Lloyd’s Register grants industry first full antifouling approval to Jotun’s Hull Skating Solutions

LR becomes first classification society to approve compatible cleaning and coating system, supporting maritime industry’s proactive hull management strategies.

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded the world’s first Recognised Enhanced Antifouling Type Approval to Jotun’s SeaQuantum Skate antifouling coating, alongside type approval certification for the HullSkater hull cleaning equipment.

The approval, announced at Nor-Shipping 2025, covers both the HullSkater robotic cleaning device and the SeaQuantum Skate coating, making it the first fully integrated hull cleaning and coating solution to be certified by a classification society.

Jotun’s HullSkater is a remotely operated robotic cleaner designed to remove early-stage biofouling without damaging antifouling coatings. It is always paired with the SeaQuantum Skate coating, and together it forms a fully compatible cleaning and coating regime.

The Recognised Enhanced Type Approval is the highest level of certification under LR’s Antifouling Coatings programme. The Recognised approval status, now achieved by Jotun, is based on extensive in-service performance data from at least three vessels. This includes inspection reports before and after cleaning, time-to-refoul measurements, coating condition assessments, and third-party water quality testing conducted during the cleaning process. Recognised approvals are valid for five years and can be renewed with continued performance evidence.

Type approval of the HullSkater cleaning equipment is based on the cleaning performance, electrical and mechanical equipment fit-for purpose and data from water sample analysis in the vicinity of operation versus background samples.

The LR approval provides verified operational guidance to ship operators, specifying appropriate cleaning heads, optimal pressures, recommended cleaning cycles, and maximum allowable fouling levels before intervention becomes necessary. The certification identifies unsuitable cleaning methods, protecting both coating integrity and performance.

LR developed the Enhanced Antifouling Type Approval to bridge the regulatory and scientific gap in hull cleaning practices, ensuring that ship operators have access to objective, evidence-based guidance. It also enables vessels to qualify for LR’s Clean Hull (CH) notation under the ECO class, which requires an Enhanced Antifouling Type Approval for any applied coating.

Heather Hughes, Principal Specialist at Lloyd’s Register, said: “Ship operators are approaching LR seeking authoritative guidance on which coatings can be effectively used as part of their comprehensive hull management planning. We provide independent verification of antifouling coating performance both before and after cleaning, ensuring operators can make informed decisions with confidence.”

Morten Fon, CEO of Jotun, said: “This approval validates the long-term performance of the HullSkater and SeaQuantum Skate. We’re proud to set the standard for integrated solutions that protect both vessels and the oceans they operate in.”

About Lloyd’s Register

Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine engineering, technology and digital solutions. We were created more than 260 years ago as the world’s first marine classification society to improve and set standards for the safety of ships.

Today we are a leading provider of classification and compliance services to the marine and offshore industries, helping our clients design, construct and operate their assets to accepted levels of safety and environmental compliance.

Our digital solutions are relied upon by more than 30,000 vessels, following the acquisition of OneOcean in 2022 and Ocean Technologies Group in 2024.

In the race to zero emissions, our research, advisory and technical expertise and industry-firsts are supporting a safe, sustainable maritime energy transition.

Lloyd’s Register Group is wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a politically and financially independent global charity that promotes safety and education. www.lr.org

About Jotun
Jotun is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of decorative paints, marine, protective and powder coatings.

The Group has 67 companies and 40 production facilities globally. Jotun products are available in more than 100 countries through own subsidiaries, joint ventures, branch offices, dealers and distributors.

Jotun has over 10 600 employees. The Jotun Group’s sales in 2024 were NOK 34.2 billion. The Jotun Group is organised into four segments and five geographical regions, and has its head office in Sandefjord, Norway.