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Ships' hulls hide alien invaders from closed Strait
7 Sep
Summary
- Vessels laid up since February have accumulated marine biofouling species.
- Reopening Strait of Hormuz may spread invasive organisms globally.
- Four global choke points lack alternative shipping routes.
A significant environmental threat is emerging from commercial vessels that have been laid up in the Persian/Arabian Gulf since February. Research indicates that over 1,500 ships have accumulated marine biofouling species on their hulls during this period.
As the Strait of Hormuz is set to reopen, these vessels pose a risk of spreading these invasive organisms to new ports. This potential "super-spreader" event could introduce alien species, impacting native ecosystems and coastal industries, leading to environmental damage and economic losses.
While 20 of the 24 identified global shipping choke points have alternative routes, four do not: the Strait of Hormuz, Oresund Strait, Bosporus and Dardanelles straits, and Bohai Strait. Intentional vessel layups also occur due to economic factors, as seen during the 2008 financial crisis.
Stationary vessels, especially in tropical waters, can quickly accumulate biofouling. When these ships depart, they can transport invasive species to new regions. After Hormuz reopens, ships are expected to reach ports such as Mumbai and Colombo, highlighting the need for management measures like pre-departure inspections and route forecasting.
