Sec. 1084. Assessment regarding antifouling coatings
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Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct an assessment to evaluate the feasibility of moving away from copper-based antifouling coatings. Such an assessment shall include each of the following: A timeline to remove existing copper-based antifouling coatings from naval vessels by January 1, 2028. Criteria for antifouling effectiveness, measured by— the duration of time such coating prevents biological adhesion, corrosion, and degradation of vessel surfaces; environmental damage caused by shedding and leaching of the coating; and the effect of the coating on fuel efficiency and vessel speed.
An evaluation of whether a new standard in standard rotation for maintenance of surface vessels could effectively reduce the time and costs associated with maintenance key events, such as repair planning and time in drydock, while also being environmentally sound. Prior to conducting the assessment required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall evaluate commercially available products, technologies, applications, and services that could be used to improve combat readiness by decreasing the need for re-application of antifouling coatings.