UK Green Technology Director appointed Chair of IMO GloFouling Alliance

Darren R. Jones, Director of Sonihull, one of the world’s leading green technology firms, has been elected as the Founding Chair of the GloFouling Alliance.

Darren R. Jones

The ground-breaking marine GIA (Global Industry Alliance) was launched in June 2020 by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to tackle two of the most pressing environmental issues of our time – Invasive Species and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

The goal of the GIA is to bring-together shipping industry stakeholders, the private sector and global regulations to address the impact of biofouling on GHG emissions and the transfer of harmful aquatic species.

“Being elected as the Chair of this GIA is an honour,” said Jones (above) of the appointment. “The shipping industry and the world’s oceans are at a tipping-point and it is essential that the marine industry comes together to share technology, ideas and legal frameworks to implement practical solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues.”

It is going to be impossible to implement 100% zero-emissions cargo vessels in the immediate future

Darren R. Jones – Sonihull
Jose Matheickal, IMO

“I am very confident that this will be a very fruitful cooperation and bring amazing results. I am also confident that it will become the most important private-public partnership for addressing marine biosecurity issues.”

During the meeting, Mr. Jose Matheickal, Chief of IMO’s Department of Partnerships and Projects, highlighted the importance of the work to be carried out by GIA for Marine Biosafety “the work is of great importance to the biosecurity and GHG strategies of IMO.”

…it will become the most important private-public partnership for addressing marine biosecurity issues.

Jose Matheickal, Chief of IMO’s Department of Partnerships and Projects

“There is a very big job ahead of us,” added Jones. “Currently there are around 94,000 ships in the world merchant fleet, with a total capacity of around 2 billion deadweight tonnes (DWT). This figure doesn’t account for the vast array of other structures in the ocean, from wind turbines and offshore oil platforms to fish farms and floating solar arrays.”

“Bio-fouling alone accounts for about $100 billion in extra fuel and remedial costs, every year. This does not account for the unseen costs of invasive species and climate change. By replacing existing antifouling systems and practices with available zero-harm technologies, marine industries can meet the economic and environmental challenges created by bio-fouling without restrictive capital costs, without unnecessary downtime, and without leaving a toxic legacy.”

It is going to be impossible to implement 100% zero-emissions cargo vessels in the immediate future. However, there are significant margins to be un-locked which will extend the viability of the current world fleet, without further compromising the environment or operator viability.

Darren R. Jones, Director of Sonihull

Protect your vessel

Sonihull’s mission is to deliver environmentally safe, cost effective antifouling wherever unwanted bio-fouling persists. Our vision is:

To make dosing the oceans with poisonous biocides and microplastics a thing of the past
To deliver effective antifouling systems using the power of ultrasound
To save the oceans, one ship at a time