According to coatings company AkzoNobel, with regulations such as CII, FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS and the upcoming proposed IMO carbon levy, fouling control systems continue to play a vital role in the shipping industry as the regulatory bodies chart a course towards net-zero emissions by 2050.
Chris Birkert, Marine Segment Manager, AkzoNobel, said: “These fouling control systems help reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, enabling vessels to maintain favourable efficiency ratings and avoid penalties. Vessel operators will have to navigate a new challenge on the horizon after a global deal agreement was passed at the UN’s IMO MEPC 83 meeting in April 2025, following almost a decade of negotiations.”
From 2028, owners of large vessels will have to reduce their carbon intensive fuels or face fines of up to US$ 380 per tonne of CO2 emissions from burning fuel. Shipping has become the first industry in the world with internationally mandated targets to reduce emissions and according to maritime consultancy UMAS, the historic agreement could result in an eight per cent reduction in emissions by 2030.
Birkert said: “The deal is a historic moment for the industry and will further drive home the importance of cutting fuel consumption. Marine coatings and technologies, in isolation, are not enough for shipowners to comply with the regulations. Vessel operators need to consult coating companies with proven expertise in high-performing fouling control coatings and a strong track record of in-service performance, to support data-driven and well-informed investment decisions.
“We’ve supported customers with their CII ratings and have helped them offset the EU ETS surcharge, which came into effect last year. In 2024, shipowners were responsible for 40% of their emissions costs, increasing to 70% this year and set to reach 100% from 2026.”
In 2024, a record number of customers engaged with AkzoNobel to identify the most suitable underwater hull schemes to aid CII compliance, highlighting the growing demand for tailored fouling control solutions from International marine coatings.
Birkert continued: “Our solutions not only ensure regulatory compliance but also enhance vessel performance and sustainability. For example, the application of Intercept 8500 LPP on a globally trading VLCC vessel led to a reduction of carbon emissions of approximately 8,500 tonnes over the five years in service. As a result, this vessel maintained a CII ‘A’ grade rating throughout the study, which resulted in the customer achieving both performance and decarbonization targets.
“Furthermore, we have seen increased demand for Intertrac Vision, our big data prediction tool that enables ship owners and operators to assess the impact of fouling control coatings on vessel fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while in transit. This digital tool allows our experts to collaborate closely with vessel operators to assess the return on investment of various coating schemes, tailored to vessel type and operating conditions. It simplifies the coatings selection process and delivers data-driven insights for more informed decision-making.”
The carbon levy passed at MEPC 83 is scheduled for implementation in 2028. With steeper penalties, it is expected to impact global shipping routes if vessel operators do not reduce their reliance on carbon intensive fuels. However, there are steps that shipowners can take to invest in regulation compliances and minimise penalties.
Birkert concluded: “With nearly 150 years of experience serving the marine industry, offering high-performance coatings, hull performance expertise and data-driven insights, we are uniquely positioned to help shipowners achieve regulatory compliance while maintaining operational efficiency.”
Image: Chris Birkert, Marine Segment Manager, AkzoNobel (source: AkzoNobel)
