Vessels waiting near the Strait of Hormuz are experiencing significant slowdowns due to substantial marine growth – including barnacles, algae, and jellyfish – accumulating on their hulls. This biofouling reduces ship speed and increases fuel consumption, costing operators significantly. Antifouling coatings, designed to prevent this growth, rely on ship movement to release chemicals that deter marine life; prolonged inactivity renders them ineffective. The issue is exacerbated by current blockades and past disruptions like the COVID-19 lockdowns, allowing growth to reach up to two centimeters in just seven weeks. Fleet Robotics is offering a solution with cleaning robots that can restore a ship’s hydrodynamic efficiency, potentially saving customers up to 20 tons of fuel daily. The problem highlights the operational challenges faced by shipping companies beyond geopolitical risks like sea mines and insurance concerns.