Sharing Best Practices: MTCC Africa Supports Fact-Finding Mission on Biofouling Management

In July 2023, MTCC Africa, in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), embarked on a pivotal fact-finding mission to Mauritius under the IMO-Norad TEST Biofouling Project. This initiative—focusing on “Accelerating the Transfer of Environmentally-Sound Technologies through demonstration pilots”—supports developing countries in reducing biofouling and mitigating the ecological risks posed by invasive aquatic species (IAS). The mission aimed to empower Lead Partnering Countries (LPCs)—Madagascar and Sri Lanka—to learn from Mauritius’s advanced biofouling management practices and operational demonstration of environmentally sound technologies (ESTs).

As part of the TEST Biofouling Project, Mauritius, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka have been participating in national demonstration pilots designed to showcase innovative technologies like in-water cleaning and inspection systems. These demonstration activities are crucial in building capacity and encouraging uptake of the IMO Biofouling Guidelines. Additionally, Mauritius hosted officials from the Project Coordination Unit and MTCC Africa for detailed briefings and site visits, highlighting its leadership in translating guidelines into real-world solutions.

A particularly enlightening moment occurred during the delegation’s visit on 5 July 2023, when MTCC Africa and representatives from Madagascar and Sri Lanka toured the Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA) demonstration site. Welcomed by Mr. Shakeel Goburdhone, Deputy Director‑General, and the MPA technical team, the delegation witnessed live demos of cutting-edge in-water cleaning and inspection technologies and discussed how these are integrated into port operations and national strategies.

Complementing this, a visit to the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre in Port Louis provided scientists’ perspectives on the ecological impacts of biofouling and emphasized the importance of capacity-building for effective management—an integral part of the TEST Biofouling project’s ambition.

The mission’s findings are expected to shape practical strategies and policy recommendations for LPCs and MTCC Africa, including:

1. Designing feasible and implementable national demonstration projects;
2. Strengthening regional capacity to adopt innovative, eco-friendly biofouling solutions;
3. Accelerating the rollout of an educational toolkit focused on in-water cleaning and inspection technologies.

This initiative further underscores the role of south-south cooperation and knowledge exchange in enhancing biofouling management across African and Indian Ocean littoral states. Importantly, the TEST Biofouling Project has recently been extended through 31 December 2026, ensuring continued support for demonstration activities and long-term capacity strengthening in participating countries.

By leveraging Mauritius’s practical expertise and facilitating hands-on exposure to ESTs, MTCC Africa is advancing the region’s readiness to replicate biofouling solutions—reinforcing its commitment to sustainable maritime practices and a cleaner, more efficient shipping environment.