Invasive species

The shipping industry faces mounting regulatory pressure to mitigate the transfer of invasive species via hull biofouling. The global detrimental impacts of sea vomit (Didemnum vexillum) is just one stark example of the damage caused by unmanaged hull fouling. Abigail Robinson, vice president of sustainability at ECOsubsea, has said that the solution is clear: closed-loop hull cleaning must become an industry standard. She also praised the IMO's recent action to align regulations with operational best practices. The spread of invasive species via ship hulls is not a new concern for shipping and regulators. While most industry stakeholders recognise the risks posed by biofouling - from increased drag and fuel consumption to environmental degradation and potential regulatory penalties - there remains a significant regulatory gap.