The shipping industry is a major contributor to climate change and the transfer of invasive species. To address these issues, Jotun participated in a panel discussion at COP29 titled “Navigating the Future: Bridging Shipping, Biodiversity, and Decarbonization.” The panel focused on the importance of hull performance and marine coatings in driving sustainable change within the shipping industry.

Jotun’s Global R&D Director of Fouling Protection, Dr. Christer Øpstad, was invited to participate in the panel. Øpstad highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to reducing shipping’s carbon emissions and protecting biodiversity. He also emphasized the need to address biofouling, which can result in the introduction of invasive species and increase a ship’s carbon emissions.

“From our perspective, biodiversity and climate are directly interlinked through biofouling,” said Øpstad.

Biofouling can result in the introduction of invasive species that threaten local ecosystems. According to recent studies, up to 70% of bioinvasions are connected to fouled ship hulls. In addition to posing a biosecurity risk, biofouling can also increase a ship’s carbon emissions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has reported that even small amounts of fouling can increase emissions by up to 19%.

“Considering that shipping accounts for about 3% of global emissions, this is a major concern. By keeping hulls clean, we can largely avoid these additional emissions and biosecurity risks,” Øpstad emphasized.

The panel discussion was held at the Ocean Pavilion in the Blue Zone at COP29. The panel was moderated by Simon Walmsley from UN Foundation and included representatives from the World Shipping Council, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Island Innovation's Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy.

The panelists agreed on the importance of the shipping industry, both economically and socially. They also explored the potential for sustainable change within the industry.

“We can’t change shipping, but we can change the impact of what shipping does, both in terms of climate change and biodiversity,” Øpstad noted.

Øpstad emphasized the need for collaboration across the industry and the importance of raising awareness about the consequences of biofouling. He also highlighted the need for a global and local approach to addressing the spread of invasive species.

“The example with the Pacific Oyster, and also the spread of Sea Vomit in Norway, has had a dramatic impact on local communities. The most significant vector for the spread of invasive species is local operations, but regulations can’t fix this problem because it’s already in our local waters. We need to work with local players as local commercial and private operators are key to preventing further spread. Ensuring that vessels are kept clean and that operators take responsibility for their role in preventing biofouling is critical, and we need to ensure that operators are aware of the role they play and that they can take steps to mitigate further spread,” Øpstad explained.

The panel discussion was part of Jotun’s broader efforts to drive sustainable change within the shipping industry. The company is a member of the Sustainable Shipping Initiative, a collective which aims to drive changes that result in a more sustainable maritime industry.

Jotun’s Global Sales Director Shipping, Jessica Doyle, emphasized the importance of the panel discussion and the company’s commitment to sustainability.

“COP29 was an absolute fantastic event – in terms of both the size and the ripple effects it has on the climate discussions. It has always been on our radar, of course, as the most pivotable climate change conference that is. The diverse panel really gave us some interesting perspectives, and we feel inspired after the event and are looking forward to continuing these conversations,” said Doyle.

Doyle also highlighted the company’s Clean Shipping commitment, which includes a focus on protecting biodiversity, cutting carbon emissions, and preserving fuel for the industry.

“It is key to be able to highlight this issue and set the stage at important forums like COP29. All climate eyes are directed at this conference during these weeks – and much of this is low-hanging fruits in terms of the impact a clean hull can make, with parts of the solution already here. We hope we were able to both educate and create awareness on this extremely important topic, as we need regulators and policy makers to set the scene for a cleaner shipping industry,” she said.