Selektope® is a high performing and powerful active agent for use in antifouling systems

The power of Selektope® protects the ship hull from barnacles.

Home / About Selektope®

What is Selektope®?

Selektope® is an organic molecule developed and commercialised by I-Tech for use in paint systems.

Its powerful, repellent effect on barnacles keeps the ship’s hull clean — which reduces frictional resistance between the ship hull and water, leading to less fuel consumption and emissions.

Watch this movie to find out what Selektope® is, why it was developed and how it impacts the marine industry in a positive way. In just 3 minutes.

How Selektope works

Selektope® is a biocide with a unique mode of action, repelling barnacle larvae from a surface by temporarily stimulating a receptor, causing a hyperactive swimming behaviour which makes it impossible for the larvae to attach to the the surface.

It is a technology characterised by its selective action and high efficacy at extremely low concentrations.

Who benefits from Selektope®?

Paint manufacturers

Shipowners - operators and shipyards

The environment

Biofouling is a known environmental issue within the shipping industry. Selektope® is a sustainable solution to keep the hull barnacle free. Frictional resistance can easily increase by more than 40% from barnacle fouling.

Less emissions
Less friction between the ship hull and water will result in less Green house gas emissions. The potential saving is estimated to 1000 million tons of CO2 if optimal hull conditions are achieved all across the industry.

Reduced transfer of invasive species
A multitude of marine species can be carried on a fouled ship hull to new environments, where they may survive to establish a population and become invasive, out-competing native species and multiplying into pest proportions.

Less biocidal leakage
Selektope has a powerful effect on barnacles even at ultralow concentrations, this opens up for the possibilities of paint formulations with less biocides and therefore less leaking of biocides to the marine environment.

Non-lethal mode of action
Selektope repels without killing the barnacle larvae and the effect is reversible. The molecule is also degradeble over time and does not bioaccumulate in marine species.