Analysis of hull fouling condition data obtained from vessel drydocking projects over a four year period has revealed that more than 40% of vessels were suffering from over 10% hard fouling coverage on the hull, says Sweden's I-Tech. The biotech company believes that, with the research being carried out before the pandemic, the situation now is likely to be even worse, requiring proactive interventions. Philip Chaabane, chief executive, I-Tech says: "We have seen an increase in the number of idle vessels as the shipping industry reacts to the commercial impact of Covid-19. This presents an additional and unwelcome challenge for the industry and serves as a reminder that owners and managers need to be more aware of the risk of significant financial penalties which are accumulating below the waterline from biofouling."
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