Special products and processes can be used to prevent fouling on ship hulls. Since 2004, the German Federal Environment Agency (UWB) has been working on awarding an eco label for biocide-free antifouling products. Now it has developed criteria for awarding a Blue Angel for antifouling products. The eco label is intended to help encourage the use of more effective, non-biocidal antifouling methods, thereby reducing the biocide burden on the environment.
It applies to products used for the hull of ships and boats. Anti-fouling systems for this area range from non-stick coatings or films to cleanable hard coatings, ultrasonic systems or boat lifting systems. Since March, the award criteria for the DE-UZ 221 eco label have been public on the website www.blauerengel.de under the heading "Certification". Manufacturers of suitable products can therefore now submit applications for certification.