TAGS: Marine / Protective Coatings Sustainability / Natural Coatings
Coatings company, Hempel A/S, increases its commitment to supporting the maritime industry’s shift to ever more sustainable operations by joining the Global Industry Alliance (GIA) for Marine Biosafety. The GIA, created under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) GloFouling Partnerships project, is a cross-sectoral platform for collaboration.
Increasing Awareness Associated with Biofouling on Ships Hulls
The GIA comprises increases awareness of the environmental implications and risks associated with biofouling on ships hulls, identify common issues, and foster solutions for mitigation. The alliance also informs policy developments and shares technical expertise within NGOs.
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At Hempel, we are very pleased to be joining the Global Industry Alliance (GIA) for Marine Biosafety. We believe that strong collaboration between all stakeholders, the governments, NGOs and the maritime industry, is needed to identify challenges and accelerate solutions to decarbonize the maritime industry and protect marine environments,” said Alexander Enström, executive vice president and head of Marine.
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As a provider of hull performance solutions that can help prevent the build-up of invasive species on hulls as well as reduce the fuel usage and carbon emissions of ships, we look forward to taking part in this collaboration," added Enström.
Biofouling on ships’ hulls can affect the environment in two ways. Ships sailing across different regions can facilitate the unintentional spread of invasive aquatic species one of five largest threats to marine biodiversity. Further, biofouling build-up on a ship’s hull creates drag and can significantly reduce efficiency levels as more fuel is required to propel the vessel through the water.
Source: Hempel