The third GloFouling Research and Development Forum and Exhibition, hosted by the Global Environment Facility, United Nations Development Programme and the International Maritime Organization (GEF-UNDP-IMO) GloFouling Partnership Project, was recently held (November 4-8, 2024) in the Republic of Korea, Busan.

This significant event brought together over two hundred and fifty participants from around the globe, including international leaders, governmental agencies, scientists, technology providers, and other key stakeholders committed to advancing biofouling management. Organised collaboratively by the Republic of Korea, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MoF), the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO), and the GloFouling Partnerships Project, the forum served as a platform to share knowledge, innovations, and strategies.

Representing the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre (MTCC) Caribbean, Ms Sarita Emmanuel, Project Officer under the International Maritime Organization-Norad TEST Biofouling Project, actively participated in the event. The forum featured twelve (12) sessions, including integrated panel discussions and breakout sessions, highlighting cutting-edge developments in biofouling management.

Ms Emmanuel chaired session seven, "Innovative Solutions for Biofouling Management - Emerging Technology," which highlighted the latest technological advancements aimed at mitigating biofouling on ships, preventing the spread of invasive aquatic species (IAS), and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As session Chair, Ms Emmanuel facilitated discussions on transformative innovations in biofouling management, fostering dialogue among experts and stakeholders.

In addition, Ms Emmanuel led a consultation session with Lead Partner Countries (LPCs) and Partner Countries (PCs) involved in the IMO-Norad TEST Biofouling Project. During this session, she provided an update on the project’s progress and discussed next steps, including preparations for upcoming National Demonstration Workshops. These workshops are integral to achieving the project’s objectives of managing IAS, promoting sustainable biofouling practices, and reducing GHG emissions across the Caribbean and Latin America.

Hosted by The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), MTCC Caribbean plays a pivotal role in implementing the IMO-Norad TEST Biofouling Project. The Centre’s efforts align with the goals of the GloFouling Partnerships Project by fostering technological innovation and eco-friendly maritime practices.

MTCC Caribbean’s active participation in events like the GloFouling Research and Development Forum and Exhibition, underscores its commitment to fostering regional capacity and advocating for sustainable technologies aligned with international maritime standards. MTCC Caribbean will continue to promote innovation and environmental stewardship within the maritime sector towards effective biofouling management and maritime climate action.

Visit to the Orient Shipyard, Saha-gu, Busan

Session 7 Innovative Solutions for Biofouling Management - Emerging Technology (l-r:MTCC Caribbean’s Ms. Sarita Emmanuel, Petter Korslund-JOTUN, Neil Oxtoby-AkzoNobel Marine, Pernille Bohn-DHI and Karl Lander SubSea Global.)

3rd GloFouling R&D Forum and Exhibition

Global Representation of the MTCCs

(front l-r: MTCC Caribbean-Ms. Sarita Emmanuel and TEST Biofouling PCU, Project Assistant-Ms. Maria Vranic), (back l-r:  MTCC Asia- Mr. Feng Zhou, MTCC Latin America- Chief Eng. Ervin Vargas, MTCC Pacific: Ms. Amelia Bola and MTCC Africa- Mr. Musa Alfan)