Two more join the Global Industry Alliance for Marine Biosafety

Armach Robotics, and Jotun, have become the newest members of The Global Industry Alliance (GIA) for Marine Biosafety. GIA has tripled in size since it was founded with four members in June 2020. It now comprises 12 full members plus one with observer status.

Jotun will bring experience in antifouling coating technology, proactive in-water cleaning services and innovations in biofouling management. Armach Robotics will add to the Alliance’s discussions and work, bringing their perspective of in-water cleaning services.

GIA is an initiative of IMO’s GloFouling Partnerships project. It brings together private sector companies from a wide range of ocean-based industries such as shipping, offshore oil and gas, technology research and fouling control systems manufacturers, including anti-fouling coatings, in-water cleaning systems, BioPass, filtration systems and ultrasonic.

Together these respective sectors work towards sustainable and practical solutions that can facilitate the implementation of biofouling management regulations.

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Biofouling is the accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae, or small animals on ships’ hulls and other wetted surfaces. It can create irreversible effects on marine biodiversity by introducing potentially Invasive Aquatic Species into new environments. Biofouling also increases the drag of ships, forcing them to burn more fuel to maintain speed, thus contributing to higher GHG emissions.

The first of two recently published reports commissioned by GIA analyses the impact of ships’ biofouling on Greenhouse Gas Emissions. It found that keeping ships’ hulls free from just a thin layer of slime could reduce a ship’s GHG emissions by 25%.

The second study compares current and emerging regulations and practices for biofouling management.

GIA is an important industry initiative to work together and cooperate towards a more sustainable shipping

Petter Korslund, Regulatory Affairs Manager for Jotun, said.

The GIA have also commissioned a short animation video to increase awareness of GHG and good biofouling management. It will be launched on 13 December during the 79th meeting of Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 79) at IMO Headquarters.

The next GIA meeting is also to be held on 13 December. At it, the Alliance’s new members will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and start contributing to the joint goal of improving biofouling management and sharing awareness of the effects of biofouling worldwide.