A new ISO standard, ISO 6319, has been published to guide ports, shipowners, and operators on conducting hull cleaning in an environmentally responsible way. The standard is designed to help shipping operators and regulators manage biofouling without releasing organisms or chemicals into the water. This approach reduces the spread of invasive aquatic species while improving vessel efficiency and lowering fuel consumption and emissions.
Irene Øvstebø Tvedten, Senior Adviser at the Bellona Foundation and Project Manager for the Clean Hull Initiative (CHI) which led the development of ISO 6319, said: "Biofouling on ships' hulls can spread invasive species and damage ecosystems. It also increases drag, reducing vessel efficiency and raising fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions."
The standard offers a clear structure for documenting hull-cleaning activities, helping operators demonstrate compliance. Tvedten noted that a standardised framework for port authorities, cleaning service providers, and ship operators had been long awaited in the sector. ISO 6319 was developed in alignment with the IMO's biofouling guidelines and environmental regulations. The standard is expected to contribute to the global maritime sector's biodiversity and climate targets.
Key Takeaways:
1. ISO 6319 has been published as a global standard for safe hull cleaning at ports.
2. The standard targets managing biofouling without releasing organisms or chemicals into the water.
3. Application reduces invasive species spread while improving vessel efficiency.
4. The standard was developed under the leadership of the Clean Hull Initiative (CHI) and the Bellona Foundation.
5. It provides a clear structure for documenting hull-cleaning activities.
