Fouling release coating application as an environmentally efficient retrofit: a case study of a ferry-type ship

Purpose and methodsThe paper introduces a simple retrofit performed on a case study vessel, with the aim of assessing the retrofit’s potential environmental impacts via doing a life cycle assessment. Additionally, the case presented herein strives to evidence the applicability of life cycle assessment (LCA) appraisals within shipyard representatives or managers.Results and discussionThe environmental results shown in this paper are related to cost calculations presented for the selected retrofit, underlining the potential environmental impacts from the retrofit, while appraising its economic performance.ConclusionsThe paper strives to evidence that significant savings with regard to fuel costs can be achieved by the application of this retrofit to ships with a similar operational profile, but more importantly, the improved operational efficiency and the emission reductions can be noteworthy. Lastly, the results summarised intend to offer an optimistic context towards the implementation of the retrofit at a larger scale, i.e. a section of the existing fleet.