An update on vessel biofouling management
- Published:
- Author:
- Keywords: Statutory

Relevant for ship owners and managers, design offices, shipyards and suppliers.
Biofouling background
Biofouling has been defined by the IMO as the accumulation of aquatic organisms such as plants, animals and micro-organisms on surfaces and structures submerged or exposed to the aquatic environment. Biofouling becomes a risk for the environment when invasive aquatic species are transferred to new ecosystems.
The IMO has acknowledged the risk of transferring invasive aquatic species and, as a result, adopted the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention, which entered into force on 8 September 2017. Ballast water treatment is to be implemented for most vessels after their first IOPP renewal after 2019.
Biofouling management is not required by the BWM Convention, since it is not part of its scope. However, biofouling can also be a significant contributor to the transfer of invasive aquatic species.
All ships have some degree of biofouling, even those which may have been recently cleaned or had a new application of an anti-fouling coating system. The amount of biofouling that may be found on a ship is influenced by a range of factors, such as:
- Design and construction (number, location and design of niche areas)
- Specific operating profile (operating speeds, ratio of time underway compared with time alongside, moored or at anchor)
- Places visited and trading routes
- Maintenance history (type, condition of anti-fouling system, installation and operation of anti-fouling systems as well as dry-docking/slipping and hull cleaning practices)
As of today, the control of biofouling is voluntary. However, the financial benefit for ship owners of implementing hull cleaning plans to improve the vessel’s hydrodynamic performance and lower fuel consumption can be significant.
Biofouling Management Plan
Vessels are recommended to have a Biofouling Management Plan on board per Resolution MEPC.207(62). DNV GL has a template for the Biofouling Management Plan, which is available on our website (see link below) and that is compliant with the IMO resolution.
GloFouling Partnership project
A project has been established by the Global Environment Facility, United Nations Development Programme and IMO as part of the GEF-UNDP-IMO’s GloFouling Partnership. The project aims to:
- Address the risks posed by organisms transferred via biofouling
- Allow biofouling issues to be better addressed within the context of invasive species management
- Bring together all stakeholders
IMO and other regulations
While there are no immediate proposals for regulation on the table at the IMO, there is an increasing interest in the issue. Also, new regulations are in place or developing in various countries.
The US Coast Guard has required since 21 June 2012 a Biofouling Management Plan on board, and the State of California established a Marine Invasive Species Act in 2003 with the goal of reducing the risk of introducing invasive aquatic species.
Australia has developed several guidelines since 2009 for biofouling for recreational vessels, non-trading vessels, commercial fishing vessels, the petroleum production and exploration industry, commercial vessels, and since 2013 the aquaculture industry, and are in the process of considering biofouling regulations.
In New Zealand, the new Craft Risk Management Standard, which enters into force on 15 May 2018, requires that all vessels arriving shall have a clean hull or adhere to biofouling management best practices. The IMO Biofouling Management Plan (MEPC.2017[62]) is considered an example of best practices.
Recommendations
It is recommended to ship owners to have a Biofouling Management Plan with clear procedures and strategies. The economic benefit of doing so will improve vessel performance and lower the fuel consumption. Requirements have already been implemented in the USA, new regulations will soon enter into force in New Zealand, and Australia is considering new regulations in the near future.
DNV GL references
Ballast water management (BWM) and biofouling services, including the Biofouling Management Plan template.
IMO references
CONTACT
For customers: DATE – Direct Access to Technical Experts via My DNV GL services
Otherwise: Email us at Environmental Protection
Linklist
Linklist
Latest Technical and Regulatory News
-
2018. gada 18. jūnijā | Technical | NEWSHow to make your company and ships more cyber-resilientDNV GL has been addressing cyber security together with our clients for years. Even though we see the risk increasing every year, we believe that many companies and their assets are not prepared. This technical news summarizes some common-sense recommendations on how to make your company – and your ships – more cyber-resilient.
-
2018. gada 5. jūnijā | PSC | NEWSConcentrated inspection campaigns focusing on MARPOL VI, auxiliary machinery and open lifeboatsDifferent PSC regimes have announced their concentrated inspection campaigns (CICs) for auxiliary machines starting 1 June and for MARPOL VI from 1 September. The US Coast Guard carries out a CIC from May 2018 to 2019 on open lifeboats of US-flagged ships. This PSC news summarizes DNV GL’s considerations on how to prepare for the upcoming inspections.
-
2018. gada 14. maijā | Statutory | NEWSCanada arctic pollution prevention certificate replaced by the polar code certificateAfter entry into force of the Polar Code, the Canadian flag administration has repealed their requirements for an Arctic Pollution Prevention Certificate. This statutory news explains the transfer from the Arctic Pollution Prevention Certificate to the Polar Code Certificate.
-
2018. gada 3. maijā | Statutory | NEWSPractical advice for IMO DCS data collection starting 1 january 2019Both EU MRV (Monitoring, Reporting and Verification) and IMO DCS (Data Collection System) requirements are mandatory, and are the first step in a process to collect and analyse CO2 emission data for the shipping industry. EU MRV data collection already started from 1 January 2018, while IMO DCS data collection on fuel consumption to comply with the IMO DCS regulations starts 1 January 2019. This statutory news provides practical advice on IMO DCS compliance.
- View all