Anglesey-based Grafmarine, in partnership with industrial giant Henkel, is turning the tide in marine renewable energy capture with an innovative venture.
Grafmarine, also based in Manchester, is working with the German multinational known for brands such as Sellotape and Unibond on a new anti-corrosive adhesive.
The adhesive will bond Grafmarine's state-of-the-art NanoDeck tiles to any flat surface, most notably ships and vessels.
The NanoDeck tiles form Grafmarine’s AI solar management system, which can capture, store, and remotely manage clean energy while at sea.
As global shipping markets target net-zero deadlines, demand for such clean energy solutions is rising sharply.
Nigel Marc Roberts, the commercial director at the company said: "To be working alongside Henkel and developing different ideas is a privilege, as they are a world leader in bonding technology.
"For us, the focus is on ease of application, an adhesive that can effectively 'glue' the tile to the vessel, and that’s something they are trialling."
Mr Roberts also went on to acknowledge the effectiveness of this new approach saying: "The process is incredible and a game-changer for us, as it makes the whole system less labour intensive, reduces thermal stress, and the tile can be attached to any type of material or surface."
Grafmarine has created two distinct models for different sectors: a rugged square panel for the shipping industry's challenging conditions and a hexagonal design attracting interest in the luxury super-yacht market.
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Martin Leigh, the founder of Grafmarine said: "Both are game changers and will have a major impact on how clean energy is stored and managed at sea."
Henkel also shared the spirit of collaboration on sustainable projects.
A Henkel spokesperson added: "We have a high focus on identifying and collaborating with sustainable opportunities, so being able to work with Grafmarine on this innovative solution for greener energy production in the shipping industry aligns perfectly with our core values."
For more details on Grafmarine and the new venture, visit www.grafmarine.com or follow their social media accounts @grafmarineltd.
For more Henkel-related news, head to www.henkel.co.uk.
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