Majority of global maritime industry underestimates the negative impact of biofouling despite latest advice from IMO

Almost two thirds (59%) of the shipping industry underestimate the negative environmental impacts of biofouling, with as much as one in four claiming to know little about the issue, a new report by Jotun has found.

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Biofouling is caused by the build-up of micro-organisms, plants, algae, and other small aquatic animals on the hull of a ship which can result in significant operational impacts. The marine growth which clings to the underside of a ship's hull, reduces speed and maneuverability, causes the captain to power up and use more fuel to compensate for speed loss, and in extreme cases, can damage the hull.

The survey of 100 shipping industry professionals, conducted by Lloyd's List on behalf of the specialist marine coatings manufacturer in May this year [2023], follows on from the recent GloFouling report published in partnership with the International. Maritime Organization (IMO). This found that maritime transportation is responsible for 3% of the world's total Green House Gas emissions but should vessels operate with a clean hull free from biofouling, CO₂ emissions could be slashed by a fifth and fuel spend reduced by 19%.