BRIN Develops Environmentally Friendly Ship Coating
The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is studying the development of natural, sustainable coatings for the maritime sector. This effort is being undertaken in response to the serious impacts of conventional coatings on marine ecosystems.
Sahlan, a researcher from the Marine and Offshore Building Technology Research Group, BRIN's Hydrodynamic Technology Research Center (PRTH), highlighted that ship coatings have been effective in protecting against corrosion and biofouling. However, these coatings contain toxic chemicals such as tributyltin (TBT) and heavy metal-based biocides, which contribute to marine pollution. Some substances have even been banned globally due to their proven damage to the biological systems of marine organisms.
"The direction of coating technology development is now shifting toward safer and more sustainable natural-based materials. Therefore, BRIN needs to develop natural-based materials that are not only effective in protecting surfaces but also have a much lower toxicity level and are easily biodegradable in the environment," said Sahlan on Thursday (April 9).
In the study, the team identified various potential materials such as chitosan and alginate, vegetable oils, marine biopolymers, and bioinspired materials. These materials are considered capable of providing antifouling and anticorrosion functions. This ability works through several key mechanisms, including inhibiting the initial adhesion of microorganisms (anti-adhesive surfaces), forming a protective layer against corrosive ions, and modifying surface energy to reduce interaction with fouling organisms.
In line with these passive mechanisms, some systems also demonstrate active approaches, such as the release of natural antibacterial compounds or the use of biomimetic structures that mimic the surfaces of marine organisms. These approaches work more intelligently, inhibiting organisms from adhering or making the surface easier to clean, rather than by poisoning the environment.
While promising, the development of natural coatings still faces several challenges, particularly regarding durability against extreme marine conditions such as salt water, waves, ultraviolet light exposure, and mechanical friction. Furthermore, large-scale production, cost efficiency, and compliance with international regulatory standards are also important factors that need to be addressed before this technology can be widely implemented.
"The concept is very promising, but its performance still needs to be continuously improved to compete with conventional coatings in the field," Sahlan added.
In the future, research into environmentally friendly coatings is projected to expand by integrating technologies such as nanotechnology to strengthen materials, environmentally adaptable smart coatings, and bioinspired approaches that mimic the natural strategies of marine organisms.
This development will also focus on field-scale validation, standardization of test methods, and integration with sustainability analyses such as life cycle assessments (LCA), to ensure that natural coatings truly provide comprehensive environmental benefits.
Collaboration between academia, industry, and regulators is also key to accelerating the transition from research to industrial implementation. With this approach, natural coatings have the potential to become a key solution in supporting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly maritime industry.
Through this innovation, BRIN hopes to drive the transformation of the maritime industry toward more sustainable practices. This effort will not only improve operational efficiency but also preserve marine ecosystems as a source of life for the future.
