Jotun, a prominent Marine Coatings provider, has released a report based on a survey of 1,000 ship owners and operators, highlighting trends in biofouling management. Many participants reported facing regulatory penalties and denied port access due to inadequate biofouling strategies. The survey, conducted across 11 countries, indicates that awareness of biofouling’s impact on the shipping industry is growing.
Morten Sten Johansen, Jotun’s director of Hull Performance, emphasizes the link between effective biofouling management and the shipping sector’s goals for reducing carbon emissions and promoting biodiversity. While 79% of respondents prioritize hull performance improvements, significant economic implications arise from insufficient management.
The report reveals that 41% of ship owners faced penalties, and 38% were denied port access related to biofouling. Notably, 49% of respondents avoid ports with stringent biofouling regulations, a practice that may become increasingly unsustainable as global standards tighten. More than half of the participants experience fuel inefficiencies linked to biofouling, highlighting the need for better antifouling solutions.
Jotun’s findings underline the critical need for strategic biofouling management to mitigate hidden costs and enhance operational efficiency, especially as regulations evolve.
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