Biofouling and ship decarbonisation: why a ship’s efficiency starts with the hull
When discussing decarbonisation in the shipping sector, the focus is almost always on alternative fuels, more efficient engines and new propulsion technologies.
Yet there is a far more tangible and often underestimated factor that directly affects fuel consumption, performance and emissions: the condition of the hull.
Biofouling – that is, the build-up of marine organisms on the hull – increases drag whilst sailing, compromises hydrodynamic efficiency and has a direct impact on fuel consumption. The new ISO 6319:2026 highlights that biofouling is estimated to increase a ship’s fuel consumption by an average of around 9 per cent, with significant environmental and economic impacts.
Why biofouling is a strategic issue
An increase in friction means one very simple thing: the ship needs more energy to move. More energy means:
more fuel consumed
more emissions
greater wear and tear
less consistent performance over time
For this reason, biofouling is no longer merely a matter of routine maintenance, but has become a key issue in the maritime sector’s efficiency and sustainability strategies. ISO 6319:2026 itself emphasises that biofouling increases hull drag, reduces propulsion efficiency and leads to higher fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
The sector is evolving: it is no longer just a matter of best practice
The issue of biofouling and decarbonisation in the shipping sector is now so significant that even the IMO – the International Maritime Organisation – is working on the development of a future legally binding framework for its management. During the PPR 13 session in February 2026, the key elements were defined to guide this work and lay the foundations for the future international regulatory framework.
This means that hull management is increasingly becoming a strategic issue, rather than merely an operational one.
Surface preparation, coatings and maintenance: the real competitive advantage
In this context, activities such as:
surface preparation
anti-corrosion coatings
asset protection
scheduled maintenance
play a crucial role.
It is not simply a matter of ‘repairing’ a surface or taking action once the problem has become apparent. Rather, it is about preserving the asset’s efficiency over time, reducing the risk of accelerated deterioration and maintaining high standards of performance.
And this is precisely where the value of a qualified technical partner comes into play.
The role of Holson Impianti
For Holson Impianti, surface protection is not merely a stage in the execution process, but a technical process that requires analysis, experience, operational precision and a consistent approach. In industrial and marine contexts, carrying out the work correctly means understanding the materials, assessing the condition of the substrate, selecting the most suitable surface preparation and applying protective systems in a manner consistent with the objectives of durability and performance.
Holson’s professionalism is epitomised by this very approach:
attention to detail
technical expertise
proactive approach
ability to provide reliable, well-structured solutions
Because today, more than ever, a well-treated surface is not just a protected surface: it is a surface that performs better, lasts longer and contributes to the overall efficiency of the plant or naval asset.
Efficiency and sustainability also depend on maintenance
Sustainability is not just about the most visible innovations.
It often lies in what enables a piece of infrastructure, a ship or a plant to last longer, consume less and maintain consistent performance over time. Investing in surface preparation, corrosion protection and scheduled maintenance therefore means taking action on three levels:
technical, because performance is maintained
economic, because inefficiencies and unscheduled maintenance are reduced
environmental, because lower consumption and higher efficiency also mean a reduced environmental impact
Conclusion
The decarbonisation of a ship does not begin solely with engines or the fuels of the future.
It also begins with a more informed approach to managing the hull, its surfaces and its long-term efficiency. Biofouling is a tangible, measurable challenge that is now increasingly central, including from a regulatory perspective. Tackling it requires technical expertise, appropriate measures and a prevention-oriented approach.
Holson Impianti operates precisely in this direction: transforming the maintenance and protection of surfaces into a genuine tool for efficiency, reliability and long-term value.
Would you like to find out more about how surface preparation, anti-corrosion coatings and scheduled maintenance can improve the lifespan and efficiency of your assets?
Contact us for further information.
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