A strategic alliance between Rolls-Royce, a market leader in marine applications, and UCT Coatings Inc. is bringing new technology to the marine market and is about to start work on a $7 million U.S. Navy research contract. The contract, placed with Rolls-Royce, will evaluate UCT's patented UltraCem nickel boron coatings on naval propulsion systems such as propellers and waterjets.

These coatings have the capability to change the hydrodynamic performance, cavitation characteristics and sea-growth fouling of propellers and waterjets. Performance, reliability and time between repair of marine equipment can also be increased by reduced friction and wear. UCT has granted Rolls-Royce a long-term exclusive license to use this technology for a wide range of commercial and naval marine equipment.

"This research contract will allow us to improve many current products and develop several new product concepts," said Andy Marsh, President of Rolls-Royce U.S. naval operations. "We also intend to work closely with our customers to apply this technology on non-Rolls-Royce equipment. UltraCem is a very exciting and versatile emerging marine coating technology."

"The global reach of Rolls-Royce and its leadership role in the marine marketplace is a perfect match for our business strategy," said Tom Dyer, president and COO of UCT Coatings, Inc. "We have jointly begun testing and product application development and hope to capitalize on this effort in the near term."