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K-REN

An ecological, cost-effective hull cover preventing fouling and eliminating toxic paints

August 2025

K-REN

An ecological, cost-effective hull cover preventing fouling and eliminating toxic paints

  • World Alliance Member
  • Featured Solution
  • Labelled Solution
Label Date August 28, 2025
By K-REN
From France
Maturity stage TRL 9 / CRI 3-4 - Commercial Scale Up / Multiple commercial Applications

The K-REN hull cover, manufactured in France from recyclable technical fabrics, blocks out light and prevents the growth of marine organisms, thereby avoiding the release of heavy metals and biocides into the environment. Easy to install and suitable for all types of vessels, it reduces the need for frequent hull maintenance while preserving biodiversity and nautical performance. Committed to local and responsible production, we collaborate with regional partners and constantly verify the safety of our materials. K-Ren provides a concrete alternative to traditional hull cleaning, combining performance, sustainability, and respect for the oceans to support the ecological transition of the maritime sector.

The Environmental Benefits

  • No light, no fouling – Our SqualTeck® fabric blocks 100 % of sunlight around the hull. Without light, algae and shell-formers can’t start photosynthesis, so nothing accroaches and the boat stays perfectly clean
  • Quick fit, decade of use – A crew of two installs or removes a K-Ren cover in under 30 minutes while the boat stays afloat. The rugged, recyclable textile keeps its anti-fouling performance for roughly ten years, slashing maintenance stops
  • Zero toxins, real savings – Replacing antifouling paint, one cover prevents up to 150 kg of heavy-metal paint waste over its life and cuts hull drag. Owners save 5-10 % on fuel or gain the same margin of sailing speed, reducing CO₂ emissions
  • Each K-Ren cover eliminates 10 years of antifouling paint use: that’s 25 kg of copper and 400 kg CO₂e avoided per boat—equivalent to driving 2 000 km by car—and zero toxic discharge into the harbor
  • By eliminating the annual haul-out, a single covered boat saves ≥ 6 000 L of fresh water over 10 years—the daily domestic water needs of 40 people for one day

The Financial Benefits

  • The K‑Ren cover pays for itself in 18 months on a 12 m monohull yacht, in 12 months on a catamaran—where haul‑outs are especially complex—and almost instantly on a FREMM frigate, thanks to 30 % fuel savings plus avoided maintenance
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Company Profile

K-REN

K-REN, a 100% French innovation: protective covers free of toxic paints for cleaner, more sustainable boating.

Headquarters 34130 Mauguio, France
Type Company
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The information set out above, is solely for the purposes of information and the Solar Impulse Foundation does not provide any guarantee as to its authenticity, completeness or accuracy. This information does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy into, transact or to enter into any agreement with any of the parties or persons mentioned above. Potential investors or interested parties are solely responsible for their investment or business decisions and for performing any due diligence required by the circumstances. The innovator K-REN has asserted ownership of the intellectual property rights for images, videos, and content showcased above, affirming full and unrestricted usage rights, and has provided explicit permission for the Solar Impulse Foundation to publish such information designated as "public" in the application form.