by Nick Cowley, President, Cathelco

Ask most shipowners what comes to mind when they hear "biofouling," and the answers are predictable: drydock headaches, hull cleaning costs, and operational delays.

What is less recognised is that the same issue also represents one of the most immediate levers for improving efficiency, cutting bunker consumption, and reducing emissions. A ship's hull coated in marine growth can consume 20-85% more fuel than a clean one, making biofouling among the most significant contributors to unnecessary emissions.

Unlike many decarbonisation measures, it is a problem with readily available solutions; yet, it is still widely regarded as routine upkeep rather than a climate strategy.

It is high time to shift biofouling out of the margins of fleet management and into the mainstream of environmental strategy!

Download PDF