Urgent Call for Review: EU's Shipping Regulations Impacting Climate Goals

Background on I-Tech and Selektope®

I-Tech, a pioneering Swedish biotech firm, is at the forefront of innovation in shipping with its cutting-edge marine anti-fouling agent, Selektope®. This game-changing product relies on the active ingredient medetomidine, which effectively hinders barnacle larvae from attaching to ship hulls by briefly altering their swimming behavior. Despite its environmental benefits, I-Tech is now urging the European Commission to revisit the regulatory framework governing this substance, as they believe it might fundamentally hinder progress towards EU's climate and innovation objectives.

The Flaws in the Current Regulations

I-Tech's CEO, Markus Jönsson, has openly criticized the EU's current renewal and risk assessment process for medetomidine. According to him, the methodology is rooted in flawed science, particularly the incorrect classification of medetomidine as an endocrine disruptor based on unrelated pharmaceutical data. This mischaracterization has led to an exaggerated portrayal of available alternatives, overshadowing the unique benefits that Selektope® offers in terms of reducing fuel consumption and promoting sustainability within the shipping industry.

The company insists that halting the use of Selektope® under these misguided regulations would jeopardize the EU's competitiveness in global shipping markets, particularly as other regions, such as Asia, embrace innovative anti-fouling technologies.

Misleading Analysis of Alternatives (AoA)

Adding to the predicament, I-Tech argues that the Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) responsible for justifying the barriers against the re-approval of Selektope® is severely compromised. The AoA incorrectly suggests that existing biocidal substances can serve as suitable alternatives for barnacle control, disregarding the distinct efficacy of Selektope®. Additionally, it points to non-biocidal technologies which have not gained commercial viability as practical substitutes. This highlights a significant misalignment with market readiness and underscores the necessity for a more thorough stakeholder-informed re-assessment of the alternatives.

Climate Goals and Shipping Industry Impact

I-Tech posits that Selektope® is integral to achieving both EU and United Nations climate ambitions. By minimizing the biocidal load within antifouling paints, just 2-4 grams of the compound per liter stands in stark contrast to the 900 grams typically found in conventional copper systems. This reduction is crucial. Effective anti-fouling systems, facilitated by Selektope®, could save the shipping sector up to 100 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year by significantly improving fuel efficiency.

The failure of the European Commission to act decisively could further compromise the EU's targets for sustainability and carbon neutrality, raising alarm bells across the shipping industry and environmental advocacy groups.

Consequences of Regulatory Inaction

Despite obtaining necessary approvals as early as 2016, Selektope®-based products have been effectively barred from EU markets due to a combination of regulatory roadblocks. Meanwhile, shipbuilders in Asian countries have seized the opportunity, gaining an edge through the implementation of advanced, environmentally-friendly anti-fouling solutions.

There is a growing consensus among EU member states to reconsider the current regulatory approach in favor of a more holistic scientific re-evaluation. Debates are ongoing about whether assessing active substances should be tackled individually or within a broader framework that engages various stakeholders in the discussions.

Conclusion

I-Tech stands at the crossroads of innovation and regulation, pleading with the European Commission to re-evaluate its stance on medetomidine. It is imperative that regulatory decisions evolve to reflect scientific truths and the crucial role that technologies like Selektope® play in both economic vitality and sustainability. The clock is ticking, and the EU's leadership position in shipping and environmental stewardship hangs in the balance. Only through informed actions can Europe hope to maintain its status as a pioneer in maritime innovation and climate responsibility.