Jotun Yachting Highlights Imperial Fouling Protection’s 50% Lower Carbon Footprint

Jotun has released a new analysis indicating that its Imperial Fouling Protection System can reduce the carbon footprint by approximately 50% over a 30-year service life compared with conventional antifouling systems, highlighting the value of effective hull protection in the superyacht sector.

Hull fouling is a major but often underestimated factor influencing vessel efficiency. The build-up of marine organisms on underwater surfaces increases drag, resulting in higher fuel use, emissions, and operating expenses. In severe cases, hull fouling can raise a yacht’s annual fuel costs by more than 50%.

Developed specifically for the operating profiles of superyachts, Imperial uses advanced silyl acrylate self-polishing technology to keep hulls cleaner for longer, even when vessels remain anchored or travel at low speeds for extended periods. The system can also be tailored to each yacht’s sailing pattern, voyage frequency, and operating conditions.

The lower carbon footprint results from fewer maintenance cycles, reduced paint consumption, and less waste throughout the vessel’s service life. Compared with a standard coating specification developed in collaboration with leading paint manufacturers and the Water Revolution Foundation, Imperial requires approximately 50% less paint while delivering sustained long-term performance.

“This is ultimately about giving owners strong performance while reducing environmental footprint where possible,” said Tracey Warner, Regional Category Manager Yachting, Europe and Central Asia, Jotun Performance Coatings.

In addition to improving vessel efficiency, effective fouling protection strengthens marine biosecurity by limiting the spread of invasive species between regions and reducing the need for underwater hull cleaning.

Leah Werner, Executive Director of the Water Revolution Foundation, added: “A robust lifecycle assessment considers the full range of impacts, from material production and maintenance cycles to waste generation and operational efficiency. Transparent lifecycle data enables the industry to make more informed sustainability decisions.”

Source: JOTUN