Centre, Drive-in Boatwash’s Bigwash 16 hull washer.”
Research and development
“100% eco-friendly, faster boats, less fuel used, a sealed/waterproof hull, reduced costs for the boat owner, more time boating and less time spent on boat maintenance. There is no down-side. A ban of copper biocides in marine coatings is inevitable. Research and development of alternative solutions is key in order to obtain a sustainable marine environment,” concluded Anders Øgaarden.