AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - AkzoNobel's pioneering Intersleek 1100SR foul-release technology has won the Clean Shipping category at the 2014 Seatrade Awards.

Developed by the company's Marine Coatings business and marketed under its International brand, the landmark product is the shipping industry's first biocide-free foul-release fluoropolymer technology to address the significant issue of slime fouling on ships' hulls.

"The effects of slime potentially cost the shipping industry billions of dollars in additional fuel costs and millions of extra tons in CO₂ emissions every year," explained Conrad Keijzer, AkzoNobel's Executive Committee member responsible for Performance Coatings. "This is a key issue that impacts every ship owner and operator. The development of Intersleek 1100SR is a significant milestone for us, and we are very pleased that this has been recognized by the industry," he added.

Intersleek 1100SR delivers macro and micro fouling control with improved static resistance, even in warm waters. As a result, vessels can achieve reduced drag, improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO₂ emissions.

The new technology builds on the company's long history of fouling release development and works by specifically resisting the adhesion and settlement of organisms that make up slime colonization.

Presented during a ceremony held at London's Guildhall, the Seatrade Awards honor innovative solutions for safe, efficient and environmental operation, in keeping with the goals and objectives of the International Maritime Organization.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal presented the award. The Clean Shipping category was sponsored by classification society ABS. It celebrates new or significant improvements of existing technology that help to create a cleaner shipping industry.