- Ecuador will set up a national information network connecting ports, ship operators, and environmental authorities to manage biofouling effectively.
- The initiative stems from an IMO-led workshop under the IMO–Norad TEST Biofouling Project, held in Manta from 1–3 October.
- Participants received practical training in biofouling risk assessment and eco-friendly hull cleaning using advanced ROV technology.
- Ecuador’s leadership role highlights its commitment to regional collaboration, sustainable maritime practices, and reducing ship-related GHG emissions.
Ecuador is taking a major step toward sustainable maritime practices with plans to establish a national information network linking ports, ship operators, and environmental authorities to combat biofouling — the accumulation of aquatic organisms on ships’ hulls.
The initiative was announced following a workshop held in Manta, organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in partnership with the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre Caribbean (MTCC Caribbean) and the Armada del Ecuador. The event formed part of the IMO–Norad TEST Biofouling Project, a global effort to help developing nations strengthen biofouling management and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The three-day workshop brought together maritime authorities, port operators, researchers, and industry stakeholders, underscoring Ecuador’s growing leadership in regional cooperation on biofouling management. Participants received hands-on training in assessing biofouling risks and conducting in-water inspections, complemented by a live demonstration using advanced Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for eco-friendly hull cleaning at the Terminal Portuario de Manta.
The discussions emphasized the strong connection between biofouling control, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction, while also recognizing the contributions of women and young professionals in maritime governance. As one of the project’s Lead Partnering Countries, Ecuador will continue to work closely with IMO and MTCC Caribbean to expand capacity-building and share best practices, ensuring that sustainable solutions remain central to the nation’s maritime growth.
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Source: IMO
