A recent study by I-Tech highlights the pervasive issue of barnacle biofouling in the global shipping industry, revealing that over one-third of a sample of 685 vessels had barnacles covering more than 10% of their hulls. Alarmingly, more than 20% of these ships exhibited over 20% coverage, while only 140 vessels maintained optimal conditions with less than 0.1% fouling. Conducted by an independent marine coatings consultancy, the analysis spanned hull inspections from 2015 to 2025 across various vessel types.
The findings indicate that barnacle biofouling significantly increases fuel consumption and emissions, with vessels requiring up to 36% more power to maintain speed when fouled. This could lead to excess carbon emissions of at least 110 million tons per year and an added $15 billion in costs for the global fleet. Tankers were particularly affected, with nearly 90% showing signs of fouling, while lower-activity vessels faced greater risks.
Dr. Markus Hoffmann from I-Tech emphasized the necessity of effective antifouling coatings to mitigate this issue. He noted that vessels using coatings with Selektope showed minimal fouling, underscoring the importance of investing in robust biofouling protection to enhance environmental performance and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ship owners are urged to prioritize antifouling solutions, especially for vessels prone to extended idle periods.
