AkzoNobel’s marine coatings brand International® has announced its partnership in RightShip’s Zero Harm Innovation Partners Program, reinforcing the company’s commitment to a safer, cleaner, and more efficient maritime industry.

The global marine coatings company has joined the industry-leading RightShip initiative, which brings together organisations advancing technologies and solutions that support improved environmental and safety outcomes across the maritime sector.  This partnership underscores the crucial role of advanced coating technologies in achieving smoother hull surfaces, thereby reducing resistance, lowering power demand, enhancing energy efficiency and significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

For shipowners who invest in proactive hull management and advanced coating technologies, RightShip has adopted internationally recognised ITTC guidelines to support the consideration of coating performance within its GHG Rating methodology. This supports greater transparency for charterers seeking vessels with strong energy-efficiency performance and a reduced environmental footprint.

Through the partnership, the Intersleek® range of biocide-free, foul-release coatings from International® is recognized as a coating technology that can deliver energy-saving benefits and may be taken into account within RightShip’s GHG rating methodology. This includes Intersleek 1100SR, a class-verified and proven carbon reduction technology solution that has helped shipowners reduce more than 47 million tons of CO₂ emissions and saved over $9 billion in fuel costs over the past decade.

The first-of-its-kind slime-release coating helps vessel operators meet IMO carbon reduction targets by controlling micro-fouling without harmful biocides, thereby minimizing ecological impact on marine ecosystems. Ideal for slow steaming and warm water operations, this innovative technology reduces hull drag, improves fuel efficiency and maintains performance throughout docking cycles.

Chris Birkert, Marine Segment Manager at AkzoNobel said: “We’re extremely proud that our innovative coating technologies have been accepted within this program, where we can continue to collaborate with stakeholders across the industry in sharing ideas and innovations for the betterment of our customers.

“A zero-harm maritime industry demands closer ties between partners, and we look forward to healthy discussions and collaborations in the years to come. High-performing, biocide-free fouling control coatings such as Intersleek 1100SR will remain a necessary option for shipowners as they work toward compliance with IMO’s carbon reduction targets and the goal of achieving net zero by 2050.”

Ajinkya Kadam, Head of Partnerships at RightShip, said: “Innovation plays a critical role in delivering real progress toward zero harm. Through the Zero Harm Innovation Partners Program, we work with companies such as AkzoNobel and its International® brand to improve visibility and technical understanding of solutions like advanced hull coatings, and how credible energy-saving technologies can be consistently reflected within RightShip’s assessment frameworks—supporting safer, more sustainable and informed decision-making across the industry.”