The Urgent Need for Closed-Loop Hull Cleaning in the Shipping Industry
The shipping industry is facing increasing regulatory pressure to address the transfer of invasive species through hull biofouling. The global impact of sea vomit (Didemnum vexillum) serves as a stark example of the harm caused by unmanaged hull fouling. To combat this issue, closed-loop hull cleaning must become a standard practice within the industry. Abigail Robinson, Vice President of Sustainability at ECOsubsea, praises the recent decisive actions taken by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to align regulations with operational best practices.
An Urgent Threat Requiring Regulation
While the risks associated with biofouling on ship hulls are well-known within the industry, there remains a significant regulatory gap in addressing this issue. Unlike ballast water, which is now subject to international regulations, hull biofouling continues to be underregulated despite its profound implications for vessel performance and marine ecosystems.
In-water hull cleaning poses additional pollution risks, with many antifouling coatings containing heavy metal-based toxins that can leach into the ocean over time. These coatings are a significant source of microplastic pollution, with estimates suggesting over 210,000 tons of microplastics are released annually in the EU alone. Hull cleaning further exacerbates these issues by increasing the release of toxins and microplastics into the marine environment.
Global Momentum for Action
Recently, Norway proposed to the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) that biofouling management and environmentally responsible cleaning should be made mandatory. This proposal, supported by several countries, aims to create a global regulatory framework for biofouling management. Such actions are crucial in reducing the global spread of invasive species and achieving significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Risks of Inadequate Hull Maintenance
Biofouling is not just an environmental concern but also poses operational, financial, and compliance risks for vessel operators. Fouled hulls increase resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. As decarbonization targets tighten, vessels with poor hull maintenance may find themselves non-compliant with energy efficiency and emissions regulations, facing operational disruptions and increased costs.
The Case for Closed-Loop Cleaning
Traditional in-water hull cleaning methods contribute to the release of invasive species and pollutants into the marine environment. In contrast, closed-loop hull cleaning systems capture all biological material and debris, ensuring proper containment and disposal on land. ECOsubsea’s closed-loop system offers environmental and economic benefits by reducing drag, optimizing fuel efficiency, and improving vessel performance.
Global Compliance and Industry Responsibility
The IMO’s push for mandatory biofouling management and environmentally sound cleaning is a crucial step towards aligning with decarbonization goals and protecting marine ecosystems. While some in the industry may cite cost concerns, the benefits of proper hull maintenance far outweigh the risks of inaction. Vessel operators must proactively adopt closed-loop cleaning practices to ensure operational resilience and environmental integrity.
It is essential for the industry to support globally harmonized standards that prioritize environmental protection while maintaining commercial viability. The time for voluntary action is over, and the adoption of closed-loop cleaning systems is imperative to meet regulatory requirements and safeguard marine ecosystems.
This is not just an environmental issue—it is a business and regulatory imperative. The industry must fully embrace and support closed-loop hull cleaning to secure a sustainable future for shipping.