Unsightly and problematic, marine growth on your boat’s hull is a drag in more ways than one. Fouling build-up can result in a myriad of negative knock-on effects on performance, speed, engine wear, and emissions, resulting in a need for more repair work, higher running costs and potential impact on the boat’s value. In short, a persistent layer of barnacles, slime, algae, mussels and weed can severely disrupt your season.
For boat owners sailing in New Zealand’s waters, the perennial issue of fouling growth is particularly acute.
Our region’s waterways and coastal waters present some of the most demanding high-fouling challenges in the world; as a result, New Zealand’s marine industry is highly scrutinised and strictly-regulated when it comes to biofouling.
Launched across New Zealand and Asia-Pacific in August 2026, Micron® 350 antifouling is specifically designed to address the fouling challenges faced by New Zealand boaters.
Developed by the experts at International®, the expanded launch of Micron® 350 ensures more boat owners have access to easy-to-use, long-lasting antifouling technology, already proven in other markets and trusted to deliver reliable performance.
Robust fouling protection for Asia-Pacific Waters
Whether cruising, racing or fishing, any boat owner sailing or berthing their boat in the tropical and subtropical waters of Asia-Pacific will understand the importance of effective fouling control.
When warm temperatures accelerate the growth of fouling organisms, this can leave boat owners facing higher maintenance burdens and decreased hull efficiencies if persistent fouling is left to build up on an unprotected surface.
In New Zealand waters, the diversity in environments creates further challenges due to the difference in water temperatures, with boats based in the warmer northern regions prone to heavy, year-round fouling, whereas cooler water in the south results in slower growth.
When faced with these significant fouling risks, the selection and application of the right antifouling system is critical, as Simon Knight, Yacht Regional Sales Manager, APAC, AkzoNobel, explains: “We have listened to feedback from Asia-Pacific boaters who are facing real challenges when sailing in some of the toughest fouling conditions in the world. The warm, tropical waters mean that the performance, reliability and durability of their chosen antifouling solution is vital. Micron 350 has been developed specifically to address those demands by delivering uncompromising fouling protection, even in the harshest sailing environments.”
Premium self-polishing technology for everyday boaters
The premium antifouling performance from Micron 350 was developed precisely to ensure everyday boaters in the highest-fouling waters can reap the many benefits of reliable and long-lasting antifouling.
It offers time and money back to boaters, delivering multi-season performance and consistent protection even when the boat is stationary.
The secret to its effectiveness against fouling organisms, including slime, aquatic plants and marine life, lies in the proven self-polishing copolymer (SPC) technology from International®.
Offering up to two years of antifouling performance, the reliable polishing system ensures boat owners benefit from a continuously smoothing finish as it wears, preventing excessive paint build-up over time.
The self-smoothing surface ensures that drag is always minimised whilst maintaining optimum biocide release, including times when the boat is sitting idle at a mooring or in a marina berth when fouling tends to accumulate fastest.
Without the worry, cost and time implications of dealing with unsightly marine growth, New Zealand’s sailors and boaters can enjoy peace of mind that their yacht’s hull will stay clean and smooth from launch to the next haul-out.
Simon Knight, from AkzoNobel, expanded: “Self-polishing copolymer (SPC) antifoulings are the best-performing coatings in the market and are designed to provide the highest level of protection within the most demanding fouling conditions. SPC coatings gradually wear away in seawater, ensuring a consistent release of active ingredients and a smooth surface over time. These coatings are ideal for boats that stay in the water year-round, as well as cruising yachts, and is ideal for owners who want longer intervals between maintenance and reliable, all-round performance.”
Why boat owners and applicators select Micron 350
A versatile choice across boat types and cruising grounds, Micron 350 was designed with genuine flexibility in how it is used and applied.
For DIY owners and small yards, Micron 350 is easy to apply by brush or roller, or using airless spray for professional applicators handling larger vessels or fleet work. Two coats deliver a full twelve months of protection, while three coats extend that to twenty-four months, letting owners choose the scheme that matches how they actually use their boat.
Recommended for use as part of an International® system, including Interprotect® and Primocon® primers, Micron 350 is available in black or blue and can be applied over suitably primed GRP/FRP, steel, wood, cast iron and lead hull types. It can also be used over most types of antifoulings, provided they are in sound condition.
Ideal for the warm, biologically active waters across Asia-Pacific, Micron 350 polishes away cleanly, reducing the need for heavy maintenance between seasons.
Benefits of a clean, sleek hull
The process of antifouling your boat is arguably the most important maintenance job ahead of re-launch.
However, extracting the most value requires a multi-step, multi-layered approach to the project in which preparation is key. The process should involve a thorough cleansing of the hull, followed by inspection for osmosis and moisture readings, before carrying out any small repairs, and then a layer of primer before the application of filler.
Peeling and flaking paint should be scraped away before the priming process. After checking compatibility charts, Micron 350 can be applied by following AkzoNobel’s recommendations.
With accurate application, the attachment of fouling organisms will be minimised, which not only enhances the boat’s appearance and reduces the frequency of repairs but also supports optimum performance and vital cost savings.
A smooth hull reduces drag, which in turn saves fuel, a critical advantage in today’s uncertain times of rising fuel costs. Hull efficiencies and boating performance are also improved, with reduced strain on the engine, while a clean hull means faster cruising speeds, as well as an improved driving experience due to less noise from the hull. With less fuel needed to drive the boat through the water, whilst maintaining the same speed, owners achieve improved vessel performance alongside a reduction in harmful emissions.
There is another cost implication to a severely fouled hull, which can be extreme if left unmaintained. Fouling can burrow into hull coatings, causing corrosion and blisters in the fibreglass through osmosis, which can be expensive and time-consuming to repair.
Effective antifouling is also good news for the environment, as it contributes to the health of our marine environment by limiting the transfer of invasive species. This is particularly important in sensitive coastal ecosystems such as New Zealand, where the marine environment is especially vulnerable to invasive species introduced as a result of hull fouling, which has led to the introduction of strict biosecurity requirements for any arriving vessels.
Endorsed by boat owners and captains
Micron 350 has a strong track record in Europe, proven across a wide range of boat types and operating conditions, earning the trust of owners, captains and marine professionals.
Captain Osvaldo Cioppi, who skippers the Pershing 72 SILVER PEARL, trusts the product to perform in a variety of conditions.
Based in the Mediterranean, the yacht undertakes extensive cruising each year, including long-distance passages through a range of climates and fouling conditions.
Captain Cioppi said, “Micron 350 has given me peace of mind that my boat will come out clean at the next haul-out, even when it remains stationary in the harbour during the winter months. Sailing through different regions, I have noticed that it performs well in both cold waters and tropical waters. When I know I’ll be sailing many miles during the year, I always make sure to apply an extra coat.”
The global expertise and experience of International®
AkzoNobel’s International® brand is globally recognised for pioneering innovative coating systems, underpinned by decades of research and development.
Eve Lenez, Yacht Segment Manager at AkzoNobel, added, “Micron 350 represents the right product, at the right time, for the right market. For years, European boaters have relied on Micron 350 antifouling for dependable, long-lasting hull protection, underpinned by decades of research and development from the globally recognised International® brand.
“Our engagement with customers made it clear that boaters in the Asia-Pacific needed access to the same leading technology from AkzoNobel, offering comprehensive multi-season performance without added complexity. We are proud to bring Micron 350 to the Asia-Pacific market, ensuring that both everyday boaters and professional applicators can benefit from the proven performance of this product.”
AkzoNobel’s customer support and advice
In a complex and evolving antifouling market, it is best to speak to an experienced partner when considering the most appropriate fouling control systems.
For New Zealand boaters, local International® representatives are available for consultation to provide specific application and compatibility advice for Micron 350.
AkzoNobel’s global network of specialists and Yacht Paint Application Centers (YPAC), including a base in Australia, also provides local support and the latest advice regarding innovations in application techniques and technologies for yards and professionals.
Micron 350 is available now in New Zealand and across Asia-Pacific through International® authorized retailers and distributors.
For more information, visit www.international-yachtpaint.com.
