Current antifouling coatings used to prevent the accumulation of microorganisms on the hulls of marine vessels has significant negative consequences for marine wildlife and habitats and is a source of…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded Ocean Innov ECO Solutions LLC $190,000 on September 1, 2026, under the NOAA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program (CFDA 11.021) to develop a bio-based antifouling wrap for marine vessel hulls.

Ocean Innov will conduct Phase I research focused on formulating and testing an optimal blend of nylon with seaweed-based fiber Kelsun to create a sustainable antifouling wrap that reduces hull drag and fuel consumption while minimizing environmental harm to marine wildlife and habitats. The work encompasses three technical objectives: establishing optimal product formulation, determining prototype performance, and assessing market feasibility.

Performance of the work takes place in Yarmouth, Maine. The period of performance extends from September 1, 2026, through February 26, 2027. Phase I grants under the SBIR program are normally limited to six months, and Phase I grantees may apply for Phase II funding only once for each Phase I project.

Current antifouling coatings used to prevent the accumulation of microorganisms on the hulls of marine vessels has significant negative consequences for marine wildlife and habitats and is a source of water pollution. The practice of applying antifouling systems to a ship; however, is economically advantageous as antifouling improves a vessels fuel efficiency by reducing drag and the amount of fuel needed to maintain speed. Ocean innov ECO solutions (ocean innov) is proposing a sustainable and economically viable solution for this problem affecting marine vessels globally by developing a BIO-based antifouling wrap for marine vessels. In phase i, ocean innov will focus on developing and testing the optimal blend of nylon with the seaweedbased fiber kelsuntm to develop a more effective, sustainable, and economically viable antifouling wrap for marine vessels. This will be accomplished through the following technical objectives: 1) establishing optimal product formulation, 2) determining performance of prototype, and 3) market feasibility.