New Delhi: The global antifouling paints and coatings market is poised for strong expansion over the next decade, with market size projected to hit approximately $13.18 billion by 2031, according to a fresh industry outlook from Allied Market Research (AMR).
Antifouling coatings — specialised surface treatments applied to ship hulls, offshore platforms and marine vessels — play a critical role in preventing biofouling, minimising drag and reducing fuel consumption. As global maritime activity rebounds and vessel maintenance cycles continue to drive demand, industry analysts expect sustained investment in high-performance and regulatory-compliant solutions.
Market Dynamics: Scale, Technology and Regulation
The AMR report highlights that the market’s compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is projected at around 8.5% from 2022 to 2031, underpinned by rising shipbuilding activities, expanding marine trade and evolutions in coating technologies.
Key drivers cited include:
Rising global shipbuilding output, particularly in Asia-Pacific, which fuels fresh demand for antifouling coatings in new builds.
Improvements in vessel durability and coating efficacy, reducing operational costs and extending dry-dock intervals.
Stringent environmental regulations by bodies such as the IMO and EU, encouraging adoption of low-biocide, eco-friendly formulations.
The shift toward advanced materials — including self-polishing copolymers, foul-release coatings and hybrid chemistries that blend silicone and polymer technologies — reflects industry efforts to balance performance and sustainability. These innovations are increasingly favoured by owners of commercial fleets, offshore rigs and naval vessels seeking longer service life and regulatory compliance.
Regional Leadership and Segment Trends
Asia-Pacific is expected to maintain a leading share of the market, driven by robust shipbuilding capacity in China, South Korea and Japan and strong maritime trade flows. The region’s coatings demand outpaces other geographies, supported by large commercial and defence fleets.
Within product segments, traditional copper-based antifouling paints remain significant due to their effectiveness in preventing marine organism attachment, while hybrid and biocide-reduced solutions are gaining traction in markets with stricter environmental norms.
Competitive Landscape and Innovation
Major players in the antifouling coatings space — including Akzo Nobel, Hempel, Jotun, PPG Industries and The Sherwin-Williams Company — are intensifying efforts around product innovation, strategic partnerships and geographic expansion to capture rising demand. Collaborative ventures with shipyards, marine services providers and offshore operators are enabling faster field validation and broader adoption of next-generation formulations.
As the industry navigates evolving operational needs and regulatory frameworks, stakeholders highlight environmental compliance, fuel efficiency and maintenance optimisation as key themes shaping future growth. With projected expansion rates significantly above many traditional marine segments, antifouling paints and coatings are increasingly seen as critical enablers of sustainable and cost-efficient maritime operations.