Adaptive Surface Technologies (AST), a leading innovator in repellent surface technology, has unveiled new long-term performance data for its SLIPS Dolphin™ II marine anti-fouling coating and N4 additive. After 53 months of exposure testing, conducted by an international third party, both Dolphin II and N4 demonstrated superior performance compared to the top commercial foul-release coatings on the market. Designed to create an ultra-smooth, slippery surface that prevents marine organisms from attaching, Dolphin II remains effective for multiple seasons. Unlike most products available today, Dolphin II and N4 are free of biocides, making them environmentally friendly.
The products are designed to meet the requirements of new U.S. legislation mandating a transition to copper-free anti-fouling coatings for naval vessels by 2028. AST’s copper-free technology is the only foul-release coating with third-party testing data showing better performance than leading competitors, including Hempel’s X3 and Akzo Nobel’s BRA-640 or 1100SR.
“With this 53-month performance data, we can now demonstrate that our anti-fouling technology not only outperforms competitors but also offers a multi-year lifecycle that meets consumer expectations,” said Grant Tremelling, CEO of Adaptive Surface Technologies. “We’re thrilled to release this data as the industry shifts toward copper-free coatings, particularly with the recent legislation pushing for this transition by 2028.”
The testing, conducted by the National University of Singapore (NUS) since 2019, compares AST’s coatings to multiple leading foul-release coatings under dynamic conditions. Every month, half the test panels are washed with a low-pressure waterjet (50 psi) to simulate the motion of a boat. AST’s coatings consistently outperformed commercial controls at the 18-, 44-, and now 53-month marks.
For more information on AST’s full range of products, visit https://adaptivesurface.tech/.
