The Global Biomimetic Antifouling Coatings Market was valued at USD 1.25 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2.10 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.8% during the forecast period (2023–2030). This robust growth is propelled by stringent environmental regulations banning biocidal coatings, increasing maritime trade, and the accelerating adoption of sustainable, non-toxic antifouling solutions across the shipping, aquaculture, and offshore energy sectors.

As the marine industry navigates toward greener operations and ecological compliance, the focus shifts to the innovators developing coatings that mimic nature to prevent biofouling. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Biomimetic Antifouling Coatings Industry—a blend of established paint giants and specialized technology pioneers defining the future of marine surface protection.

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2023-2030 Global and Regional Biomimetic Antifouling Coatings Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🔟 1. AkzoNobel N.V.

Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Intersleek® series, Biocide-free foul release coatings

AkzoNobel is a global leader in marine coatings, renowned for its pioneering Intersleek® range. These silicone-based foul release coatings are inspired by non-stick surfaces in nature, preventing marine organisms from adhering to hulls without using biocides. Their technology significantly reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for vessel operators.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Commitment to carbon-neutral operations by 2030

• Continuous R&D in biomimetic surface technologies

• Partnerships with major shipping lines for sustainable fleet management

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9️⃣ 2. Jotun A/S

Headquarters: Sandefjord, Norway
Key Offering: SeaQuantum® Bioactive, Hull Performance Solutions

Jotun offers advanced antifouling solutions, including biomimetic-inspired coatings that leverage controlled hydrolysis for a smooth, foul-resistant surface. Their Hull Performance Solutions use digital tools to optimize coating performance and vessel efficiency, reducing environmental impact throughout the coating’s lifecycle.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of low-VOC, biocide-free coating alternatives

• Global network of sustainability-certified production facilities

• Active participation in IMO regulatory developments for marine coatings

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8️⃣ 3. Hempel A/S

Headquarters: Lyngby, Denmark
Key Offering: Hempaguard®; antifouling solutions for newbuilds and in-service vessels

Hempel is a key player with its innovative Hempaguard® series, which combines a slick silicone surface with a patented activator. This biomimetic approach minimizes drag and prevents hard fouling, offering long-term protection and substantial fuel savings. The company serves the global maritime, offshore, and decorative coatings markets.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Double Impact strategy aiming to double revenue while halving its environmental footprint

• Investment in R&D for next-generation, circular coating materials

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2023-2030 Global and Regional Biomimetic Antifouling Coatings Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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7️⃣ 4. PPG Industries, Inc.

Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: PPG SIGMAGLIDE®; silicone-based coatings

PPG’s marine coatings division provides high-performance solutions, including the SIGMAGLIDE® range. These fouling-release coatings are designed to mimic natural surfaces that resist biological adhesion, enhancing vessel speed and fuel efficiency while complying with international environmental standards.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Focus on developing waterborne and high-solids coatings to reduce VOCs

• PPG COOLINGS™ initiative for energy-saving coating technologies

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6️⃣ 5. Chugoku Marine Paints, Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: SEAFLO® NEO, antifouling paints with self-polishing copolymers

Chugoku Marine Paints is a major force in the Asian market, known for its advanced self-polishing copolymer (SPC) and foul-release technologies. The company invests in R&D to create coatings that provide long-lasting protection with minimal ecological impact, drawing inspiration from natural, low-friction surfaces.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of low-copper and biocide-free antifouling systems

• Expansion of production capacity to meet growing demand for eco-friendly coatings

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5️⃣ 6. Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: AQUATERRAS; biocidal-free coating, LF-Sea

Nippon Paint Marine offers the innovative AQUATERRAS, the industry’s first biocide-free, hydrogel coating. This technology creates a slippery surface layer by absorbing water, mimicking the natural defense mechanisms of sea creatures like sea cucumbers, effectively preventing organism attachment.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Launch of the world’s first biocide-free, hydrolysis-based coating

• Commitment to sustainable sourcing and manufacturing processes

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4️⃣ 7. Sherwin-Williams Company

Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: SeaGuard®; advanced fouling-control coatings

Following its acquisition of the Valspar marine business, Sherwin-Williams has strengthened its position in the marine coatings sector. The company offers a range of products, including innovative coatings designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions through improved hydrodynamic performance.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Integration of sustainable practices across its global supply chain

• R&D focused on durable, long-life coatings to reduce application frequency and waste

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3️⃣ 8. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Raw materials, specialty polymers for coating formulations

BASF is a critical supplier to the coatings industry, providing advanced polymers and additives that enable the development of biomimetic antifouling coatings. Their expertise in material science supports coating manufacturers in creating high-performance, environmentally compatible products.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of bio-based and biodegradable polymer building blocks

• Strategic focus on circular economy principles for coating ingredients

Download FREE Sample Report:
2023-2030 Global and Regional Biomimetic Antifouling Coatings Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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2️⃣ 9. Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Anti-fouling marine paints, self-polishing technologies

Kansai Paint is a significant global player with a strong focus on R&D for eco-friendly marine coatings. The company develops advanced antifouling systems that balance high performance with regulatory compliance, often utilizing biomimetic principles to achieve low surface energy and fouling resistance.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Investment in research for non-toxic, fouling-release coating systems

• Global expansion of environmentally certified coating products

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1️⃣ 10. Advanced Polymer Coatings (APC)

Headquarters: Avon, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: ChemLINE®; 784, chemically resistant tank coatings

While specializing in chemical tanker linings, APC’s expertise in creating ultra-smooth, durable, and chemically resistant surfaces contributes to the broader biomimetic coatings landscape. Their technologies prevent cargo residue buildup and facilitate easy cleaning, principles that align with foul-resistant surface design.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Focus on long-lasting coatings that reduce the need for frequent reapplication

• Development of high-solids, low-VOC formulations

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2023-2030 Global and Regional Biomimetic Antifouling Coatings Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Marine Coatings is Biomimetic and Eco-Conscious

The biomimetic antifouling coatings market is undergoing a fundamental transformation. While traditional copper-based and biocide-releasing coatings are still widely used, the industry is rapidly investing in nature-inspired, non-toxic alternatives that offer superior performance without harming marine ecosystems.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Accelerated R&D in silicone-based foul-release and hydrogel technologies

• Stricter global regulations (e.g., IMO Biofouling Guidelines) driving adoption of eco-friendly coatings

• Growing demand from offshore wind and aquaculture industries for specialized antifouling solutions

• Integration of digital monitoring tools to optimize coating performance and vessel efficiency

Get Full Report Here:
2023-2030 Global and Regional Biomimetic Antifouling Coatings Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only protecting marine assets—they are spearheading the sustainable evolution of the global maritime industry.