Jotun Imperial antifouling claims 50% lower carbon footprint for superyachts

Jotun has published a lifecycle analysis showing its Imperial fouling protection system can cut a superyacht's carbon footprint by about half over 30 years compared to standard antifouling coatings. The system uses silyl acrylate self-polishing technology to keep hulls cleaner, reducing drag, fuel use, and emissions. The company says it also cuts paint consumption and maintenance cycles, with the analysis developed alongside the Water Revolution Foundation. Hull fouling is a known efficiency killer, with a fouled hull potentially adding over 50% to a yacht's annual fuel bill. The Imperial system is tailored to each vessel's operating profile, which matters for boats that spend long periods at anchor or at low speeds. Jotun also points to biosecurity benefits, since a cleaner hull reduces the risk of transferring invasive species and cuts the need for underwater cleaning. The claim is based on a full lifecycle assessment, not just fuel savings, which makes it worth examining against other coating options.