Lube-Tech PUBLISHED BY LUBE: THE EUROPEAN LUBRICANTS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
Marine organisms closest to the sea surface or coastline are the most vulnerable as they are more likely to come into contact with the oil. Seabirds, which often gather in flocks in water, are also at uniquely high risk of oil contamination-related illness or injury [9]. When oil adheres to their feathers, which also happens to other fur-bearing marine animals, it disrupts their insulation and buoyancy, which can lead to hypothermia, drowning, or starvation [9]. Marine mammals and reptiles, such as seals, dolphins, and sea turtles, are also endangered by floating oil, especially when surfacing to breathe [9]. Sea turtles can suffer from inflammation of the eyes, respiratory distress, and reproductive complications from ingesting oil or absorbing it through their mucous membrane, making it much harder to survive and reproduce [10, 11].
Mangroves, which serve as a critical nursery ground for many marine life including crabs, oysters, and fish, are highly sensitive to oil contamination. Their aerial roots, which are essential for oxygen exchange, can be blocked, causing mangroves to suffer from yellow leaves, deterioration, and eventually, death, within just a few weeks to months if oil exposure is prolonged [9, 12]. The loss of mangroves cascades through ecosystems, displacing countless organisms and diminishing biodiversity.
While lubricants are vital for ship operations, their high environmental risk emphasises the urgent need for greener alternatives. Even clean-up efforts, if poorly managed, can further damage the marine ecosystem. The use of heavy equipment and harsh chemical agents in spill remediation can destroy nesting sites, compact sediments, and kill delicate marine life [9]. Future advancements, therefore, must focus on creating biodegradable, non-toxic lubricants that minimise ecological harm while maintaining high-performance standards.
Trends in anti-fouling technologies Recent trends in anti-fouling technologies reflect
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a growing emphasis on sustainability through the incorporation of lubricant-based coating, nanotechnology, innovative additives, improved maintenance protocols, and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional marine lubricant measures. These innovative developments aim to enhance performance while minimising environmental harm.
Biofouling is a persistent issue in marine operations, defined as the accumulation of organisms, such as barnacles and algae, that attach themselves to the hull surface, a schematic of which is shown in Figure 1 [13].
Figure 1: Schematic of marine biofouling of submerged materials, such as boat hulls or rubber blades [11].
This leads to a greater hydrodynamic drag force applied to the vehicle, resulting in higher fuel consumption, greater engine strain, and marine structure corrosion [13]. While anti-fouling coverings are applied to combat this problem, they can indirectly lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions by requiring more fuel as thick coatings can cause further drag [14]. Additionally, coatings can be economically disadvantageous, as it may repel organisms that are intended to be harvested for commercial purposes [13,15].
Since the 1960s, Tributyltin (TBT) has been a popular compound used in anti-fouling paints for its biocide properties. However, the International Maritime Organisation banned TBT-based products due to their significant and harmful toxicity to the marine environment in 2008 [16]. This shift led towards the
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