A new ISO standard, ISO 6319, has been published to provide a global framework for environmentally responsible hull cleaning.
The standard aims to reduce the spread of invasive aquatic species and support energy efficiency by ensuring biofouling is managed without releasing organisms or chemicals into the water.
“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,” said Irene Øvstebø Tvedten, Senior Adviser at Bellona and Project Manager for the Clean Hull Initiative (CHI), which led development of the standard.
ISO 6319 provides a framework for ports and regulators to request documentation from service providers, making it easier to assess whether hull-cleaning technologies meet environmental safeguards.
Tvedten added: “On Wednesday, the standard was finally published and is now available for global stakeholders in shipping and ports.”
Port of Antwerp-Bruges contributed to the standard. Luc Van Espen, Port Environment Expert, stated: “An internationally accepted standard creates a level playing field among seaports worldwide, strongly limiting the transfer of invasive species from one port to another.”
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Global approval procedures for hull cleaning currently vary widely, creating operational challenges for shipowners.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen, a global RoRo operator, helped develop ISO 6319 and says the standard brings predictability.
Senior Manager, Kim-Helge Brynjulfsen, said: “When applications follow the same structure and technical specifications, ports can process them more efficiently. For shipping companies, this means fewer disruptions and greater operational certainty.”
Other contributors include Jotun, a marine coatings and hull-cleaning technology provider.
Petter Korslund, Regulatory Affairs Manager at Jotun, noted: “Many ports lack detailed knowledge about hull cleaning and are often overly cautious. ISO 6319 helps authorities assess whether cleaning systems sufficiently protect the environment. There are significant quality differences between systems.”
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Mark Riggio, Technical Director at BEMA, added: “ISO 6319 guides authorities on managing and mitigating the risks of hull cleaning while promoting environmentally responsible practices.”
Tvedten highlights the collaborative effort behind the standard: “Competitors put commercial interests aside to agree on terms for hull cleaning. It’s a significant achievement for proactive environmental management.”
The standard was initiated by the Clean Hull Initiative four years ago under Bellona’s leadership, aiming to encourage sufficiently frequent cleaning to maintain minimal biofouling.
