Biofouling occurs when aquatic organisms accumulate on vessel hulls. Their growth creates hydrodynamic frictional drag that leads to vessel inefficiency, said its press release.

More fuel has to be burned to maintain operations, increasing both shipowner OPEX and emissions to air. In fact, according to the IMO, world fleet fuel consumption (and corresponding emissions) could fall by as much as 10 per cent with better hull and propeller management.

"Biofouling is the main culprit in the spread of marine invasive species, which can devastate ecosystems and drive local species extinction," said Bellona Arctic shipping chief Sigurd Enge.

"That is compounded by climate change, which allows for greater species introduction, through new shipping lanes, while enabling invaders to survive at higher latitudes, such as in the Arctic, due to increased water temperature. That creates a snowball effect that we must arrest?before it's too late." he said.

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