Antifouling & Environmental Impact

Dear Boat Owners, Skippers & Crew,

We have recently been involved in a meeting with Cornwall Marine Network, the Environmental Agency, the MMO and all the other boatyards in the Cornwall area. The reason for this meeting was to discuss the ever-developing technologies used in the production of anti-fouling systems, the environmental impact of anti-fouling and the processes that are commonly used on the front line to remove fouling, remove old anti-fouling and what is done with contaminated biomass and debris from the pressure washing/hull cleaning.

The EA found themselves taking legal action against one of our local boatyards in the early part of 2019; the root cause of this action was the boatyard being seen to be polluting an inland waterway due to the contaminated run off during pressure washing a yacht. The heavy metals found in anti-fouling cause considerable damage to the seabed and are being absorbed/consumed by the animals, crustaceans and organisms that call the sea their home. There was a change in law in 2003 that saw a chemical called Tributyltin effectively banned with a view to have all anti-fouling paints free of such by 2008. The subsequent chemicals that have been developed are still rich in heavy metals that continue to pose an environmental impact that is detrimental to maintaining our lush Cornish waters and further afield.
 
With this in mind, we as a business are changing the way in which we undertake and handle the pressure washing, removal of antifoul and the debris created. We are introducing a policy that obligates every boat/vessel/yacht to be pressure washed by Gweek Classic Boatyard, from which we can retain contaminated water, biomass and debris, pump it to the equivalent of an IBC Container, to which we can then add a recommended polymer and allow the separation of harmful chemicals, so that we can release the uncontaminated water and retain the pollutants for safe disposal. Due to the agreement between the boat owner and GCB, once your vessel is out of the water and on our property, an effective waste transfer agreement is in place, meaning that if contaminated biomass or debris is allowed to pollute via dissipation through the ground or wash-off GCB become liable. We will be insisting that if there are any plans to work on your yacht below the waterline, particularly relating to the removal of old anti-fouling, you would discuss your task and comply with our requests.
 
When your boat comes out of the water, the process of pressure washing will need to change. This will involve more time and potentially affect the amount of boats we can do in one day. Pressure washing will only be able to be provided by GCB on boat hulls below the waterline. This will involve some cost and we will incorporate it as part of the craning out process.
 
We have invested in a very hi-tech marine oscillating sander, which we will be renting at a very reasonable rate, this has been recognised for its effectiveness in reducing air born debris and collecting in a powerful 60L vacuum. The immediate area surrounding your yacht will need to be covered with a tarpaulin to contain any subsequent debris and disposed of. There will be a blanket ban on dry sanding whilst ashore unless this piece of equipment and method is used.

Charges to hire our marine sanding equipment:

Day 1 £45.00
Day2+ £25.00

The unit must be booked out for the intended duration of the project. If your rental period ends, the process starts again.
 
As the industry continues to develop more eco-friendly and effective anti-fouling systems, we are seeing a big incentive to move to Coppercoating and even silicone-based treatments for hulls. We can complete this work at GCB either in-house or via Hardman Jones Marine. Also, through our relationship with Seaware we can provide stronger anti-foul that can be ordered and applied by GCB; this is a commercial product and cannot be sold to the public over the counter. The team in the office are also able to assist you with your selection of over the counter anti-foul products; our relationship with Seaware will ensure you get the most appropriate product at a competitive price.

We will continue to offer an anti-fouling service to our clients at a cost of:

Standard Anti-Fouling: £40 per hour plus Materials & Consumables
Racing Anti-Fouling: £40 per hour plus Materials & Consumables
Copper Coating: £40 per hour plus Materials & Consumables
Hull Sanding to GRP: £40 per hour plus Materials & Consumables

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact the office.

Kind regards,

Mark Aichroth
mark@gweekquay.co.uk
07767640986