I-Tech AB signs deal for largest ever Selektope® order with Chugoku Marine Paints

I-Tech AB, the Swedish developer of the bio-repellent antifouling ingredient Selektope®, has signed a significant supply agreement with one of the industry’s leading paint manufacturers representing the largest ever single order of the technology to-date.

This deal represents yet another significant milestone for Selektope®, confirming the central position of coatings containing the ingredient in the future of the marine market.

The large volume order was placed by Japanese paint manufacturer Chugoku Marine Paints (CMP) as part of a long-term supply agreement between I-Tech and CMP to support the growth of CMP’s Selektope®-containing antifouling product portfolio. The supply agreement was confirmed in response to increasing demand for CMP marine coatings that contain the unique antifouling ingredient and provides the option for CMP to further increase the order value as required.

Philip Chaabane, CEO I-Tech AB says: “This significant order for Selektope® demonstrates how I-Tech’s antifouling technology is meeting market demand for increased hard fouling prevention performance from marine coatings. For I-Tech, securing this significant supply agreement with one of the major paint manufacturers provides evidence of the major impact that our technology continues to make. With this long-term agreement in place, I-Tech can continue to focus on further improving operations and the strength of the Selektope® supply chain to ensure commercial competitiveness for our technology.”

Mr Hideyuki Tanaka, Director & Chief of Technical and Production Headquarter CMP says: “Securing CMP’s commercial relationship with I-Tech to support the strong demand received for Selektope®-containing products offered by CMP is of great importance. We look forward to working with I-Tech going into the future.”

Selektope® is an organic, non-metal compound that works to prevent barnacle fouling by temporarily activating the swimming behavior of barnacle cyprid larvae, making it impossible for them to settle on the hull. It is characterized by high efficacy at extremely low concentrations, is ultra-low leaching and offers paint manufacturers the flexibility to boost copper-based paint formulations or replace copper completely.

In 2016, CMP launched the first Selektope®-containing antifouling coating range onto the market following extensive trialling under two separate brands: SEAFLO NEO CF PREMIUM; and SEAFLO NEO-S PREMIUM.

SEAFLO NEO CF PREMIUM is based on zinc polymer technology and is a coating with an in-service life exceeding five years, ideal for oceangoing vessels operating worldwide. SEAFLO NEO-S PREMIUM, is based on silyl polymer technology, and specifically targets ‘low activity’ vessels such as static vessels during outfitting in shipyards. In 2017, CMP launched a brand-new product based on hydrolyzing technology – SEA GRANDPRIX 880HS PLUS. Uniquely, CMP guarantees extended static performance of up to 45 days for this product, thanks to the barnacle-repellent boost enabled by Selektope®.

As demand for Selektope® soars, the number of antifouling products that contain the unique bio-repellent ingredient is expanding. Multiple paint manufacturers in the market offer Selektope®-containing products, confirming the confidence held by paint manufacturers in the technology.

I-Tech press contact: catherine.austin@i-tech.se. Telephone +44 7703 835 029

About Selektope®

Selektope® introduces a unique, bio-repellent mode of action to combat barnacle settlement. By temporarily stimulating the octopamine receptor, the barnacle larvae’s swimming behavior is activated and the organisms are deterred from the hull. These ground-breaking discoveries enable unrivalled power at very low concentrations, yet within the limits of rigorous risk assessments. Selektope® is an organic, non-metal compound with efficacy proven at 0.1% w/w.

About I-Tech AB

I-Tech is a Gothenburg based bio-tech company with global reach, holding all IP and regulatory rights to the antifouling agent Selektope® (generic name, medetomidine). The company is privately held and is supported by Swedish Energy Association, the European Innovation Initiative Eco-Innovation and FP7 SeaFront. The company is a member of the Astra Zeneca BioVentureHub.