In recent years, the Shantou Navigation Mark Office of the South China Sea Navigation Support Center under the Ministry of Transport (hereinafter referred to as the Shantou Navigation Mark Office) has actively implemented green development policies and concepts. By introducing new polymer polyethylene materials and cavitation jet cleaning technology, it has promoted the green transformation of navigation mark maintenance, significantly enhancing the durability of navigation marks and the environmental sustainability of maintenance operations, thus injecting new green momentum into the maritime navigation support system.
Polymer Polyethylene Materials Leading the Green Upgrade of Navigation Marks
Traditional steel materials used in buoys are prone to corrosion and marine organism attachment in ocean environments, with short maintenance cycles and maintenance processes involving the use of toxic substances such as paints and antifouling coatings, posing potential threats to marine ecosystems. The Shantou Navigation Mark Office has gradually introduced polymer polyethylene materials into existing buoys. This polymer material has three prominent advantages: First, it possesses excellent corrosion resistance, effectively withstanding seawater and salt spray erosion, reducing material loss and environmental pollution caused by rust, and significantly extending service life; Second, it resists biofouling—its smooth surface and certain anti-fouling properties reduce the attachment of marine organisms such as shellfish and algae, thereby lowering the difficulty and frequency of cleaning; Third, it is environmentally friendly and non-toxic. No harmful substances are released during production and use, and the intrinsic coloring technique avoids pollution caused by paint peeling. Currently, the Shantou Navigation Mark Office has applied this new material to nearly half of its buoy structures, reducing dependence on traditional paint coatings and cutting chemical discharges into the marine environment at the source, so as to realize the green upgrading of navigation marks.
Cavitation Jet Technology: A High-Efficient and Eco-Friendly Solution for Buoy Maintenance
Traditional methods for removing bird droppings and rust from buoy surfaces in maintenance are often labor-intensive, resource-consuming, and inefficient. To address this, the Shantou Navigation Mark Service has introduced cavitation jet cleaning technology, offering a highly efficient and environmentally friendly solution for cleaning and derusting navigation aids. This innovative physical cleaning technique utilizes high-speed water flow to generate microbubbles inside the nozzle or near its outlet. When these bubbles collapse on the surface, they produce powerful micro-jets and impact forces, effectively stripping away contaminants and rust with the minimal damage to the buoy’s base material. Compared with conventional maintenance methods, this technology is more energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and effective even at lower pressures, significantly reducing energy consumption. Additionally, the seawater can be used as the cleaning medium, eliminating the need for chemical agents and thereby minimizing marine pollution.
Aligning with China's “dual carbon” goals (peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality), the integration of advanced polymer materials and cavitation jet technology in buoy maintenance not only enhances maritime safety reliability but also promotes sustainable development. This synergy establishes a “dual-drive” model (combining technological innovation and ecological protection) for green buoy maintenance. Looking ahead, as these cutting-edge materials and technologies are further adopted and refined, a safer, more efficient, and truly sustainable future for maritime navigation services is on the horizon.
Source: China Transportation News Network