Dubai, 20 October 2025
At the Port Development MEA Forum organized by Great Minds Event Management, Nikeel Idnani, Hon. Secretary of the IMarEST UAE Branch, delivered an engaging presentation titled “Coating the Voyage to Profitable Decarbonization.”
Although the forum primarily focused on port infrastructure and operations, Mr. Idnani broadened the discussion to include the indispensable link between ports & ships – the assets that move valuable cargo in and out of them. He reminded the 206 delegates that shipping carries over 90% of global trade, making it the backbone of international commerce & a key player in the transition to a low-carbon future.
Despite the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) adjourning its decision on October 17 regarding a Net-Zero Framework that draws on the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C climate target, Mr. Idnani explained how the maritime sector is still accelerating its decarbonization efforts. He detailed these ongoing efforts through technical and operational measures, such as the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). He noted that meeting mid-term goals can be met by adopting energy efficiency technologies already available today – including advanced Silicone fouling-release coatings which can deliver immediate gains by reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
In a dynamic moment that captured the audience’s attention, Nikeel stepped off the stage to engage the audience directly, using a ship model to vividly demonstrate how a vessel experiences frictional resistance through water. This hands-on illustration reinforced his message that reducing hull drag through ultra-premium coatings can deliver measurable environmental and financial benefits. He presented a case study of a VLCC that applied a Silicone fouling-release coating, resulting in projected savings of 16,500 tons of fuel worth USD 10.7 million, while preventing 51,500 tons of CO₂ emissions. The investment offered a return on investment within just 11 months and ensured the vessel remained CII-compliant for a full decade.
Highlighting silicone coatings’ unique advantages, Mr. Idnani explained that these biocide-free, long-lasting systems create an ultra-smooth, non-stick surface that minimizes friction, prevents marine fouling & achieves up to 20% power savings. “This is where sustainability meets commercial sense,” he said, emphasizing that silicone coatings not only help shipowners comply with IMO efficiency targets but also improve vessel performance and reduce lifecycle costs.
About the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST)
The IMarEST which is headquartered in London, is an international professional body and learned society for marine engineers, scientists and technologists. With its global appeal, consultative status at IMO, collaborative undertakings with governments worldwide and international standing, IMarEST is, inter alia, the preferred partner for sharing knowledge and dissemination of information to a broad spectrum of marine professionals at local and international levels. More details can be accessed via www.imarest.org
