Expert Consultation
We conducted an extensive interview with Mr. Chen Chun-Ming from ZIM Integrated Shipping Services, who transitioned from ship captain to operations director at the Asia-Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong. With over a decade of maritime experience managing routes from the US to Southeast Asia, Mr. Chen provided critical insights into the practical challenges of marine biofouling.
Economic Impact of Biofouling
Barnacle attachment significantly increases fuel consumption. A typical Shanghai to US voyage consuming 2,000 fuel units can require 2,500 units when the hull is fouled—a 25% increase that directly impacts operational costs and environmental footprint.
Current Industry Solutions
Standard practice involves dry-docking vessels every five years for mandatory hull maintenance. This process uses high-pressure water jets to remove rust and deteriorated coatings before repainting. While effective for general maintenance, it is not specifically optimized for barnacle removal.
For interim fouling issues, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) provide underwater cleaning services at costs reaching tens of thousands of USD per operation. This technology has replaced the previously common but hazardous practice of employing human divers.
Regulatory Environment
The maritime industry has significantly reduced its reliance on traditional anti-fouling coatings due to increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Many conventional coatings contained harmful pollutants such as organotin compounds, which have been restricted or banned under international maritime environmental protection agreements.
About ZIM Integrated Shipping Services
ZIM is a global, asset-light container liner shipping company headquartered in Israel, operating across more than 90 countries and serving over 32,000 customers through 300 ports worldwide. The company has established itself as an innovative force in the maritime industry, specializing in key trade routes connecting Asia and North America while maintaining operational agility through its strategic business model.
iGEM Exchange Conference
On June 28, our team participated in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai iGEM Exchange conference, engaging with peers from high school and university teams across the region. This event provided valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaborative learning, and critical feedback on our project design and implementation strategies.
Key Outcomes
- Participated in technical workshops covering synthetic biology methodologies and project management strategies
- Presented preliminary project findings and received constructive feedback from experienced teams
- Established collaborative relationships with teams working on complementary research areas
- Gained insights into innovative approaches to addressing marine environmental challenges
Educational Outreach
We developed a comprehensive educational program spanning multiple age groups, designed to cultivate scientific literacy and inspire future participation in synthetic biology research. Our initiatives targeted students from Year 5 through Year 13, with age-appropriate content and hands-on laboratory experiences.
Foundation Level (Year 5)
- Introduction to basic biological concepts through interactive demonstrations
- Anatomical education covering major organ systems
- Development of scientific observation skills
Intermediate Level (Years 6-7)
- Bronze CREST Award program implementation
- Independent research project development
- Scientific methodology and experimental design training
For Year 9 students, we introduced advanced laboratory techniques including micropipetting protocols, establishing a structured CREST pathway extending through Year 13. We created two specialized programs: the Experimentalist CCA for Years 7-8 and Biotechnology for Beginners for Years 9-10, covering laboratory safety protocols, aseptic technique, proper laboratory documentation practices, and fundamental skills essential for future iGEM participation.
Advanced Programs
- Technical Skills: Micropipetting, sterile technique, solution preparation, and gel electrophoresis
- Documentation: Laboratory notebook maintenance and experimental record-keeping
- Safety Training: Biosafety protocols, chemical handling, and emergency procedures
- Career Development: Introduction to synthetic biology careers and research pathways
Beyond our school community, we partnered with Steppingstones to deliver educational sessions on DNA structure, laboratory techniques, and the iGEM competition framework. We are currently developing plans to expand these initiatives across Wellington College schools throughout China, aiming to build a broader network of scientifically engaged students and future iGEM participants.
Diversity & Inclusivity
Team Composition Strategy
Our recruitment process prioritized diversity across multiple dimensions including gender, age, ethnicity, and academic background. Rather than prescriptive demographic quotas, we established competency-based selection criteria emphasizing demonstrated passion for synthetic biology, commitment to collaborative research, and complementary skill sets. This approach yielded a team spanning three year groups with representation across scientific and humanities disciplines, while maintaining balanced gender distribution.
This diversity framework was deliberately designed to enhance project outcomes through varied perspectives and interdisciplinary expertise. Team members bring distinct analytical approaches shaped by their diverse academic backgrounds, enabling more comprehensive problem-solving and innovative solution development.
Structural Approach
- Merit-based selection emphasizing demonstrated capabilities
- Multi-year cohort representation (Years 10-13)
- Interdisciplinary team composition spanning sciences and humanities
- Balanced gender representation across all project roles
- International student participation reflecting school demographics
Collaborative Framework
- Voluntary specialization in wet laboratory or computational track
- Peer mentorship between experienced and novice members
- Cross-functional team integration for knowledge transfer
- Skill development through graduated responsibility assignment
Team members self-selected into wet laboratory or computational biology tracks based on individual interests and career objectives, creating naturally balanced groups with mixed experience levels. This structure facilitates knowledge transfer and collaborative skill development across the team.
Communication Protocols
We established weekly team meetings for project updates, technical problem-solving, and strategic planning. These structured sessions ensure all team members, regardless of specialization, remain informed of project developments and can contribute to decision-making processes. We maintain asynchronous communication channels for ongoing coordination, ensuring equitable participation despite varying academic schedules and time zone considerations for international students.