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UK-based antifouling company Sonihull recognised in The King’s Awards for Enterprise

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(L-R) Sonihull's Eve Croghan, Darren Rowlands, Jessica Rowlands and Darren Jones
Antifouling company Sonihull has been given the royal seal of approval after being named one of the first recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise.

Based in Coventry in the UK, it has been recognised in the International Trade category for its technology which emits ultrasonic soundwaves to safely prevent marine algae, weeds and molluscs from colonising ocean-going vessels and structures, such as ships and wind farms.

Suitable for large hull surface areas, including cruise ships, its product removes the need for toxic biocidal coatings which can contain chemicals and microplastics. Built to last, Sonihull’s first system installed in 2008 is still in operation today. 

‘A Cinderella’ 

As well as reducing maintenance costs by up to 90%, Sonihull states it is helping to clean up the ocean by removing the need for traditional toxic biofouling methods, such as biocide and copper, and replacing it with an ultrasonic antifouling system which does not need biocides nor interfere with marine mammals.

So far, its technology can be found on vessels in more than 70 countries and territories. The company’s turnover has grown 40% year-on-year, leading to an overseas expansion with new Abu Dhabi offices and laboratory in 2020, a USA office in Boston in 2022, and a Vancouver and EU base opening in 2023, with its UK headquarters rooted at Westwood Business Park in Coventry.

‘Talking about keeping the bottom of a boat clean isn’t sexy – it is a Cinderella – but we are incredibly proud to be leading the way in transforming how marine applications are approaching antifouling,' remarked Sonihull CEO Darren Rowlands.

The company claims that its Research and Development Centre & Operations Hub in Abu Dhabi is the only full-time laboratory in the world dedicated to ultrasonic antifouling for the maritime and other industries.

‘As a company, we have shown terrific growth over the past few years particularly on the international scene where exports now account for more than 95% of our business, with our innovation helping to change the green credentials of the maritime industry,’ said Rowlands.

A $100b industry

Antifouling is an industry worth approximately $100b annually in the commercial shipping sector alone, according to Sonihull. It states that Sonihull operates on around 1% of the world’s commercial vessels, but – if it was on every merchant vessel in the world – global ship emissions could be reduced by between 160 and 408m tonnes of CO2 every year.

King’s Awards for Enterprise 

Now in its 57th year, the newly-renamed King’s Awards for Enterprise continues Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy to recognise and promote outstanding achievements in the field of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. 

Rowlands described receiving the award as ‘a huge privilege and honour,’ adding that ‘it is particularly special to receive this acclaim from King Charles, who is well-known for championing climate action.’ 

He continued, ‘Although we’re based in a landlocked city, Coventry has always been a hotbed for innovation and industry and we are proud to centre our operations in the place we call home.’

Winners of The King’s Awards for Enterprise were announced today and are invited to attend a Royal reception this summer.