Proceedings
Day 1 – Technical Training and Setting the Stage
The opening session featured remarks from MTCC Africa, the IMO (via a recorded address by Ms. Mwanaulu Issa Mwajita, Head of Africa Section), and the Government of Madagascar, setting a strong policy and institutional context.
Participants were then introduced to the workshop objectives and the role of biofouling in shipping’s environmental footprint. Training, led by IMO Consultant Mr. Babacar Diop, covered:
- Understanding biofouling and invasive aquatic species (IAS): how marine organisms colonize hulls within hours and escalate to hard fouling within months, raising ship fuel consumption by up to 40%.
- Risk factors and assessment methodologies: practical tools to assess hull condition, vessel operating profiles, and port-level risks.
- Global standards and good practices: alignment with the revised IMO Biofouling Guidelines (MEPC.378(80), 2023), which provide a harmonized approach to managing fouling and minimizing IAS transfers.
The day underscored both the environmental risks and the economic penalties of unmanaged biofouling, noting that even light slime layers can reduce vessel efficiency by up to 9%.
Day 2 – Practical Skills, Gender Inclusion, and Technology Orientation
The second day shifted focus to inspection techniques and practical implementation:
- Modules on in-water inspections: Participants learned step-by-step planning, safety protocols, and reporting formats.
- Group exercises: Teams simulated inspection scenarios, highlighting how consistent data collection is key to national monitoring.
- Gender inclusion session: Presentation by MTCC Africa emphasized the need to increase female representation in technical roles, in line with the TEST Project Gender Action Plan and SDG 5.
In the afternoon, the technology provider — MadaROV presented its suite of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). The technology session detailed:
- Lightweight Micro ROVs for confined inspections.
- Keelcrab crawler units capable of cleaning 360 m²/hour, fitted with cameras, brushes, and integrated filtration systems to capture debris and larvae.
- Risk considerations, including preventing secondary contamination from antifouling paint particles and invasive organisms.
Participants engaged in Q&A, raising issues on maintenance costs, operator training, and applicability to different vessel types.
Day 3 – Live Demonstration and Strategic Dialogue
The third day brought theory into practice. After safety induction and transfer to the Port of Tamatave, participants were able to interact with the full ecosystem of the ROV inspection and cleaning suite of technologies. This included maneuvering the deployed Keelcrab ROVs themselves and observing the live video feed from the ROV cameras displayed on shore-side monitors at the berth. In addition, they were taken through the functioning of the integrated filtration system, which captures paint particles, algae, and larvae to ensure that residues are not released back into the marine environment. The demonstration showcased:
- Real-time visual inspection of submerged hull surfaces.
- How the ROVs can clean fouled areas using rotating brushes and suction.
- Filtration units with the ability to separate paint particles, algae, and larvae before discharge — a crucial safeguard against contaminating the local marine environment.
The session validated the operational feasibility of in-water cleaning while highlighting the importance of operator training and regular maintenance of filtration systems.
Returning to the conference venue, participants debriefed the demonstration and engaged in a financing dialogue led by BNI Madagascar, exploring investment pathways such as concessional loans and public–private partnerships for sustainable hull cleaning services.
The workshop closed with a “Lessons Learned & Next Steps” discussion where stakeholders called for:
- Development of a national biofouling management strategy aligned with IMO Guidelines.
- Establishment of a cadre of trained port inspectors.
- Greater awareness-raising for shipowners and agents.
- Regional cooperation to share experiences with other countries.
Certificates were thereafter issued by MTCC Africa, IMO, and APMF in recognition of participant achievements.
Raising Awareness on Biofouling Risks
The workshop highlighted:
- Environmental and economic impacts of fouling, including GHG emissions and trade competitiveness.
- The role of national and port-level risk assessments.
- The importance of aligning Madagascar’s strategies with international guidelines and regional best practices.
Participants agreed that for countries like Madagascar and other SIDS, local capacity building is crucial due to their vulnerability to both trade disruptions and climate impacts.
Live Demonstration with Innovative ROV Technology
One of the workshop’s highlights was the live in-water demonstration of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) by MadaROV. The technology showcased practical solutions for early detection, monitoring and cleaning of biofouling.
This demonstration provided hands-on experience for stakeholders, underscoring the feasibility of integrating innovative technologies into national port strategies. It also sparked discussions on financing pathways and potential partnerships for technology transfer across Africa.
Building Pathways for Regional Cooperation
The workshop underscored Madagascar’s role as a Lead Partnering Country under the TEST Biofouling Project. By hosting the demonstration, Madagascar has joined other pilot countries in showcasing scalable solutions that can be replicated regionally.
MTCC Africa emphasized that beyond technology, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and public–private partnerships are critical to ensuring long-term adoption of biofouling management practices. The Centre’s involvement reflects its broader mandate to support African maritime administrations in decarbonization, energy efficiency, and environmental compliance.
Key Outcomes and Next Steps
- Strengthened Capacity: Over 35 participants gained practical inspection and reporting skills through technical training.
- Technology Uptake: Local stakeholders explored the application of ROV inspections and cleaning as part of routine port biofouling monitoring and management.
- Regional Relevance: Lessons learned will inform upcoming TEST Biofouling activities across the wider African region.
- Sustainability Focus: Discussions highlighted the need to integrate biofouling management into national maritime strategies and link them with financing opportunities.
Why It Matters
Biofouling is often described as the “hidden face” of shipping’s environmental footprint. Its impacts go beyond efficiency, affecting biodiversity and coastal economies. Events like the Toamasina workshop shine a light on innovative solutions and reaffirm the importance of regional centers of excellence such as MTCC Africa.
By supporting countries to implement the IMO Guidelines, pilot innovative technologies, and establish financing pathways, the TEST Biofouling Project contributes directly to global climate and biodiversity goals while positioning Africa as an active player in the maritime energy transition.
👉 Next Stop: National pilot demonstrations in Mauritius and Sri Lanka, followed by a regional demonstration for all beneficiary countries under the project.
