Οι επιπτώσεις της κλιματικής αλλαγής στην ναυτιλία και ειδικά στην απόδοση των υφαλοχρωμάτων

Αρβανίτη, Μαρία Κ.

Master Thesis

Author

Αρβανίτη, Μαρία Κ.

Date

2012-10-11

Abstract

Nowadays, climate change is a phenomenon whose presence becomes more and more apparent. It is manifested by the disruption of existing weather patterns and extreme events (typhoons, storms, floods), but also by the continuous rise in sea level due to the thermal expansion of water and the melting of glaciers. Extreme events and typhoons are significant adverse effects of climate change especially in the naval sector. Overheating of the planet is another important factor of climate change, for terrestrial and marine systems. Increase of sea temperature, in addition to thermal expansion and sea level rise, also affects the growth of marine organisms, both plants and animals. It also affects the effectiveness of antifouling coatings, since more microorganisms will tend to grow on the ship hull, further decreasing its effectiveness. In the present study, the effects of climate change on the naval sector are described, both in general terms and more specifically in relation to microorganisms. The properties, uses and environmental impact of marine antifouling coatings are discussed, as well as their effectiveness on the hull (velocities/costs, consumption, drydocking) under the increasing temperature regime of the world oceans.