During a 2020 study conducted by biotechnology company I-Tech AB, and independent marine coatings consultant Safinah Group, data indicated that nearly every vessel examined and analyzed posed a significant biosecurity threat to our oceans’ health and shipping’s environmental impact.
While hard fouling accounts for detrimental levels of fuel consumption, biofouling in ‘niche’ areas — such as sea chests, thrusters and gratings — presents some of the most notable and widespread risks from a biosecurity perspective.