Linda Comac is director of marketing for Xiom Corp., West Babylon, NY, developer of the coatings and application devices discussed in this article. She can be reached at lindac@xiom-corp.com.
Reducing the amount of fuel used by ships could have a significant impact on pollution, as well as save substantial amounts of money. One way to achieve this goal is to use coatings that prevent the growth of marine organisms. By eliminating the surface resistance caused by the buildup of these organisms on the hulls of marine vessels, such coatings can reduce the amount of fuel needed to propel the vessel. New powder coatings and thermal spraying devices are making it easier and more cost-effective to apply these coatings to today’s marine vessels.