Biofilms in the Marine Sector

Biofilms pose a significant issue within the marine sector. They can form on the hulls of shipping vessels in a process referred to as biofouling. Shipping is estimated to transport 80% of global trade which contributes to 2% of the worlds carbon dioxide emissions. Biofouling increases a ships frictional resistance, which in turn causes vessels to consume more fuel and release more greenhouse gases. Biofouling also has significant impacts on marine life, as it can transfer invasive species on the hulls of ships into new environments. This can have detrimental consequences for aquaculture, fisheries and biodiversity.