The extended immersion of ships in seawater frequently results in biofouling, a condition characterized by the accumulation of marine organisms such as barnacles and algae. To combat this issue, the application of anti-fouling coatings to the hull surfaces of vessels has emerged as one of the most effective strategies. In response to the increasing global emphasis on environmental sustainability, there is a growing demand for anti-fouling coatings that not only demonstrate superior anti-fouling efficacy but also adhere to stringent environmental standards. The traditional use of organotin-based self-polishing anti-fouling coatings, known for their high toxicity, has been prohibited due to environmental concerns. Consequently, there is a progressive shift toward the development and application of environmentally friendly anti-fouling coatings. This paper reviews the toxicity and application limitations associated with conventional anti-fouling coatings. It provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the field, including the development of novel self-polishing anti-fouling coatings, low surface energy coatings, biomimetic coatings, and nanostructured coatings, each leveraging distinct anti-fouling mechanisms. The paper evaluates the composition and performance of these emerging coatings and identifies key technical challenges that remain unresolved. It also proposes a multi-faceted approach to addressing these challenges, suggesting potential solutions for enhancing the effectiveness and environmental compatibility of anti-fouling technologies. The paper forecasts future research directions and development trajectories for marine anti-fouling coatings, emphasizing the need for continued innovation to achieve both environmental sustainability and superior anti-fouling performance.
