Cathelco to install biofouling prevention system on oil spill response vessel

The 60-m vessel is currently under construction at Uzmar Shipyard in Turkey with delivery scheduled for Q4 2020. It will be equipped for towing services, area surveillance, offshore fire-fighting, logistics support duties and search and rescue in an area around Kuwait and in international waters.

To protect the pipework against marine growth and corrosion, copper and ferrous anodes will be installed in five sea chests connected to a control panel. In operation, the copper anodes produce ions which work to prevent the larvae of barnacles and mussels from settling and creating blockages in engine cooling and firefighting systems.

Ferrous anodes produce ions which create a protective coating on the internal surfaces of pipes to mitigate corrosion. In ships which use steel pipes, aluminium anodes provide corrosion protection.

Evac said the concentrations of copper ions are around 2 parts per billion, effective in preventing marine growth from settling, but will have no effect on the wider marine environment after discharge.

Industrial & Marine Supplies’ Evac agent in Turkey Erdal Dincer said “This is a very advanced oil spill recovery vessel and we are delighted to be supplying equipment which will keep vital seawater systems free from blockages.”

Cathelco is the world’s largest manufacturer of MGPS which have been installed on vessels types ranging from cruise and cargo ships to military craft and offshore support vessels.