#Sweden #Gothenburg #EU Regulations #I-Tech #Selektope

EU's Climate Goals at Risk

Introduction

The European Union's ambitious climate targets face serious threats if current regulatory frameworks don't undergo critical reassessment. A case in point is the Swedish biotech company I-Tech's innovative marine anti-fouling ingredient, Selektope®, which stands at the forefront of this discussion. Selektope® utilizes the active substance medetomidine to provide an eco-friendly solution for combating marine fouling, yet its future is precariously linked to regulatory missteps by the European Commission.

The Call for Change

In a recent appeal, I-Tech called for the European Commission to critically revisit the EU's renewal and risk assessment processes concerning medetomidine. I-Tech emphasizes that the existing methods are fundamentally flawed, relying on misleading scientific data that could stifle innovation in shipping. The implications could be paramount: compromising the competitiveness of European shipyards and failing to reach critical climate and sustainability targets.

Most notably featured in a Financial Times exposé, I-Tech's concerns underscore the urgent need for a corrected regulatory framework that aligns with science-based evaluations, enabling better stakeholder engagement and emphasizing the unique benefits of Selektope®.

Understanding the Flaws

1. Flawed Scientific Evaluation
The crux of the problem lies in how medetomidine has been incorrectly classified as an endocrine disruptor. This classification stems from data tied to its pharmaceutical applications, which do not pertain to its role within marine coatings. This misclassification has significant ramifications, greatly overstating the availability of alternatives and disregarding the proven ecological advantages of Selektope®, such as its role in fuel consumption reductions.

2. Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) Issues
A severely compromised Analysis of Alternatives has been utilized to justify opposing the re-approval of Selektope®. The AoA inaccurately lists biocidal substances incapable of controlling barnacle fouling as viable alternatives. Moreover, it includes impractical non-biocidal technologies that are neither commercially viable nor widely accepted. Stakeholder interviews affirm that the current market is not equipped to depend on these alternatives because of substantial retrofit costs or limited effectiveness under specific operational circumstances.

Selektope® as a Critical Tool

Selektope® operates using ultra-low biocidal loadings, significantly less than traditional copper-based anti-fouling systems. This strategy minimizes environmental impact and prevents the build-up of resistance, aligning with EU and UN sustainable development goals. Estimates suggest that effective adoption of such anti-fouling coatings could reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions from shipping by over 100 million tons, due to lowered ship drag and fuel consumption.

Competitive Landscape

The EU's regulatory shortfalls have resulted in a failure to release Selektope®-based products despite full approval since 2016. In contrast, markets in Asia—including South Korea, Japan, and China—have quickly adopted this innovative technology, granting them a competitive advantage over European counterparts. If the EU fails to amend its regulatory processes, it could negatively impact the local shipping industry and hinder shipyards' abilities to maintain vessels utilizing Selektope anti-fouling systems.

Conclusion

The time is ripe for a thorough reassessment of the EU's current approaches to medetomidine evaluations, with a recognition of its socio-economic implications. A collaborative, science-based policy approach is vital to ensure that the EU remains competitive in innovation while making strides to meet global climate ambitions. I-Tech advocates for a more comprehensive regulatory framework that benefits all stakeholders involved, fostering a greener future while maintaining economic viability in the maritime shipping sector.