Hull antifouling systems are becoming less effective which is increasing the NIA threat.
The declaration was made by Subsea Industries following a study into the extent to which biofouling on ships’ hulls is contributing to the spread of invasive aquatic species in the Mediterranean Sea.
Boud Van Rompay, founder and chairman of marine coatings supplier Subsea Industries, said: There is currently no miracle cure that will, on its own, prevent the spread of NIAs. The only known way of removing the threat is to clean the fouling organisms off mechanically, which is only possible with a hard-type coating.
“This ensures the underlying protective coating is not damaged. The industry has to consider taking a different approach to hull protection.”
According to the research, published by Tel Aviv University’s School of Zoology, half the ships passing along the Mediterranean coast of Israel are carrying invasive ascidians, an issue commonly associated with ship ballasting operations. This presents a global threat to ecosystems around the world, damages marine biodiversity and creates substantial drag for the ship.
Dr Noa Shenkar, who led the research, said: “They're a major threat to our coasts and are very costly to shipowners."
The research acknowledged that “self-polishing hull coatings are ineffective” in controlling biofouling in “hidden and protected” areas and rapid high pressure freshwater wash treatment is inadequate for the removal of invertebrates.
Van Rompay added that entry into force of the Ballast Water Convention will not alone prevent the transfer of invasive aquatic species. “There has to be mandatory legislation in place to prevent biofouling on ships’ hulls,” he stressed.
