International®, AkzoNobel’s marine coatings brand, has published a new whitepaper on how data collaboration between fouling control coating experts and vessel operators can drive more informed decision-making, enhance vessel performance reliability and support sustainability goals for your fleet.

The research includes a detailed case study of three Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) vessels tracked over a 60-month service period, all coated with Intersleek® 1100SR, an ultra-high performance fouling release coating based on biocide-free silicone technology.

The whitepaper demonstrates, following a series of joint performance reviews, impressive results of the Intersleek 1100SR scheme over the 60-month period, and concludes that the vessels performed in compliance with agreed performance limits regarding energy efficiency and emissions expectations, including the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) rating. The application of Intersleek 1100SR on these vessels significantly contributed to maintaining a smooth and clean hull condition.

Underwater inspections further confirmed the exceptional performance of Intersleek 1100SR, with minimal biofouling observed across all vessels despite their exposure to challenging environments.

The paper also explores how achieving consistency across a fleet of vessels and operations is complex and can yield different results despite similarities between vessel types and operational profiles. This requires high levels of communication, multiple methods of verification, and specialized expertise to support decision-making both before docking investments and while vessels are in-service.

According to a report by the Global Maritime Forum, inaccurate data and insufficient transparency of data perpetuates a lack of trust between shipowners and those that supply data, such as charterers. This whitepaper highlights the necessity of companion datasets, like hull inspections to more accurately diagnose performance issues.

At a time when increasing regulatory pressures to reduce fleet carbon emissions and improve vessel efficiency is paramount, the tailored and collaborative approach with vessel operators taken by International® contributed positively to long-term sustainability decisions and regulatory compliance.

International® has developed a methodology aligned with ISO 19030 ‘Measurement of changes in hull and propeller performance’ combining vessel performance metrics, Average Hull Roughness (AHR) measurements, underwater hull and propeller inspections, and operational data analysis which, the company says, allow for more accurate interpretation of performance trends and therefore more informed decisions for customers.

International® is releasing the whitepaper, titled: ‘Optimizing Vessel Performance for Decarbonization Goals: Managing the Complexities of Hull Efficiency and Fouling Control with Data-Driven Decision Making’, whilst attending Sea Asia 2025 in Singapore, which takes place from 25-27 March.

Dr Barry Kidd, Vessel Performance Manager at AkzoNobel, said: “This whitepaper emphasizes the importance of collaboration with experts to enhance data transparency and confidence in inspection data, which is crucial for effective decision making.

“When it comes to analyzing the performance of marine vessels, data is often variable, inconsistent, or incomplete. This makes it more difficult for ship operators to make informed decisions based on the best available information. As the shipping industry faces increasing regulatory pressures to reduce carbon emissions, a tailored approach and partnership mentality to coating selection and fleet management is essential.

“Through our innovative coatings, hull performance team, data-driven insights and the use of our digital forecasting tool, we are uniquely positioned to be a reliable partner to shipowners, assisting them in making informed decisions in regulatory compliance and efficiency.”