Regulators are raising the bar on hull coatings, and operators need proof that their systems are safe, durable, and effective. We take a performance-first view of compliance, which is why clear antifouling paint features in many modern fleet strategies for cleaner, faster, and regulation-ready operations. This approach supports AFS Convention and IMO biofouling guidance by limiting biocide release, maintaining a low-roughness surface, and improving fuel efficiency.

What regulators require today

Two pillars define the landscape.First, the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Antifouling Systems on Ships bans organotin compounds and creates a path to restrict other substances when risks arise. Cybutryne controls took effect on 1 January 2023 and raised expectations on leach rates and lifecycle risk.

Second, the 2023 IMO Biofouling Guidelines call for consistent, documented management across design, coating choice, inspection, and cleaning. Together, these measures push the market toward non-toxic, low-drag systems that cut fuel use and the spread of invasive species.

Why clear coatings align with compliance and performance

Modern clear systems use hard film chemistries such as silane siloxane to form a smooth, inert barrier. The film reduces micro roughness and allows light fouling to release at service speed, which cuts drag without biocides.

Application guides outline surface prep, film builds, and cure windows for newbuilds and for vessels carrying legacy antifouling. This supports predictable results and audit-ready documentation. The outcome is a cleaner hull, fewer emissions, and an easier path to verification.

Lower risk in water cleaning and waste control

Compliance is about results, not labels. Water cleaning can damage soft or leaching paints and release harmful material. Hard film clear systems avoid that problem because they are non-biocidal and tolerate controlled cleaning when performed to specification. Operators can maintain hull condition between dockings while aligning with best practice on waste capture and invasive species control. Clear antifouling paint fits this need by combining non-toxic surfaces with maintainable smoothness.

Fuel, emissions, and CII alignment

Any biofouling raises skin friction and drives fuel burn and air emissions. A smooth hull supports energy efficiency targets and a stronger Carbon Intensity Indicator score. Clear hard film coatings hold a slick surface that resists slime and enables light cleaning, so vessels recover speed with less power. Using clear antifouling paint links day-to-day performance with environmental compliance, since regulators view biofouling as both an ecological and an emissions issue.

Practical implementation checklist

  • Choose a non-biocidal hard film system: Confirm chemistry and verify absence of restricted biocides under AFS rules. Keep technical data sheets on file.
  • Prepare surfaces correctly: Follow blasting, fairing, and cleanliness standards. Apply within temperature and humidity windows to achieve low surface roughness.
  • Document the application: Record batch numbers, wet and dry film thickness, cure times, surface profile, and inspection results. This simplifies class or port state queries.
  • Adopt a biofouling plan: Schedule inspections, niche area attention, and light in-water cleaning when needed. Align the plan with the 2023 IMO guidance.
  • Track performance: Monitor speed power curves, hull roughness trends, and fuel indexes to confirm drag reduction and support ESG reporting.

Drydock flexibility for mixed legacy coatings

Many fleets carry layers of older antifouling. Hard film clear systems can go over properly prepared previous paints on common substrates, when conditions allow. This path reduces waste, shortens yard time, and improves compliance posture within a single coating cycle.

Conclusion

If the goal is strong alignment with the AFS Convention and the 2023 IMO Biofouling Guidelines, clear antifouling paint offers a direct, measurable route that cuts drag, avoids biocide leaching, and simplifies documentation. Seacoat supplies hard film silane siloxane solutions and technical support to help operators meet environmental rules while protecting fuel budgets. We recommend assessing coating condition, updating the biofouling plan, and scheduling a trial application to validate gains at fleet scale.

Upgrade to clear antifouling paint today to reduce drag, cut fuel costs, meet IMO standards, and streamline biofouling compliance audits.