Superyacht Owners Cut CO2 by Half with This Hull Coating—Here’s How
Jotun’s Imperial system slashes carbon footprint by 50% over 30 years while maintaining performance for superyachts.
Superyacht owners could significantly reduce their environmental impact by adopting Jotun’s Imperial Fouling Protection System, according to a recent analysis. The study reveals that this advanced coating technology can cut a vessel’s carbon footprint by approximately 50% over a 30-year service life compared to conventional antifouling systems.
Hull fouling—a buildup of marine organisms on a ship’s underwater surface—remains a major but often overlooked challenge in the maritime industry. As these organisms accumulate, they increase drag, forcing engines to consume more fuel and emit higher levels of CO₂. In extreme cases, a heavily fouled hull can raise a yacht’s annual fuel costs by over 50%, along with increasing operational expenses.
How the Technology Works: imperial fouling protection
Imperial’s system is designed specifically for superyachts, which often spend long periods at anchor or moving at low speeds. Using silyl acrylate self-polishing technology, the coating maintains a smoother hull surface over extended periods, reducing drag and improving efficiency. Unlike generic antifouling solutions, Imperial’s approach is tailored to each vessel’s sailing patterns, voyage frequency, and operating environment, ensuring optimal performance.
The environmental benefits stem from fewer maintenance cycles, reduced paint consumption, and less waste generation over the vessel’s lifespan. Compared to standard coatings, Imperial uses about half the volume of paint while maintaining long-term effectiveness, according to the analysis conducted in collaboration with leading paint manufacturers and the Water Revolution Foundation.
Broader Environmental Benefits
Beyond fuel savings and emissions reductions, effective hull protection also supports marine conservation efforts. By minimizing fouling, the system helps prevent the spread of invasive species between regions, reducing the need for frequent underwater cleaning—a process that can further harm local ecosystems.
Tracey Warner, Jotun’s Regional Category Manager for Yachting in Europe and Central Asia, stated that the system offers “strong performance while reducing environmental footprint where possible.” Leah Werner, Executive Director of the Water Revolution Foundation, added that transparent lifecycle assessments—covering material production, maintenance, and waste—are essential for making informed sustainability decisions in the industry.
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