Traditional antifouling, based on paints containing biocides, poses significant environmental problems: water contamination, toxicity for marine fauna, drying up of certain ecological chains, increasingly strict regulations... Faced with this, the marine industry is innovating. Here is an overview of emerging solutions and alternative technologies.

AGL Marine, a leading distributor of marine paints, lacquers, varnishes and antifouling, is offering the range SEAJET as an alternative to conventional antifouling.

SEAJET is a Japanese brand that has been around for over 100 years, developing eco-friendly antifouling solutions. Its 021 EKO product is a biocide-free, self-polishing, erodible underwater coating that can be applied to all types of craft sailing at speeds of up to 40 knots. The unique resin allows the coating to refresh layer after layer. This "soap" mechanism makes it difficult for dirt to adhere.

Then there's 040 SHESHA, a copper-free Econea®-based product with self-polishing hull action (SPC technology). This is the brand's top-of-the-range version, combining minimal impact on the marine environment with optimum performance even in hot weather. Suitable for all types of boat sailing at speeds of up to 40 knots.

The benefits:

✅ less polluting

✅ inexpensive

The disadvantages:

❌ requires regular maintenance

❌ release of microplastics

Alternatives to traditional antifouling include protective fibre films or silicone paint.

The company Finsulate offers a self-adhesive film inspired by a living marine creature: echinoids. Sea urchins use their spines to protect themselves naturally from dirt. The Finsulate protective film is made from nylon fibres that represent the 'spines' that make it difficult for algae and shellfish to attach themselves to the film. Instead of killing the shellfish, the fibres repel them thanks to a natural defence mechanism! Sold with a 5-year lifespan, the film works whether the boat is moored or underway. It requires little maintenance, and the flexibility of the fibres means that the boat does not lose speed and therefore avoids over-consumption of fuel.

The benefits:

✅ durability (approx. 5 years)

✅ low maintenance

The disadvantages:

❌ long, delicate pose

❌ film thrown in the bin and not recyclable after use

Another solution is offered by Mactac, a company specialising in films of all kinds (marking, advertising, protection, etc.). MacGlide is a self-adhesive protective film coated with a silicone paint that prevents hull colonisation, without spreading biocides or other pesticides. It also offers reduced drag, optimised fuel consumption, self-cleaning above a critical speed and 5-year durability.

The benefits:

✅ durability (approx. 5 years)

✅ easy care

✅ fuel economy

The disadvantages:

❌ cost

❌ release of microplastics

❌ fragile

The company G&G Botwash has developed an in-flight careening station inspired by automatic car washes.

The principle is simple: the boat enters the station and U-shaped brushes mechanically scrub the hull to remove dirt. Suitable for boats up to 6 metres long and with a draught of 2.4 metres. An additional brush also cleans the waterline, and under the hull, brushes mounted on jacks clean the keel.
The waste is collected in a retention basin, then pumped and filtered before being processed in a specialised sorting centre. Hydraulic motors and hoses contain biodegradable oil so as not to pollute the water in the event of a leak.

In the long term, the aim of this type of cleaning is not to apply any more antifouling paint, but the hull must be cleaned regularly for it to be effective.

The benefits:

✅ ecological

✅ economic

✅ fast

The disadvantages:

❌ little established in France

❌ high cleaning frequency to be effective

❌ only available for small units (-6 m)

The marine industry is at a turning point. The expectations of yachtsmen, ports and environmental authorities are pushing for cleaner, more sustainable solutions that are more respectful of marine flora and fauna.

Alternatives to traditional antifouling are no longer remote or purely experimental: several are already on the market and in use. Of course, there is (for the moment) no universal solution that is perfectly suited to all boats, all uses and all environments. But by combining a number of innovations - biocide-free or copper-free coatings, silicone coatings, protective films, mechanical cleaning - it is possible to significantly reduce the environmental impact.

For the yachtsman or professional, the challenge will be to choose the right solution according to :

- the sailing area (temperate, tropical waters, with high levels of micro-organisms)

- how often the boat is used

- cost, maintenance and application constraints

- the level of environmental commitment

Absolute Magnitude, as a brand committed to ecological maintenance, can play a guiding role: proposing alternative coverings, advising on relevant innovations for specific uses, and helping customers to make more sustainable choices.