An IMO-led global effort to address marine biofouling

Supporting countries through the IMO-GEF-UNDP GloFouling Partnerships and IMO-Norad TEST Biofouling projects in addressing marine biofouling

Driving innovation for a cleaner, sustainable ocean

Together, these International Maritime Organization (IMO) executed projects advance practical solutions and global cooperation to reduce the impacts of marine biofouling across all sectors

Science, innovation, and partnership against biofouling

Working hand in hand with nations and industry, promoting effective biofouling management and technology transfer worldwide

The Project

The International Maritime Organization (IMO)-led GloFouling Partnerships and the TEST Biofouling Projects have joined forces to create a unified global initiative against marine biofouling

By combining strengths, the projects deliver both innovation and capacity building, the TEST Biofouling project demonstrates cutting-edge, sustainable technologies through pilot projects in developing regions, while GloFouling Partnerships built the capacity of countries to implement the IMO Biofouling Guidelines and reduce the spread of invasive aquatic species.

Together, these two complementary projects support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), promote energy efficiency, and advance best practices across shipping and other marine sectors-protecting oceans and ecosystems worldwide.

Biofouling increases surface roughness on ship hulls, creating greater hydrodynamic resistance and reducing propulsion efficiency resulting in higher fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. At the same time, biofouling is an increasingly recognised vector for the spread of invasive aquatic species (IAS), which threaten marine biodiversity, coastal ecosystems, and local economies.

While ballast water management has long been the focus of international efforts, scientific evidence points to biofouling as a pathway requiring stronger controls. Effective biofouling management is therefore essential both for protecting marine ecosystems and meeting IMO energy efficiency targets.

The Issue

Announcement

GloFouling Partnerships concluded in 2025. TEST Biofouling continues through the end of 2026.

After 6+ years of impact, the GloFouling Partnerships Project concluded in May 2025.
To continue the momentum, the TEST Biofouling Project has received a no-cost extension until December 2026.