Presentation of certificates

First Blue Angel for underwater coatings: AMS Waterfront Systems receives ecolabel for boat lift

12. February 2026

A product was awarded the Blue Angel ecolabel for underwater coatings and other anti-fouling systems (DE-UZ 221) for the first time at this year’s international water sports trade fair boot Düsseldorf. The WFS Lift boat lift from AMS Waterfront Systems, based in Brandenburg, lifts boats that are not in use completely out of the water at the touch of a button. This virtually eliminates the development of fouling on the hull – and makes the use of environmentally harmful biocidal coatings unnecessary. The system thus makes an important contribution to water protection.

Two men in AMS vests and one man in a suit. Two of them are holding the framed certificate together.

Dr. Sascha Setzer (r.) from the German Environment Agency presents Steffen Hein and Steven Hein (AMS WATERFRONT SYSTEMS) with the certificate for the Blue Angel awarded to the clearwater hydraulic WFS Lift (background). © Ben Hoffmann VMWD

The Blue Angel for underwater coatings

Fouling on hulls due to algae, mussels or barnacles is a constant challenge for boat owners. Biocidal anti-fouling coatings are often used here and their active ingredients are continuously released into the aquatic environment. This leads to significant environmental pollution and damages aquatic ecosystems.

Effective and environmentally friendly non-biocidal alternatives are being certified with the newly introduced Blue Angel ecolabel for underwater coatings and other anti-fouling systems (DE-UZ 221) for the first time. Alongside strict requirements on materials and ingredients, the Blue Angel also takes into account environmental impacts during the use phase. In addition, a duty to provide information ensures that users can use the products correctly and safely.

Awarded product: WFS Lift from AMS Waterfront Systems

“With the WFS Lift, AMS Waterfront Systems is showing in an innovative way that effective anti-fouling measures are also possible without using biocides. Solutions of this kind make an important contribution to reducing the release of harmful substances into bodies of water and sustainably protecting the aquatic environment,” said Dr. Sascha Setzer from the German Environment Agency at the certificate presentation ceremony. The system from AMS Waterfront Systems employs a special clearwater hydraulic system and thus stands out as especially environmentally friendly, beyond the Basic Award Criteria.

Other biocide-free alternatives

Alternative non-biocidal anti-fouling systems such as non-stick coatings, ultrasound systems or cleaning systems can also be certified with the ecolabel.

You can find further information via this link

Information about the Blue Angel ecolabel

The Blue Angel has been the ecolabel of the German federal government and the guide for sustainable purchasing for more than 45 years. It is an independent and credible label that sets stringent standards for environmentally friendly products and services. The Blue Angel guarantees that the products or services it certifies meet high standards when it comes to environmental, health and performance characteristics. The whole life cycle of the product or service is always taken into account in the assessment process. Criteria are developed for each product group and must be complied with by those products and services holding the Blue Angel. In order to reflect any technological developments, the German Environment Agency checks the criteria every three to four years. This ensures that companies are required to make their products even more environmentally friendly over time. More information and certified products can be found at: www.blauer-engel.de or on our social media accounts on Instagram (@blauerengel_umweltzeichen), Facebook and LinkedIn.