New Regulations aimed at preventing the spread of invasive species via hulls
The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has submitted proposed new Regulations on the management of hull biofouling for public consultation. The aim is to protect the Norwegian marine ecosystem by preventing the spread of invasive species via ships and mobile offshore units arriving in Norwegian waters from areas outside the Economic Zone of Norway.
– This is an important step in halting the spread of invasive species in our waters. At the same time, the Regulations are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as smoother hulls result in lower fuel consumption. Furthermore, this will create favourable opportunities for Norwegian companies that have already developed effective hull cleaning solutions”, says the Minister of Climate and Environment, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.
Biofouling – the accumulation of organisms such as algae, tubeworm and mussels on hulls – is a well-known challenge in the international shipping industry. These organisms may be transported into Norwegian waters by vessel, posing a threat to local ecosystems. The proposed Regulations set out clear requirements for both the prevention and the documentation of measures against so-called macrofouling.
"We hope to inspire other countries to implement similar measures. Starting with national regulation will give us valuable experience, which will benefit our work in the IMO (the United Nation’s International Maritime Organization)”, says Bjelland Eriksen.
Key proposals include:
- Ships and mobile offshore units arriving from areas outside the Economic Zone of Norway must not have macrofouling on their hulls upon arrival in Norway.
- If macrofouling is present upon arrival, ships and mobile offshore units must undergo hull cleaning using the best available technology.
- Ships and mobile offshore units must have a biofouling management plan and be able to document the measures taken.
- All vessels, including those operating exclusively in Norwegian waters, must carry out hull cleaning using the best available technology.
The proposed Regulations are based on international guidelines developed by the IMO and form part of the NMA's assignment from the Ministry of Climate and Environment.