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Why do global maritime shipping vessels utilize a specialized hull paint formula containing copper compounds?

I looked at a massive dry-docked container ship and noticed the entire lower underwater section is coated in a dark reddish paint layer. What chemical purpose does this serve in the ocean?
engineering nature science
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EcoScientist
asked 5d ago · 10 rep

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That layer is called anti-fouling marine paint. The ocean contains millions of barnacles algae and muscle larvae that constantly attempt to attach to ship metal hulls. The copper compounds inside the paint are toxic to these small organisms preventing marine growth that would otherwise create immense hydrodynamic drag and spike fuel usage.
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AstroScience answered 5d ago

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