The shipping industry, responsible for transporting about 90% of the world's goods, is a fundamental part of the global economy. However, it also contributes significantly to climate change and the transfer of invasive species. To address this at COP29, Jotun participated in a panel discussion titled “Navigating the future: linking shipping, biodiversity and decarbonization.” It highlighted the importance of hull performance and marine coatings in driving sustainable change in the shipping industry.

Dr. Christer Øpstad, Jotun's Global Director of Pollution Prevention Research and Development, was invited to participate in this important conversation because of the company's nearly 100 years of experience in researching and revolutionizing ship performance in water. This long-standing commitment has put the company at the forefront of efforts to reduce carbon emissions in shipping and protect biodiversity. During the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, Jotun and other participants had the opportunity to educate, spread awareness and inspire global, national and local communities, as well as organizations, the shipping industry and policy makers.

Linking biofouling, biodiversity and emissions

- From our point of view, biodiversity and climate are directly linked through biofouling,” Øpstad said on stage in Baku.

Biofouling can result in the introduction of invasive species that threaten local ecosystems. According to recent studies, up to 70% of bioinvasions are associated with contaminated ship hulls. Invasive species, such as the Pacific oyster, have already caused significant harm to local marine life, especially along the Norwegian coast, where Øpstad grew up.

- When I was growing up on the Norwegian coast, we played in the shallows without fear, but today children can no longer run into the water barefoot. They have to wear protective footwear because of razor-sharp mussels everywhere, a direct result of the Pacific oyster invasion,” he said. This example underscores the need to address biofouling not just as an environmental problem, but as a problem that affects people's lives and local communities.

In addition to posing a biosecurity risk, biofouling can also increase a ship's carbon footprint. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has reported that even small amounts of pollution can increase emissions by up to 19%.

- Considering that shipping accounts for about 3% of global emissions, this is a serious problem. By keeping hulls clean, we can largely avoid these additional emissions and biosecurity risks, Øpstad stressed.

The key is to build awareness

The panel discussion took place at the Ocean Pavilion in the Blue Zone during COP29. The panel was moderated by Simon Walmsley of the UN Foundation, and in addition to Jotun, the discussion included Anna Larsson of the World Shipping Council, Rakhi Kasat of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Noelle Young of the Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy Island Innovation.

The mix of organizations, as well as different expertise and perspectives on the panel brought a broader understanding of both problems and solutions. There was agreement on the importance of shipping, both economically and socially, and based on this, the conversation explored the opportunities that lie both above and below the water's surface.

According to Øpstad, the key to this change is cooperation across the industry, as well as raising awareness of the consequences of biofouling. According to a recent survey conducted by Jotun, two-thirds of industry stakeholders are unaware of the real consequences of biofouling.

- This just goes to show that in addition to developing technologies and solutions, we also need to work together to raise awareness, making sure that stakeholders understand the consequences and how they fit into the bigger picture, Øpstad said.

Global and local approach needed

The shipping industry operates at different scales - from global and regional shipping routes to local operations. And the local perspective is a bit of an understatement when it comes to how the shipping industry spreads invasive species, according to Øpstad.

The challenges of biological pollution, emissions and biodiversity are complex and require multifaceted solutions. Øpstad stresses that no single technology or solution will suffice.

- We cannot solve this with one technology or one solution. We have to work with different technologies and options,” he explained on stage.

Cross-sector cooperation - academia and industry

The need for cross-sector collaboration was a recurring theme at COP29. Øpstad noted that bringing together industry, policymakers and academics is essential to driving real change.

- Innovation and technology development in industry focus on the perspectives of end users, but academia often takes a broader, more fundamental approach, he said.

By combining the expertise of these two sectors, Øpstad believes that creative power and innovative strength can be harnessed to accelerate progress.

In addition, he stressed the importance of connecting students and future professionals to the challenges of the real world.“We need to motivate those who will be future scientists and professionals to be part of the change. Engaging the next generation is key to ensuring that the industry remains committed to long-term sustainability.

The importance of the discussions

 - COP29 was an absolutely fantastic event - both in terms of its size and the knock-on effects it has on climate discussions. It has always been on our radar, of course, as the most groundbreaking conference on climate change. The diverse panel really gave us some interesting perspectives, and after the event we feel inspired and look forward to continuing these conversations,” said Jessica Doyle, Global Sales Director Shipping at Jotun.

Jotun was invited to participate in the panel through a partnership with the Sustainable Shipping Initiative, a group of leaders working to drive change and make the shipping industry more sustainable.

- It is crucial to be able to publicize the issue and set the stage for important forums such as COP29. All eyes of the climate are on this conference these weeks - and much of this is low-hanging fruit in terms of the impact a clean hull can have, and parts of the solution are already here. We hope we've been able to both educate and raise awareness about this critically important topic, because we need regulators and policymakers to prepare the ground for a cleaner shipping industry,” she added.