The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), through the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre for the Caribbean (MTCC Caribbean), is set to facilitate and co-host the upcoming National Demonstration Pilot Workshop - Mexico under the IMO-Norad TEST Biofouling Project. The event is set to take place from Wednesday 27^th to Friday 29^th August 2025 in Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico. Mexico is a Lead Partnering Country (LPC) under the IMO-Norad TEST Biofouling Project. The workshop is jointly organised by MTCC Caribbean, the Secretariat of the Mexican Navy (SEMAR) - Port Captaincies and Maritime Affairs Unit (UNICAPAM), the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The TEST Biofouling Project represents a significant opportunity to assist developing countries in building their knowledge and capacity to control and manage biofouling. Through demonstration projects and capacity-building activities, the project aims to contribute to the reduction of biofouling-mediated Invasive Aquatic Species (IAS) introductions and associated greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from global shipping, ultimately fostering sustainable marine ecosystems and maritime operation. This event is set to bring together national industry experts, port officials, ship owners/operators, technology providers, academics, researchers, and other related stakeholders from Mexico.

The National Demonstration Pilot Workshop for Mexico focuses on showcasing both cost-beneficial but newer, environmentally friendly technologies aimed at addressing key issues of marine biofouling and their energy efficiency benefits on a national level. The objectives of the workshop include:

1. The delivery of a training course on Biofouling Risk Assessment and Inspection Methodologies.
2. The demonstration of an in-water inspection technology, featuring exchange on technological advancements and best practices related to biofouling management.
3. Increasing awareness of biofouling management in the shipping industry and its importance in protecting marine biodiversity, tackling climate change and encouraging the uptake of best practices in the sector.
4. Contributing to the efforts of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Diversity) as per the IMO-Norad TEST Biofouling Gender Action Plan.

Representing UTT and leading the facilitation are:

• Mr Stephan Nanan - Director and Head, MTCC Caribbean
• Mr Michael Razack - Deputy Director and Project Manager, MTCC Caribbean
• Ms. Suzette Balkaran - Energy Efficiency Adviser, MTCC Caribbean

This initiative reinforces UTT’s leadership in maritime sustainability and innovation, contributing to the IMO’s efforts to address biofouling, protect marine biodiversity, and support global decarbonisation goals.

We extend our best wishes to the MTCC Caribbean team as they represent UTT on the international stage and strengthen partnerships across the Latin American and Caribbean region.