Darren Rowlands

Darren Rowlands is the CEO founder Sonihull, a company that provides a complete range of fit-and-forget ultrasonic antifouling solutions for any solid surface that is exposed to raw seawater.

Darren Rowlands, has been leading as the CEO of Sonihull, the Coventry-based company behind a market-leading anti-fouling system. Sonihull’s technology harnesses the power of ultrasound to prevent algae, weeds and molluscs from colonising man-made surfaces submerged in seawater. 

Darren Rowlands has a background in military and police and built a solid career focused on innovation and discipline in solving problems in the Maritime and related supply chain industries.

About sustainability in the shipping industry 

“Sustainability is one of the cores of our focus. We are working tirelessly towards that, and closely with partners and collaborations, like the UN and other important international bodies. No one likes change and our industry is even more reluctant to change. But that change is needed because as it stands right now it is not sustainable. One of the things we are exploring is about using greener fuels. 

In fact, we can currently make fuels that are greener and more sustainable, the technology is already there. What we need to do now is to adopt it and we are striving for it. In fact, we are pollution preventive companies. But we need to have a holistic approach that requires collaboration between every part of this industry. There are a lot of technologies that aren’t working, and that are not applicable to our industry. So although the foundation is there, there is still a lot to do to really create a sustainable industry that is likewise functional. And R&D is, as usual, the starting point for that. 

About the maritime industry 

“There is a lot going on in the world which is impacting the industry. Covid-19 is disrupting everything. There are vessels that aren’t allowed into ports and that is massive disruption of the industry. In our industry, we sat down and from a business perspective, we decided to face Covid pandemic. After talking with our investors, we decided to keep growing as a business and, for example, we decided to go out on a search for talent to grow our staff with the best minds that can deliver success and help us navigate the challenges and prepare us better for the future, including adopting innovation and sustainability. 

The pandemic is causing all kinds of disruption in the commercial shipping sector. From falling freight rates to in-water mothballing and long delays for scheduled drydocks. But, one thing remains constant, algae, weeds and barnacles are still growing on ships. Our systems can protect hulls, pipework, cooling systems and propellers from the rigours of fouling, without the need for drydocking or expensive in-water cleaning. What’s more, they can be fitted by small Covid-safe teams and need very little power to be effective.”