Shipping warned of large costs from hull fouling as ships sit at anchor

With hundreds of vessels anchored for prolonged periods during the coronavirus pandemic, the shipping industry is facing potentially large financial losses from hull fouling, senior consultants have warned.

The growth of shells, aquatic plants and other organisms on vessels under waterlines is a natural phenomenon and well known to seasoned shipping players.

But the issue has been particularly highlighted because such fouling is set to affect an unusually large number of ships, according to GreenSteam chief executive Simon Whitford.