Smooth Sailing with AkzoNobel’s B-Free Explore

One word to describe B-Free Explore’s performance? “Unbelievable,” said Jørgen Gudem.

The fifth-generation boatbuilder was looking for a more sustainable way to care for his vessels to help futureproof the beautiful Norwegian fjords he sails in. So when he heard about global coating company AkzoNobel’s International  B-Free Explore, he couldn’t wait to try it out.

Jørgen, was born into the boating industry, following in his father’s footsteps to become a licensed captain and now owns excursion company Gudem Maritime and dealership where he offers sightseeing tours of the stunning Oslofjord as well as repairing and selling yachts.

But barnacles and American oyster clams have become an increasing issue on his yachts’ hulls by clinging on to increase drag and fuel consumption. Moreover, the captain was conscious of his responsibility to minimise the impact on the marine eco-system, and he was seeking a fouling control product with better environmental credentials.

Jørgen said: “There’s been a growing focus from the community to help the environment along the coasts, and it’s an important contribution to make the fjords survive.”

B-Free Explore, from International, is a biocide-free, foul-release technology for use on underwater hulls and launched in the autumn of 2022 as part of a sustainable solution for boaters looking to reduce their impact on the environment.

The premium product is also an option for boaters in areas with changing regulatory restrictions on traditional fouling control products and its specially-developed, unique foul release polymer technology results in an exceptionally smooth and slick hull. 

This controls fouling by preventing microorganisms like barnacles, slime and algae from forming strong bonds with the underside surface of the boat. Any that do adhere can be wiped away easily by hand or water jet.

The result is a reduction in drag, which saves fuel, improves hull efficiencies and boating performance.

Jørgen first applied the revolutionary product to his 23ft Kaasbøll with a 250 Mercury outboard in 2022, and then his Nimbus Commander 38 last September.

He said: “I never got over 26 knots in the larger boat, even when it was clean, but after we applied B-Free Explore, I reached 30. Four knots on a big boat is almost unbelievable. With a cruising speed of 20 knots, it’s almost 14 litres per hour less fuel consumption so it’s a big difference. It looks good and the driving experience is better because there’s a lot less noise from the hull. Then there’s the bonus with the extra speed and lower consumption. It’s a fantastic feeling to know that everything under the water is now 100 percent.”

The B-Free Explore system is suitable for all types and sizes of boats including aluminium, GRP, steel and wood and can be applied to new hulls or directly to existing antifouling, without the need for removal of the previous antifouling coating.

When asked about how B-Free Explore compares to rival fouling control products, Jørgen said: “It’s almost apples and bananas, it’s a huge difference.

“I’m really happy as it’s made both my boat and the experience so much better.”