ISO hull cleaning standard launched

The standard, ISO 6319, provides guidance on conducting and documenting in-water cleaning of biofouling on ships, helping authorities assess whether cleaning technologies adequately protect the environment.

The initiative was led by the Clean Hull Initiative and developed through collaboration between industry stakeholders, ports, environmental organisations and technology providers.

“Biofouling on ships’ hulls can spread invasive aquatic species and damage ecosystems,” said Irene Øvstebø Tvedten, senior adviser at Bellona and project manager for the Clean Hull Initiative.

“It also increases drag, reducing a vessel’s efficiency and leading to higher fuel consumption and increased greenhouse gas emissions.”

The new standard aims to help ports and regulators request consistent documentation from service providers, making it easier to determine whether cleaning operations minimise the release of organisms or harmful substances into surrounding waters.

Luc Van Espen, port environment expert at Port of Antwerp-Bruges, said a globally recognised standard would help ensure consistency. “An internationally accepted and applied standard creates a level playing field among seaports worldwide, strongly limiting the transfer of invasive alien species from one port to another,” he said.

Shipping companies have also supported the initiative. Kim-Helge Brynjulfsen, senior manager at Wallenius Wilhelmsen, said harmonised procedures would simplify operations. “When applications follow the same structure and technical specifications, ports and authorities can process them more efficiently,” he said “For us as a shipping company, this means fewer operational disruptions and greater predictability.”

Industry suppliers were also involved in drafting the standard, including marine coatings company Jotun.

Supporters say ISO 6319 will help regulators better assess hull cleaning risks while encouraging responsible practices that protect marine ecosystems and improve vessel efficiency.