he 3rd Global GEF-UNDP-IMO GloFouling Partnerships R&D Forum and Exhibition concluded successfully in Busan, Republic of Korea, bringing together over 250 participants from diverse sectors. Co-organized by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MoF) and the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO), and hosted by the Republic of Korea.
Government officials, regional coordinating organizations, anti-fouling technology developers, industry associations, classification societies, researchers and academia, and the women's associations gathered alongside the representatives from 26 project’s beneficiary countries, to exchange best practices and explore advancements in biofouling management.
The five-day event offered a robust programme with expert presentations and interactive discussions on the impacts of Invasive Aquatic Species (IAS) and biofouling management. A highlight was the premiere of Silent Invaders: The Unseen Impact of Invasive Aquatic Species, a documentary commissioned by the Global Industry Alliance (GIA) for Marine Biosafety, which explored the environmental, economic, and human impacts of IAS on ecosystems, environment and maritime industries worldwide.
Additionally, participants engaged with technology experts who showcased cutting-edge biofouling management solutions, including anti-fouling coatings, in-water cleaning methods, and emerging technologies such as ultrasonic and ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LED) systems, along with digital innovations. Furthermore, researchers presented advancements in monitoring, testing, and framework development for early detection and rapid response, underscoring proactive measures to prevent the spread of IAS. Discussions also addressed biofouling impact on fuel efficiency and increase of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, backed by recent data analysis from experimental trials.
The Forum presented a special session arranged by and focused on the Republic of Korea legislative and policy advancements, research on risk assessments, and technologies for biofouling treatment and prevention. This informative session fostered in-depth discussions, allowing participants to engage directly with experts on the country's unique approaches and innovations.
During the parallel exhibition, attendees were also able to explore a variety of anti-fouling systems, including in-water cleaning technologies and protective coatings, gaining firsthand knowledge of effective solutions in marine biosecurity. To allow more opportunities for other researchers a poster exhibition was displayed showcasing their work, including AI-powered decision support, offshore structures, color effects, water temperature effects and economic impacts of biofouling management.
The participants had the opportunity to visit a number of site visits, the Orient Shipyard for a dry dock demonstration, where the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member States observed live dry-dock cleaning procedures. Experts provided detailed explanations on the water source for the water jet, the stages and levels of dry-dock cleaning, waste collection processes, and painting techniques. Furthermore the visit extended to the Ocean Engineering Basin facility of KRISO, which simulated realistic maritime conditions—including waves, wind, and currents—for testing the maneuverability and stability of ships and offshore structures, as well as assessing the performance of maritime equipment.
An interactive regional technology demonstration was also delivered as part of the IMO-NORAD TEST Biofouling project, hosted by the members of the GIA for Marine Biosafety — TAS Global Co. Ltd and SLM-Global. Participants not only observed these technologies in action but also engaged in a truly immersive experience by maneuvering equipment, trying out diving gear, testing different brush types, and discussing operational efficiencies directly with the technology experts.
Presenters showcased the critical biofouling management strategies specifically tailored for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs) and introduced GloFouling Partnerships project’s recently published: Biofouling Management in MPAs and PSSAs. Compendium of recommendations for the prevention and early detection of and rapid response to invasive aquatic species. Experts highlighted the importance of tailored biofouling practices to protect these ecologically sensitive regions, where invasive species pose significant risks to biodiversity. A key point of discussion was the ongoing journey toward declaring the Thermal Dome as a PSSA, a step that could enhance its protection and set an example for safeguarding similar areas worldwide. Additionally, a framework was introduced to assess the risk of non-indigenous species in MPAs, focusing on the Eastern Tropical Pacific. This risk assessment model aimed to better predict, prevent, and control the spread of invasive organisms, supporting efforts to preserve native species and ecosystems in these vulnerable zones.
To address comprehensive biofouling management, the program featured a panel that delved into key policy developments and international standards. Discussions covered California’s regulations, New Zealand’s vessel biofouling requirements, and biofouling initiatives in Norway, with some participants emphasizing the need for a unified, mandatory global regime and an intention to call for a biofouling management convention. Panelists also discussed the 2023 IMO Biofouling Guidelines, updates on ISO standards for in-water cleaning, and the concept of clean hull notation, highlighting efforts to balance effective biofouling control with environmental protection.
The forum featured a crucial topic for both the biofouling sector and the broader maritime community: advancing gender equality and supporting women’s roles in the field. Presentations delivered on IMO gender initiatives, the Gender Action Plan, and findings from Women in Biofouling reports, emphasizing inclusivity. An interactive panel allowed speakers to share personal experiences on gender balance, leadership, and mentorship, while polls and audience engagement explored themes like leadership diversity and the role of male allies. The session wrapped up with recommendations for diverse networking, targeted programmes, and uplifting underrepresented voices, encouraging attendees to commit to fostering inclusivity across the industry.
On the last day the participants were invited to attend a site visit at the Korean Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) and Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute (KOMERI) facilities where they had an opportunity to witness advanced Ballast Water Management and Biofouling Management testing facilities. KIOST provided exclusive access to their 10000+ depository library of marine species and marine geological samples, where scientist from across the world can progress on their research at the one stop repository species bank. KIOST also invited onboard their research boat which sets sale 200 days a year to nearby seas and as far as the Antarctic to gather water samples, measure seabed and gather other data for research. As part of the tour Samsung Heavy Industries also opened its doors to their ship building facilities, which house eight docks. The ship building felicities has the capacity to build around 70 floating production storage and offloading ships (FPSOs), Liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage ships, drill ships, I class shuttle tankers and specialized ships in each calendar year.
The R&D Forum was provided many networking opportunities for all its participants and closed with a standing ovation and a request by many for another forum in near future.
Proceedings: The forum proceedings, which will include speakers information and their presentations, together with poster and exhibition information will be published in due course on this page: Project publications.
Photos: For the forum photo album see GloFouling Flickr account, which will be updated further in due course.
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