Biofouling describes the adhesion of microorganisms, algae, plants and animals to ship hulls. This biological process has not only ecological but also economic consequences. It can lead to the introduction of invasive species to foreign waters while increasing the flow resistance of ships, which significantly increases energy consumption and therefore emissions.
International regulations: The IMO biofouling guidelines
To tackle this problem, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 2011 published guidelines on the control and management of biofouling on ships. They aim to establish globally harmonised standards that effectively curb the spread of invasive aquatic species.
Following extensive consultations between the IMO member states and various international organisations, in which VDR was actively involved as a member of the German delegation and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the guidelines were updated by the Marine Environment Protection Committee in 2023.
The revised guidelines are aimed at all parties involved in ship and port operations, including shipping companies, ship operators, shipyards, ship designers, classification societies, manufacturers of antifouling systems and other suppliers and service providers. The guidelines contain practical recommendations for the following areas:
- Ship design and construction
- Selection, implemention and maintenance of antifouling systems
- Monitoring of relevant risk parameters
- Measures in case of infestation; underwater cleaning
- Creation and implementation of a biofouling management plan
- Documentation as well as staff instruction and training
The platform for dialogue: the Biofouling Round Table
In 2019, the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) and VDR jointly organised a round table on biofouling for the first time. This exchange format has since become a permanent platform for dialogue.
The round table brings together experts from the public administration and government, industry, science, associations and classification societies. The aim is to share knowledge, discuss challenges in practical biofouling management, and support the continued development of international guidelines by providing well-founded feedback from the field. Minutes and presentations from past events can be found at this link:
