What Propspeed International does

Propspeed International is a privately held New Zealand-based specialty chemical manufacturer founded in 1999 and headquartered in Auckland, with regional offices in Florida (USA) and Milan (EMEA). The company develops and produces biocide-free, silicone-based foul-release coating systems designed to protect underwater marine assets—primarily propellers, stern drives, sail drives, pod drives, transducers, underwater lights, and hull appendages—by preventing marine organism adhesion through a low-surface-energy mechanism rather than through toxic biocides.

The product portfolio comprises Propspeed® (the original coating for propellers and underwater metals), Foulfree™ (a specialized coating for transducers and a Multi-Surface System for trim tabs, thrusters, interceptors, and other underwater components), Lightspeed™ (coating for underwater lights), and Stripspeed® (a coating remover for reapplication cycles), supplemented by the 4" Application Kit and a digital Coverage Calculator. The system has received Bureau Veritas Type Approval for commercial marine applications, supporting compliance positioning as environmental regulations increasingly restrict biocide-based antifouling coatings.

Revenue is generated through three primary streams: (1) one-time sales of coating products and application kits to boat owners and marine professionals via a global distribution channel; (2) commercial-grade solutions sold to commercial vessel operators (ferries, fishing vessels, crew support vessels, tug boats) under the Propspeed Commercial sub-brand; and (3) OEM factory-standard specifications on new yacht builds, notably with Cranchi Yachts and Bellini Yacht. Distribution is handled through 206 authorized distributors and 394 certified applicators across more than 60 countries, supplemented by direct regional sales and technical management. End customers include recreational boat owners, commercial marine operators, superyacht owners, yacht OEMs, and marine electronics integrations.

Name

Propspeed International

Legal name

Propspeed International

Website

https://propspeed.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Propspeed International develops and manufactures biocide-free, silicone-based foul-release coating systems that protect propellers, stern drives, transducers, and underwater metals from biofouling. The New Zealand-headquartered company distributes its products through 206 distributors and 394 certified applicators across 60+ countries, serving recreational boaters, commercial vessel operators, and yacht OEMs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Coatings

akta.pro primary industry

Coatings, Corrosion Protection & Anti-Fouling Systems (IMAJAKAJ)

Keywords

• Marine foul-release coatings
• Biocide-free antifouling
• Underwater metal protection
• Propeller protection coatings
• Marine coating systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Auckland

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Consumer Foul-Release Coatings: Propspeed generates revenue from selling its range of foul-release coating products (Propspeed, Foulfree, Lightspeed, Stripspeed) and application kits directly to boat owners and marine professionals. Products are distributed through a global network of distributors, applicators, and retailers.
2. Commercial/Industrial Coatings: Propspeed serves commercial vessel operators (ferries, fishing vessels, crew support vessels, tug boats) with industrial-scale coating solutions. The company maintains a dedicated commercial platform (Propspeed Commercial) and has received Bureau Veritas Type Approval for commercial marine applications.
3. OEM/Factory Standard Partnerships: Revenue flows through OEM partnerships where yacht manufacturers (Cranchi Yachts, Bellini Yacht) specify Propspeed as factory-installed standard on new vessel builds, creating recurring demand through original equipment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Propspeed International develops, manufactures, and globally distributes silicone-based, biocide-free foul-release coating systems that protect underwater marine assets including propellers, stern drives, sail drives, pod drives, transducers, and underwater lights from biofouling and corrosion. The product portfolio includes the Propspeed core coating, Foulfree for transducers and multi-surface applications, Lightspeed for underwater lighting, and Stripspeed for coating removal, supported by the proprietary 4-inch Application Kit and the Propspeed Coverage Calculator digital tool.

Product overview

Propspeed International offers a comprehensive portfolio of biocide-free foul-release coatings and related products for the marine industry. The core offering consists of Propspeed® (the main coating for propellers and underwater metals), Foulfree™ (for transducers and multi-surface components), Lightspeed™ (for underwater lights), and Stripspeed® (for coating removal). The portfolio also includes the 4" Application Kit™ for professional application and a Propspeed Coverage Calculator™ digital tool. The commercial sub-brand extends these solutions to commercial vessels. Together, these products form a complete ecosystem for protecting underwater boat assets from biofouling while maintaining performance and fuel efficiency.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Propspeed: Main foul-release coating system for propellers and underwater metals
• Foulfree
• Foulfree Multi-Surface
• Stripspeed
• Lightspeed
• 4" Application Kit
• Propspeed Commercial

Products and services

• Propspeed®

Quantifiable outcome

• Fuel efficiency improvement of 10-15% depending on vessel type (Larry Goldberg, Sea Ray owner, 10+ years use)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered key strategic partner, flagship oem partner, key oem partner, technology endorsement partner, sustainability partner, regional distribution partner, strategic marina partner, strategic partner, technology partner, strategic distribution partner, key distribution partner, industry association partner and sponsorship partner.

• Humphreekey strategic partnerTechnology or IntegrationHumphree and Propspeed established a strategic partnership for protecting performance and enabling more days at sea. Humphree has endorsed the Foulfree Multi-Surface System for use with their stabilizing systems, recognizing the shared values of performance, protection, and efficiency preservation.
• Cranchi Yachtsflagship oem partnerOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerCranchi Yachts has selected Propspeed products as standard biocide-free foul-release protection for their models 62 feet and above. This OEM partnership represents a significant endorsement of Propspeed's technology and quality standards from a major European yacht builder.
• Bellini Yachtkey oem partnerOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerBellini Yacht has selected Propspeed for below-the-waterline protection on the Astor 58 range (standard from 2026) and the new Astor 68 model. Propspeed will be factory standard across the entire Astor product line.
• Farsoundertechnology endorsement partnerTechnology or IntegrationFarsounder partners with Propspeed for biofouling solution on their marine sonar equipment. Farsounder has endorsed Propspeed's Foulfree coating for protecting their multibeam transducers from biofouling while maintaining acoustic performance.
• WASSP Multibeamtechnology endorsement partnerTechnology or IntegrationWASSP Multibeam (ENL) has endorsed Propspeed's Foulfree coating for their multibeam transducer systems. The endorsement validates Foulfree's suitability for protecting precision marine electronics from biofouling.
• The International SeaKeepers Societysustainability partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerPropspeed partners with The International SeaKeepers Society on a new sustainability initiative. The partnership aligns Propspeed's biocide-free coating technology with SeaKeepers' environmental mission for ocean conservation.
• LUKA Marine Murterregional distribution partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLUKA Marine Murter d.o.o. serves as Propspeed's new single-entry partner for Croatia and Slovenia. The partnership drives growth in the Adriatic region through a dedicated distribution partner.
• Safe Harbor Marinasstrategic marina partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSafe Harbor Marinas, a major marina network, is featured as a strategic partner. The partnership provides Propspeed visibility and access through Safe Harbor's extensive marina network serving recreational and commercial vessels.
• Fairline Yachtsstrategic partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerFairline Yachts is listed as a strategic partner on Propspeed's About Us page, indicating an established partnership relationship for promoting Propspeed products to Fairline yacht owners and operators.
• Rivierastrategic partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerRiviera, Australian luxury motor yacht manufacturer, is listed as a strategic partner on Propspeed's About Us page, indicating an established partnership for promoting foul-release coating solutions.
• Horizon Yachtsstrategic partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerHorizon Yachts, a Taiwan-based luxury yacht manufacturer, is listed as a strategic partner on Propspeed's About Us page.
• MJM Yachtsstrategic partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerMJM Yachts is listed as a strategic partner on Propspeed's About Us page, indicating a partnership relationship for promoting Propspeed products.
• Nautor Swanstrategic partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerNautor Swan, the Finnish luxury sailing yacht manufacturer, is listed as a strategic partner on Propspeed's About Us page.
• Palm Beach Motor Yachtsstrategic partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerPalm Beach Motor Yachts is listed as a strategic partner on Propspeed's About Us page.
• Airmartechnology partnerTechnology or IntegrationAirmar Technology Corporation, a manufacturer of marine sonar and fish finder transducers, is listed as a strategic partner. Airmar has endorsed Propspeed's Foulfree coating for transducer protection applications.
• Garmintechnology partnerTechnology or IntegrationGarmin International is listed as a strategic partner, indicating a technology partnership for promoting Propspeed products with Garmin marine electronics.
• Lumishoretechnology partnerTechnology or IntegrationLumishore, manufacturer of marine LED lighting systems, is listed as a strategic partner, indicating a partnership for coordinating Propspeed's Lightspeed product with Lumishore underwater lighting.
• MarineMaxstrategic distribution partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarineMax, a major marine retailer and boat broker in the US, is listed as a strategic partner on Propspeed's About Us page.
• OneWater Marinestrategic distribution partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOneWater Marine, a multi-brand marine dealership network, is listed as a strategic partner on Propspeed's About Us page.
• West Marinekey distribution partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWest Marine, the largest specialty retailer of marine supplies and equipment in the US, is listed as a key distribution partner.
• Budget Marinekey distribution partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBudget Marine, a marine equipment distributor operating in multiple Caribbean and Atlantic locations, is listed as a key distribution partner.
• Land-n-Seakey distribution partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLand-n-Sea, a marine equipment distributor, is listed as a key distribution partner.
• NZ Marineindustry association partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerNZ Marine is listed as an industry partner, representing the New Zealand marine industry and supporting Propspeed's presence in its home market.
• Marine Industries Association of South Floridaindustry association partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerMIASF is listed as an industry partner, supporting Propspeed's presence in the important South Florida marine market.
• National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)industry association partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerNMMA, the leading trade association representing the recreational boating industry in the US, is listed as an industry partner.
• US Superyacht Associationindustry association partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerThe US Superyacht Association, serving the superyacht industry, is listed as an industry partner supporting Propspeed's superyacht segment.
• Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadronsponsorship partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is listed as a sponsor partner, supporting Propspeed's visibility in the yachting community in its home market.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Hempel: Global marine and protective coatings major with silicone-based antifouling products (e.g., Hempasil) competing directly with Propspeed. Serves the same commercial and recreational vessel markets but as one segment within a much broader coatings portfolio.
• Hempel (Hempaguard/Hempasil silicone line): Note included for emphasis on Hempel's silicone foul-release product line as a direct functional competitor to Propspeed's silicone technology, particularly in commercial shipping.
• International Paint (AkzoNobel): The dominant global marine coatings supplier, part of AkzoNobel, offering a full range of antifouling hull coatings including biocide and silicone-based options such as Intersleek. Directly competes with Propspeed in the marine fouling protection category but at vastly greater scale with broad portfolios beyond foul-release.
• Chugoku Marine Paints: Japanese marine coatings specialist with a strong commercial shipping antifouling portfolio including biocide-free and silicone foul-release technologies. Competes with Propspeed in commercial marine applications globally.
• Jotun: Norwegian global coatings company whose marine division offers antifouling products including silicone foul-release options like SeaQuantum X200. Competes with Propspeed across commercial and recreational marine segments with deeper R&D resources and broader global footprint.
• Nippon Paint Marine: Japanese marine coatings major with global commercial shipping presence and a portfolio including low-friction and biocide-free antifouling options. Competes with Propspeed's commercial segment on the same fleet customers.

Direct peers

• Pettit Marine Paint: US-based marine coatings manufacturer focused on the recreational boating market, offering antifouling bottom paints. A more direct peer to Propspeed's recreational segment, though predominantly focused on traditional biocide-based antifouling rather than foul-release.
• Sea Hawk Paints: Recreational marine coatings brand specializing in antifouling bottom paints. Targets the same boat-owner customer base as Propspeed but competes primarily with traditional biocide-based coatings rather than foul-release.
• Subsea Industries (Hydrex): Belgian manufacturer of biocide-free foul-release coatings for ships (e.g., Ecospeed) competing directly with Propspeed in the commercial marine segment. Targets similar commercial fleet operators with non-toxic coating solutions.

Regional players

• Boero Bartolomeo: Italian marine coatings group (Boero, Veneziani Yachting brands) with a strong presence in European yacht builders and Mediterranean recreational markets. Overlaps with Propspeed's European OEM relationships, particularly in Italy and France.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/propspeed
• Facebookfacebook.com/Propspeed
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/propspeedintl

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Propspeed International