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NG as a marine fuel has, for the last 50+ years, been cited as a reliable fuel choice for shipping’s efforts towards a more sustainable future. Not only is the infrastructure already scaling up for synthetic and bio-LNG, but given its cost and operational abilities, the fuel’s popularity — both in terms of use and in investment — is accelerating. However, while fuel choice is a vital piece to the decarbonisation puzzle, external factors play a significant role in ensuring shipping is steadily moving towards the 2030, 2040, and 2050 regulations set out by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). One such factor: hard biofouling. Hard biofouling, caused by organisms such as the barnacle, creates some of the highest levels of hydrodynamic drag on a vessel hull, not only compromising the speed, efficiency, and profitability goals of a vessel, but more so its emissions reductions objectives. In fact, hard biofouling is thought to add approximately 110 million tpy of excess carbon emissions across the maritime industry as a result of a lack of understanding and ineffective antifouling technology. To put this into perspective, a 2011 study conducted by Michael P. Schultz states that a navy vessel with 10% barnacle fouling requires 36% more power to maintain the same speed. And that impact certainly can ripple through the commercial waves. A 2020 study conducted by I-Tech and independent marine coatings consultant Safinah Group, estimated that hard biofouling adds approximately US$6 billion to shipping’s annual bunker bill.
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For LNG-fuelled vessels, and LNG carriers, biofouling can reduce the environmental and cost benefits of the fuels. The reasons for this are manifold, not only in regard to the immediate — such as increasing emissions and cost — but in the long-term. Recent months have seen an influx of LNG new-builds, and if these vessels are going to remain operationally effective beyond 2030, the impact of fouling on this emerging fleet must be taken seriously. So, what are the effects of biofouling on a ship, and more importantly, how can the LNG industry mitigate the risks associated?
Biofouling on LNG carriers and LNGfuelled vessels Antifouling coatings are a crucial aspect of ensuring the ongoing security and efficiency of any vessel, including when it comes to the LNG sector. Indeed, the majority of LNG-fuelled new-builds or dual-fuelled vessels — as well as LNG carriers themselves — are constructed in shipyards in the Asia regions, such as in Japan and South Korea. With their warmer waters comes the emergence of hard fouling hotspots: areas which have a higher propensity for attracting and retaining barnacles. Of course, the more recent expansion of LNG infrastructure in Singapore should also be considered. The increase of LNG bunkering licenses means more and more vessels are wading into hotspots. Warmer water plus ineffective coatings equal a
