BIOFOULING, BIOSECURITY AND HULL CLEANING

This fully illustrated publication describes in detail the problems that biofouling can cause to ship operations and the marine environment. It examines the use of anti-fouling systems to prevent the build-up of biofouling as well as the options available for ship cleaning, in particular the importance of in-water cleaning. It also sets out the revised 2023 IMO Biofouling Guidelines, specific regional mandatory biofouling requirements and the mandatory IMO AFS Convention. It also provides data sheets on a number of hull cleaning companies worldwide.

The build-up of biofouling can have a significant impact on ship hydrodynamics and energy efficiency as well as interfere with efficient operation of internal seawater systems. It can also threaten the marine environment through the transfer of non-native invasive species, or through the use of anti-fouling systems containing certain toxic substances.

This publication identifies ship structures that are vulnerable to biofouling, factors affecting the rate of build-up and the effect of biofouling on performance and operating costs.

It looks in detail at biofouling management, including the use of biocidal and non-biocidal paints and coatings, corrosion, marine growth prevention systems, in-water cleaning and treatment in dry dock. It briefly discusses several examples of environmental research initiatives into the effects of biofouling.

The publication sets out current biofouling legislative requirements, including IMO's recently revised 2023 Biofouling Guidelines, updates to the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships (AFS Convention), and individual national and regional biofouling legislation. It provides templates for the Biofouling Management Plan and the Biofouling Record Book from the updated 2023 Biofouling Guidelines.

Finally, it provides a selection of data sheets summarising the services offered and area of operation of hull cleaning and inspection companies worldwide. This section includes world maps to enable readers to quickly identify companies operating in particular geographic locations.