<p>The antifouling performance of ship coatings is a crucial factor affecting both shipping efficiency and the marine ecosystem. Traditional antifouling coatings typically rely on the release of biocides, but prolonged use can be harmful to the environment. This paper reviews the progress of microencapsulation based on inorganic and organic biocides in ship antifouling, focusing on the properties of both types of biocides and their advantages and challenges in microencapsulation. Inorganic biocides are of interest because of their efficient bactericidal properties, while organic biocides exhibit excellent chemical stability and environmental friendliness. The high performance and greening of antifouling coatings on marine vessels can be further promoted through the rational design of microencapsulation systems of biocides combined with multifunctional antifouling strategies. In addition, this paper analyzes the potential of inorganic biocide and organic biocide-based microencapsulation technology in realizing coating self-repair, antifouling longevity and environmental compatibility, and looks forward to the future development direction.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>