Interlux® To Paint Manufacturers: “Put the Tributyl-tin–containing Antifoulings To Bed”

UNION, NEW JERSEY (USA), APRIL 28, 2011 – Interlux, a world leader in antifoulings, says it’s surprised to find companies are still promoting the harmful organotin compound for use in American waters. Prompted by such irresponsible activities, the company issues the following update & advice:

On September 17, 2008, the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships (“AFS Treaty”) was enacted on a global basis (for all countries that have ratified the treaty), banning the presence of Tributyl-tin (“TBT”) on boats. While ratification by the US Congress is still due, this global ban does affect many American boat owners.

Key Facts:

• The harmful environmental effects of organotin compounds were recognized by IMO in 1989.
• In 1990, IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) adopted a resolution recommending that governments establish measures to eliminate the use of antifouling paint containing TBT on hulls less than 25 meters in length.
• In 1999, IMO adopted an Assembly Resolution that called for a global prohibition of TBT-containing antifouling by January 2008.
• In October 2001, the AFS Treaty was adopted.
• On September 17, 2008, the AFS Treaty was enacted. The treaty provided that boats shall not have TBT-antifouling or such compounds on their hulls and external parts and surfaces or shall bear a coating that forms a barrier to such compounds leaching from the underlying, non-compliant antifouling system.
• To date (March 2011), 50 parties have ratified the AFS Treaty, representing over 78% of the world’s shipping tonnage.
• The AFS Treaty bans the sale, application and presence of TBT-based antifoulings.

Considerations for American Boaters

Don’t:
• Enter Antigua, Barbuda, Bahamas, Saint Kitts & Nevis with TBT paint on your boat. This is illegal.
• Enter European waters such as the Mediterranean. It’s illegal. The ban has been adopted by the European Union.
• Have TBT-based antifouling applied in the geographical areas noted above. It’s illegal.
• Forget to carry paperwork onboard to show compliance*.
• Try and transport your boat using International Boat Shipping services without confirming and declaring antifouling compliance for the destination port. Port Authority Control can decline entry and/or issue significant fines for breach of Treaty!
• Let other paint companies tell you TBT-containing paint is the right choice. With today’s technology, it is not.
• Forget that Our World is Water.

*The AFS Treaty covers all ships regardless of size but in order to ensure compliance to the treaty only ships over 400 gross tonnage will be required to carry a Certificate showing the current coating is in compliance with the treaty. Ships greater than 24 meters but less than 400 gross tonnage shall be required to carry a Declaration signed by the owner along with an appropriate document such as a paint receipt to show compliance.

Do:
• Select the high performance replacement technologies that work (without the TBT), such as the Self-Polishing Copolymer technology that provides longevity and peace-of-mind. The Interlux product is Micron® 66®.
• Consider the environment and the condition of your local waters. International Paint used TBT in antifouling paints until 2001 when we revolutionized the market with the break-through of the first, copper-based, true Self Polishing Copolymer (SPC) Technology. We found a replacement and we voluntarily withdrew TBT from all our manufacturing sites world-wide, prior to the ban. A responsible company is a pro-active company.
• Refuse stocking or purchasing of TBT-containing antifoulings with the objective of environmental improvement. Great performing replacement technologies are available. Would you paint your kitchen with a lead-based paint, knowing what we know today?

To fully understand the AFS treaty you can view or download a copy from the IMO web site, www.imo.org or at www.antifoulingpaint.com.

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