Members of the Global Industry Alliance (GIA) for Marine Biosafety conveyed for its sixth meeting and welcomed KCC Corporation, based in South Korea, as the latest company to join the GIA initiative. The GIA is a platform for industry collaboration set up under the GloFouling Partnerships project to identify solutions to improve biofouling management and address the two related environmental issues, namely Invasive Aquatic Species (IAS) and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from ships.
The meeting discussed the realization of two new activities for the upcoming period: the development of an animation to explain the link between biofouling and GHG emissions and a report that will explore port perspectives in relation to biofouling management.
The GIA celebrated the completion of its report “Compilation and comparative analysis of existing and emerging regulations, standards and practices related to ships’ biofouling”. This GIA-led report was commissioned to provide higher clarity to the industry and facilitate compliance. The report has been recently submitted to the 9th session of IMO’s Sub Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR), where discussions are taking place for the development of the revised IMO Biofouling Guidelines.
Representing the KCC Corporation during the GIA meeting, Mr. K.J. Kang, Senior Manager at the Coating System Design Department, highlighted that "through daring and innovative research and development, KCC has focused its efforts on pursuing environmentally friendly biofouling management for the global society, in particular, providing marine coating systems to protect vessels, offshore structures and docks, terminals, and storage facilities. We will support improved biofouling management and marine biosafety initiatives via our developing Anti-fouling Coatings and FMS (Fouling Management System). FMS consists of hull performance analysis, fouling risk assessment and proactive/reactive hull cleaning. This integrated package helps shipping fleets to control biofouling management”.
For more information on how to join the GIA: https://www.glofouling.imo.org/gia
About KCC Corporation
Since its foundation in 1958, KCC has become a leading comprehensive fine chemical company that produces construction and industrial materials, paint, silicone and cutting-edge materials. KCC Corporation focuses the capabilities on developing innovative, eco-friendly and high value-added, “ONE AND ONLY” products. KCC Corporation strengthens the leadership position to become a “Strong, Trusted, and Global KCC” by building trust with customers and gaining a competitive advantage.
