KRISO Successfully Concludes the Third GloFouling R&D Forum and Exhibition on Biofouling Prevention and Management for Maritime Industries

▶ A Global Platform for Collaborative Discussions on Biofouling Management Technologies and Agreements

□ The Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (President KeyYong Hong, KRISO) announced the successful conclusion of the 3rd GloFouling R&D Forum and Exhibition on Biofouling Prevention and Management for Maritime Industries. The forum, co-hosted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, took place from November 4 to 8 at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Busan.

□ This year’s forum marks the final event of the GloFouling Partnership program, one of 12 international cooperation initiatives led by the IMO. This year’s event was hosted in Busan, Korea, following its previous series in Australia (2019) and London (2022).

◦ The GloFouling Partnership is an international collaboration program aimed at addressing the ecological disruptions caused by the spread of biofouling species on ships and marine structures, fostering global collaboration in forming technological solutions and policy frameworks.

□ The 3rd GloFouling R&D Forum and Exhibition on Biofouling Prevention and Management for Maritime Industries gathered approximately 250 marine environment experts and stakeholders from 56 nations, holding 12 sessions under the theme, “The Future of Biofouling Management Systems.” Participants discussed the necessity of international agreements and their execution plans, as well as emerging technologies and policies to reduce the environmental and economic impacts of biofouling. Around 50 experts delivered presentations and engaged in in-depth discussions on effective strategies to manage biofouling.

□ In particular, a Korea-special session on November 5 spotlighted local technology advancements and future outlook in biofouling management. KRISO Principal Researcher Lee Pan-mook presented the current research state of KRISO’s biofouling management technology, explaining that innovative technologies such as an autonomous cleaning system using a robotic arm underwater and a deep learning-based automatic hull fouling classification technology, can contribute to reducing hull maintenance costs and protection of marine ecosystems.

□ Throughout the forum, an exhibition showcased biofouling treatment technologies of Korea and other major countries. Participants had the opportunity to visit the Korean underwater cleaning robot provider, research institutions, and shipyards to gain hands-on experience. As such, the forum provided a platform for sharing the latest technologies and their real-life applications around the world while exploring opportunities for global cooperation.

□ “We hope this forum has heightened international interest and awareness in biofouling management, which would further promote collaboration,” said KRISO President Hong Key Yong. “We also hope for a timely establishment of an international agreement that could contribute to the protection of our marine ecosystems and the sustainable development of the maritime industry.”