The draft regulation from The Norwegian Maritime Authority, is out for public consultation. The regulations will apply to both Norwegian and foreign vessels and mobile offshore units operating within Norway’s territorial waters. The main rule is clear: vessels arriving from outside the Norwegian Economic Zone must not have macrofouling on their hulls. Cleaning will be required if such fouling is detected. And it must be done in a way that avoids new pollution.
Stated in the consultation paper:
“This is an important step in protecting marine biodiversity along the Norwegian coast and reducing the spread of invasive species.”
Technology-Neutral Requirements – but a Clear Direction
The proposal introduces a requirement to use the best available technology for hull cleaning, without prescribing any specific method. This opens the door for innovation and for developing solutions that are both efficient and environmentally responsible. Which is something Trosvik Oceantech is already well ahead on.
“Our MultiCleaner ROV represents exactly this kind of technology,” says Managing Director Svein Cato Rund.
“It enables efficient hull cleaning without divers, offering high precision and minimal risk of spreading biological material.”
A Regulation Pointing Toward the Future
The proposal builds on the IMO’s revised Biofouling Guidelines (2023) but goes even further. Once adopted, Norway will have some of the world’s strictest rules for managing hull biofouling.
For Trosvik Oceantech, this development reinforces a clear direction:
Continuing to develop future-ready solutions for cleaner oceans and a more sustainable maritime industry.
Source: The Norwegian Maritime Authority
Summary of the Proposed Regulations:
Authority: Norwegian Maritime Authority
Title: Draft Regulation on the Management of Hull Biofouling
Consultation Deadline: 10 September 2025
Objectives:
• To prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species from ship hulls entering Norwegian waters.
• To ensure that hull cleaning does not create new pollution.
Key Requirements:
- Vessels arriving from outside the Norwegian Economic Zone must not have macrofouling on their hulls.
- Hulls found with macrofouling must be cleaned upon arrival.
- Cleaning must be performed using the best available technology, to minimize the spread of invasive species.
- Operators must maintain a biofouling management plan and documentation of cleaning activities.
Reference:
The proposal is based on the IMO 2023 Biofouling Guidelines (MEPC.378(80)), but introduces stricter national requirements for ships and offshore units operating in Norwegian territorial waters.