Have you ever wondered why most of the ships are painted with red color on the bottom?Let’s find out!
Ships’ bottoms are often painted red to prevent marine growth such as barnacles which attach to the ship's hull & cause drag, reducing the vessel's speed & efficiency.
The paint used on the bottom of ships is called anti-fouling paint, which contains toxic chemicals that discourage marine organisms from growing.
The use of red paint is a tradition that dates back to the earliest days of sailing ships, when wooden ships would travel around the world slowly.
In the past, sailors used to cover the hulls of ships with copper paint to protect the vessel from unwanted growth. The copper added a red tint to the paint.
Nowadays, Anti-fouling coatings can be added to any color of paint but the hulls are still painted red to honor and maintain the old nautical tradition.
The red color of the paint is also believed to be more visible in the water, making it easier for divers to spot and repair any damage to the ship's hull.
The red color of the paint also serves as a contrast to the sea water, which can demonstrate if the ship is overloaded.
The red color at the bottom of the ship can be easily captured by passing-by helicopters in case of emergency if the ship capsizes
Another reason for the use of red paint is that it is more resistant to UV rays and sunlight, which can cause the paint to degrade over time.
The use of red paint is a cost-effective solution for preventing marine growth on the ship's hull, as it does not require constant maintenance.