Electric force field could protect ships' hulls
German scientists have developed an electric force field which stops sea shells, mussels and algae growing on ships' hulls.
The discovery could mean doing away with deadly chemical coatings currently in use.
Marine biologists in Rostock say they have developed a special underwater paint which can conduct electricity and stop creatures latching on to ships.
The "passengers" cause drag which results in the waste of huge amounts of fuel each year.
The force field is made up of a titanium shield coated by a synthetic material which carries a continuous electrical charge.
The force field creates an acidic atmosphere around the hull, the strength of which can be changed at regular intervals by changing the electrical charge being delivered to the hull.
The result of all these changes in atmosphere is a huge shock for the small marine creatures which drop off the body of the ship in search of easier conditions.
The force field would mean the end of poisonous TBT chemical shields which have been used to protect ships in the past.
TBT interferes with reproduction in snails and can enter the food chain via contaminated fish.
The international shipping organisation - the IMO - has called on shipping firms to stop using TBTs by 2003.
