ATLANTA- Lonza Microbial Control, which has long been an active supporter of an international treaty to assure the use of environmentally sound marine coating products, is applauding the United States’ formal approval of the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships. With the treaty having secured congressional and White House approval, the U.S. will officially become a party to the treaty in November 2012.

The treaty is designed to eliminate harmful antifouling systems, which pose a substantial risk of toxicity to ecologically and economically important marine organisms, and specifically bans all use of organotin compounds that act as biocides in antifouling systems. Lonza Microbial Control’s Marine Paint business is one of the leading providers of environmentally preferred marine coatings solutions that help control algae and other soft-fouling organisms.

Robert J. Martin, Global Marketing Manager for the Marine Paint business of Lonza Microbial Control, commented, “By becoming a party to the treaty, the U.S. has a strengthened ability to prevent ships with tributyltin (TBT) hull paints from docking or entering U.S. waters. This applies to all boats, including cargo ships, super yachts and recreational vehicles. The U.S. also will be able to participate in any future additions or modifications to the treaty, giving the nation a voice in discussions on the banning or control of other antifouling systems.”