Coatings manufacturer Hempel yesterday announced the launch of Silic One, a copper- and biocide-free bottom paint that will be sold exclusively in North America by SeaWide Distribution.
According to a statement, the antifouling utilizes Hempel’s hydrogel technology, which the company says creates an invisible barrier between the hull and the water and “fools” marine life into thinking the surface is a liquid, reducing organism attachment.
“Hempel’s Silic One is designed to protect a vessel from the harmful effects of marine growth while minimizing the environmental impact of the products used,” Sea Wide Marine category director Lacey Neahr said in the statement. “We chose to partner with Hempel because the product does not include copper or other biocides that kill marine life.”
According to SeaWide, Silic One exceeds the most stringent marina, state and federal regulations, and produces zero run-off contamination and no harmful build-up. The bottom paint can be used on nearly all materials and boat types, including hulls already coated with another antifouling. The Silic One top coat only needs to be reapplied every other year.
