Biofouling risks cost shipping industry

The Biofouling in Shipping report, based on a survey of 1,000 ship owners and operators across 11 countries, highlights the consequences of inadequate biofouling control, including regulatory penalties and denied port access.

“How biofouling management plays a key role in the shipping industry’s aim to cut carbon emissions and protect biodiversity has gained more acceptance among port authorities, regulators and operators,” said Morten Sten Johansen, global category director hull performance at Jotun.

“However, while 79 per cent of respondents consider hull performance a top priority, only 31 per cent believe their company has adequate knowledge of hull performance solutions.

“This shows the urgent need to improve understanding, given the significant environmental and economic effects.”

According to the report 41% of respondents have faced regulatory penalties, while 38% have been denied port access due to biofouling non-compliance. Additionally, 49% admitted to avoiding ports with strict biofouling rules – a tactic increasingly unsustainable as global regulations tighten.

Operationally, biofouling causes fuel inefficiencies for over half of respondents, hampering decarbonisation efforts. Worryingly, one in five owners admitted to not using the most effective antifouling coatings for their fleets.

“Proactive, tailored biofouling management offers a competitive edge by reducing costs and environmental impact,” said Johansen. “With more regulations coming, our survey is a stark reminder: being unprepared is costly.”