Marine coatings leader Nippon Paint Marine  announced the launch of AQUATERRAS 1100, the latest coating from its innovative AQUATERRAS range. The new coating has a low-VOC formulation which reduces impact on the marine environment andcomplies with regulations in major shipbuilding markets, including China and Korea.AQUTERRAS features HydroPhix™, a micro-domain structure that combines hydrophilic and hydrophobic structures that reduce the ability of marine organisms to attach to hull surfaces, ensuring long-lasting fouling protection without the use of biocides.

As the shipping industry continues to strive towards greater sustainability and aims for a 2050 net-zero goal, AQUATERRAS 1100 offers improved operational efficiency and vessel performance to reduce fuel consumption and cut emissions. AQUATERRAS 1100 reduces hull resistance to deliver measurable fuel savings and is especially designed for medium- to high-activity vessels such as container liners and pure car carriers.

The coating is the first to feature Advanced Fouling Control (AFC), a unique silicone-modified binder technology that creates a smooth, glossy coating finish to prevent fouling without using biocides. This high-strength paint film, resistant to mechanical damage, ensures a durable and long-lasting coating that delivers consistent performance even under harsh operating conditions.

AQUATERRAS 1100 also features Nippon Paint Marine’s self-renewing, self-smoothing mechanism, HydroCure™. HydroCure creates a dynamic surface layer that continuously exposes a fresh, active surface to prevent marine growth, maintain optimal hull smoothness and reduce hydrodynamic drag. AQUATERRAS 1100 is as easy to apply in dry dock and newbuilding projects as conventional antifouling coatings and has been seen to be compatible with ROV cleaning in early testing.

Commenting on the launch, Gladys Goh, President, Nippon Paint Marine said: “AQUATERRAS 1100 is a next-generation biocide-free fouling protection developed to help our customers achieve their sustainability goals and ensure compliance with increasingly stringent regulations. Our R&D team is committed to developing products that continue to meet the needs of our customers. Working together to deliver this development in our hull coating technology, they have provided shipowners with one of the most effective and impactful clean technologies available today.”

Nippon Paint Marine’s AQUATERRAS range is the world’s first biocide-free self-polishing hull coating. Featuring micro-domain technology, it delivers long-term fouling protection and up to 14.7% fuel savings to support compliance with emissions regulations and reduce costs. AQUATERRAS has been independently tested by PML Applications to confirm it is proven safe for marine life. The coating was recently awarded the GoldenKey Sustainable Development Solutions Honourable Award in the Action4Nature category, a programme that aims to advance sustainable development in China and globally. It also previously won the GREEN4SEA Technology Award (2021) and the SeaTrade Maritime Award for Marine Technology (2023).