Biofouling reduces energy efficiency by increasing fuel consumption, with impacts greater than the benefits of retrofitting energy-saving technologies (EETs).

For instance, a 175m bulk carrier with 0.5mm of biofilm covering 50% of its hull experiences a 25% increase in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, illustrating the significant operational and environmental impact of biofouling.

Biofouling can lead to the introduction of potentially invasive species to new environments, where they may threaten native species and cause irreversible damage to biodiversity. It also has measurable impacts on a number of economic sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, and ocean energy. Once established in a new ecosystem, invasive species are extremely difficult if not impossible to eradicate.

Australian Biofouling Requirements

New Zealand Biofouling Requirements

Conventional antifouling systems, such as ablative coatings, not only release harmful biocides like copper into the water, damaging marine ecosystems, but also contribute to microplastic pollution as the coatings wear off, further exacerbating environmental harm