PROPSPEED PARTNERS WITH THE INTERNATIONAL SEAKEEPERS SOCIETY ON NEW SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE

Auckland, New Zealand – Propspeed®, a leader in underwater foul-release coatings, is proud to announce a new partnership with The International SeaKeepers Society (SeaKeepers), a non-profit organization that facilitates oceanographic research aboard private vessels, on a new sustainability initiative aimed at raising awareness for marine conservation globally. 

The partnership with SeaKeepers centers on the shared goal of ensuring the sustained wellbeing of the world’s oceans. The initiative will focus on supporting continued awareness, education and science-led activities that positively impact the yachting community, and the benefits of using Propspeed’s biocide-free, foul-release coatings that reduce the emissions profile and environmental impact of yachts. 

“Dedication to sustainability is vital to ensure a future for all of us – not just in our industry, but across all industries,” said Marcus Hamilton, CEO, Propspeed. “Maintaining the long-term wellbeing of our oceans has been a pillar of our business since inception, and we are committed to our sustainability journey and being part of the solution. We look forward to extending this commitment through our partnership with SeaKeepers to help widen awareness for sustainable initiatives around the world.”

As part of the collaboration, SeaKeepers will include Propspeed Large Kits in its Sustainability Kits, given to participating superyacht owners, providing an important energy saving technology to support reducing fuel consumption, GHG emissions and the spread of invasive species. Propspeed will also be included as a global partner in their Green Guide to Boating, which highlights best practices for recreational boating, as well as other communications and presentations. 

"This partnership with Propspeed reaffirms their strong commitment to preserving ocean health,” said Melissa White, Director of South Pacific, SeaKeepers. “We’re excited to feature their innovative product in our Green Guide to Boating and Sustainability Kits, helping to promote eco-friendly practices and inspire boaters to protect marine environments"

The International SeaKeepers Society champions marine science and conservation by using privately-owned yachts as platforms for oceanographic research, educational outreach, and marine conservation. Members include yacht owners, scientists, divers, entrepreneurs and environmental advocates from around the world. 

Propspeed offers a range of foul-release, biocide-free coatings that prevent marine growth on underwater assets without harmful toxins. The Propspeed Clear Coat is hydrophobic in nature, with an extremely low friction surface that prevents bio-fouling from adhering to the substrate. Paired with the product's superior adhesion to underwater metals, the full Propspeed system protects against fouling and corrosion, mitigating invasive species spread while protecting marine ecosystems, and reducing fuel consumption and associated GHG emissions.

Research indicates that underwater fouling can significantly impact efficiency. A recent independent test conducted by Netherlands-based shipbuilder Padmos in conjunction with Techbinder, a data-driven vessel optimization technology firm, showed that the application of Propspeed on their commercial fishing vessel Windroos resulted in a 4.7% reduction in fuel consumption. These results highlight the critical importance of maintaining smooth propeller surfaces to prevent efficiency losses, which can have substantial implications for fuel consumption and GHG emissions.

About The International SeaKeepers Society

The International SeaKeepers Society is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that facilitates oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community. Providing educational resources and hands-on marine science experiences to students is the primary focus for ensuring the wellbeing of our planet. SeaKeepers enables the yachting community to take full advantage of their unique potential to advance marine sciences and raise awareness about global ocean issues.

Founded in Monaco in 1998, The International SeaKeepers Society has been supporting ocean conservation through direct involvement with the yachting community for more than twenty-five years. What started as a data collection program aboard select luxury yachts, has evolved to engage thousands of participants annually with at-sea and coastal programming. Today SeaKeepers’ mission is focused on the DISCOVERY Yacht Program which is comprised of Scientist-Led Expeditions, Citizen Science, Educational Outreach, and Community Engagement.

As a catalyst working with governments, scientists, institutions, and other marine organizations to further its mission, SeaKeepers supports sensible, achievable marine protection and restoration. Activities take place globally through the efforts of headquarters based in the United States with offices located on the east and west coast, and international representation in Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the South Pacific. For more information, please visit www.seakeepers.org