Driving maritime sustainability forward: I-Tech at key EMSA and SEA Europe meetings in Lisbon

Driving innovation at the joint EMSA–SEA Europe workshop

At the Joint EMSA–SEA Europe Annual Workshop, innovation was the common thread. Topics ranged from digitalisation and advanced materials to carbon management, retrofitting, and, importantly, biofouling management.

Cecilia Ohlauson presented on the close connection between biofouling management and sustainable shipping — a relationship that is becoming impossible to ignore. As ships increasingly face efficiency requirements and emissions reduction targets, the need for technologies, such as Selektope, that maintain a clean hull over long operational intervals is more critical than ever.

Shipyard Insights from Lisnave Estaleiros Navais S.A.

A highlight of the programme was the visit to Lisnave Estaleiros Navais S.A., one of Europe’s premier ship repair facilities. The visit provided valuable operational context: shipyards are central to ensuring high-performance hull coatings reach the water, and their role grows as vessel efficiency becomes a strategic priority for the sector.

The discussions reinforced how clean hulls and effective antifouling coatings directly support operational reliability, cost efficiency, and compliance with evolving environmental rules.

The newly released EU maritime strategy – A clear call for sustainable innovation

Since the meetings in Lisbon, the new EU Maritime Strategy has been released — and its direction underscores the relevance of Selektope´s availability in antifouling products more than ever.

The strategy emphasizes a competitive, innovative, and sustainable European maritime sector, with a strong focus on reducing environmental impact, accelerating technological adoption, and strengthening Europe’s leadership in green shipping.

Biofouling management is central to these objectives.

A vessel with uncontrolled fouling can emit up to 40% more CO₂ due to increased drag, according to IMO studies. As regulatory pressure grows and environmental scrutiny intensifies, solutions like Selektope deliver measurable impact. They empower coatings manufacturers and shipowners to:

•  Achieve higher operational efficiency

•  Meet regulatory expectations

•  Reduce emissions without retrofitting hardware

•  Manage performance risks in unpredictable trading routes

As Europe strives to remain a global maritime innovation leader, I-Tech support this ambition — by providing an antifouling biocide that can improve both environmental performance and commercial competitiveness.

Moving forward

The discussions in Lisbon, the insights from the shipyard visit, and the newly issued EU Maritime Strategy all point to the same conclusion: Europe’s maritime sector strives to accelerate toward a cleaner, smarter, more resilient future.

As the sector’s sustainability momentum builds, so does the importance of high-performance antifouling technologies that reduce emissions, support regulatory compliance, and enable long-term operational efficiency.