Marine Biofouling—the accumulation of aquatic organisms on a vessel’s hull and niche areas—poses significant risks…
See you in the Big Easy for the International WorkBoat Show 2024: EMCS Industries – Your One-Stop for Marine Growth Protection.
Let’s Connect at the WorkBoat Show!
We’re looking forward to attending the International WorkBoat Show 2024 in New Orleans next week and hope we have an opportunity to meet you there! Whether you’re looking to improve the efficiency of your service vessels or extend the lifespan of static offshore assets, we can help.
Reach out Liam Stevens (lsteven@emcsindustries.com) to set up a meeting and explore how EMCS can help you improve the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of your marine operations.
Why Marine Growth Protection Is Essential for Workboat Operators
Marine growth protection goes beyond routine maintenance; it is a crucial investment in the longevity, efficiency and performance of both vessels and static marine assets. Effective biofouling control reduces fuel consumption, lowers operational costs and minimizes the risk of unplanned downtime and costly repairs, ensuring that marine operations remain competitive in an increasingly demanding industry.
Service vessels, workboats and tugs operate under tough conditions, often around the clock, supporting critical offshore tasks and cargo movements. Biofouling impacts their fuel efficiency, safety and reliability.
EMCS offers solutions to:
- Extend Operational Life: Our systems protect key components from corrosion and marine growth, reducing maintenance needs and extending the time between dry-docks.
- Enhance Safety and Reliability: Biofouling control ensures vessels stay structurally sound and perform reliably, even in challenging environments.
IMO, Biofouling Management Requirements
Did you know that some jurisdictions, including Australia, New Zealand and California, require vessels to maintain a current biofouling management plan and record book? And that vessels may be required to produce them for review prior to entering harbours in those areas. Those unable to show valid documents could be refused entry. Jurisdictions actively applying the 2023 IMO Guidelines for the prevention of invasive aquatic species (IAS) require proof that vessels entering their waters have had the hull and niche areas cleaned within 30 days of arrival to ensure no IAS exist on the vessel; otherwise, port entry can be refused. It is critical that your biofouling management is fully under control if your vessels travel to these areas.
As the Guidelines become more widely adopted and compliance more rigorously enforced, look to EMCS for solutions that offer the anti-fouling protection you need without harmful chemicals.
What About Static Assets?
Much of the conversation around biofouling management and anti-fouling technologies is focused on the dynamic environments of moving vessels. However, marine static assets are especially vulnerable to biofouling and may be impacted in ways just as critical as those affecting moving vessels.
Installations such as offshore wind turbines, oil rigs, and aquaculture infrastructure can accumulate biofouling at greater rates and in greater quantities than ships that are always on the move. Biofouling on these structures can impact the longevity and integrity of the asset, operational efficiency, and even safety.
EMCS is thrilled to bring to market our latest product offering – Marelco Suricle™. Marelco Suricle™ is the ultimate solution for protecting static marine assets from biofouling accumulation.
Unlike a traditional coating, Marelco Suricle is a patented polyurethane layer applied via a cold spray process that embeds particles into an adhesive 3M film. This creates a nonconductive, durable antifouling surface that requires no additional adhesives or coatings. Plus, it can be applied to wet surfaces!
After over a decade of research and testing, Marelco Suricle™ is proven to protect assets in temperate and tropical waters, offering fouling resistance for up to 65 months! And it doesn’t just stop fouling—it also inhibits corrosion, making it the ideal choice for all types of marine applications.
Why Choose EMCS?
At EMCS, we pride ourselves on our expertise, our history of innovation and our ongoing dedication to the development of new and sustainable products that not only improve the operational effectiveness of vessels and other marine assets, but also contribute in a positive way to the health of our oceans at the same time.
Proven Track Record: With 70 years of experience, we understand the unique challenges of marine growth protection and have tailored our solutions to meet these needs.
Comprehensive Solutions: From MGPS for internal seawater systems to Marelco Suricle™ for marine static assets, we offer an all-in-one approach for marine growth and corrosion prevention.
Unmatched Customer Service: Our dedicated team ensures you have the right solutions and ongoing support for your operations in all the world’s oceans!