Following the successful hosting of the Regional Workshop in Panama and the National Demonstration Pilot Workshop in Mexico, which featured progressive discussions, expert training, and live technology demonstrations, The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), through the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre for the Caribbean (MTCC Caribbean), is now set to facilitate and co-host the upcoming National Demonstration Pilot Workshop - Ecuador. The event will take place from 1^st to 3^rd October 2025 in Manta, Ecuador, another Lead Partnering Country (LPC) under the IMO-Norad TEST Biofouling Project.

Organised in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Armada del Ecuador (Ecuadorian Navy), this workshop will continue to build momentum by bringing together government authorities, port administrations, shipowners, technology providers, researchers, and academics. The National Workshop in Ecuador represents a critical opportunity to strengthen national capacity in biofouling management, enhance technical knowledge on in-water inspections, and showcase 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 National Demonstration Pilot in Ecuador include:

1. Delivering a structured training course on Biofouling Risk Assessment and In-water Inspections Methodologies.
2. Demonstrating innovative in-water inspection technology, including the deployment of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), to highlight practical applications in biofouling management.
3. Increasing national awareness of the links between biofouling, IAS transfer, and GHG emissions, encouraging uptake of best practices.
4. Facilitating dialogue among government authorities, port administrations, technology providers, industry stakeholders, and academia on biofouling management at a national level.
5. Contributing to the broader goals of the IMO-Norad TEST Biofouling Project, including alignment with IMO's Biofouling Guidelines and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), as well as SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Representing UTT and leading the facilitation are:

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

This workshop reflects continuity in UTT's leadership role in advancing the IMO-Norad TEST Biofouling Project. Building on the strong foundations laid in Panama and Mexico, the Ecuador event will further demonstrate MTCC Caribbean's commitment to regional cooperation, sustainable maritime innovation, and global efforts to reduce invasive aquatic species and greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.

We extend our best wishes to the MTCC Caribbean team as they carry forward the momentum into Ecuador and continue to represent UTT on the international stage, while strengthening partnerships across the Latin American and Caribbean region.