Tag: biofouling

IMO informed that Peru has now acceded to an important IMO treaty helping to protect the marine environment. Namely, the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships Convention. The treaty prohibits the use of harmful organotins in anti-fouling paints and sets out a mechanism to prevent the potential future use of other harmful substances in anti-fouling systems.

During a 40-month trial of an antifouling coating containing an anti-barnacle active agent, barnacles failed to anchor themselves to the tanker's hull. The technology activated the barnacle larvae’s octopamine receptor, keeping them in swimming mode and preventing them from attaching to the hull with non-fatal effect.

The five-year GloFouling Partnerships project, a collaboration between GEF, the UNDP and IMO, kicked off at a global workshop at IMO Headquarters in London, UK, in an event on 18-20 March. The project seeks to address bioinvasions by organisms which can build up on ships’ hulls and other marine structures.

During his presentation at the last GREEN4SEA Conference, Mr. David Nichol, Senior Loss Prevention Executive, UK P&I Club, provided a brief overview of old and new challenges surrounding biofouling and what is in store for the future.

Intertanko has published the 'Guide to New Zealand’s biofouling and ballast water requirements'. In this it offers guidance to Members on New Zealand’s biofouling and ballast water requirements for commercial vessels. If the ship cannot prove that it complies with the standard, it may be subject to a dive inspection in New Zealand. Non-compliant vessels will be directed to either manage the biosecurity risk or to leave New Zealand.

2019 kicked off with the data collection on fuel oil consumption, alternative mechanisms to comply with the 2020 Sulphur cap, the EU Ship Recycling Regulation, the IMSBC Code 2017 amendment as well as amendments designating North Sea and Baltic Sea as ECAs. With many more regulations and developments still yet to come, nations from all across the globe, ship operators and crew are going through a key period because of ten major issues that will have significant impact over the next ten years in the shipping industry.

During a ship’s lifetime microorganisms, plants, algae, or animals will gather in its hull, during a process called biofouling. These organisms, known as invasive aquatic species, can negatively affect a ship’s operation, while they also present a threat to the marine environment. However, there is a solution and is called antifouling.

The IMO announced the launch of a collaboration with the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Development Programme, aiming to address the negative environmental impacts of the transfer of aquatic species through ships. The GloFouling Partnerships project is expected to drive actions to implement the IMO Guidelines for the control and management of ships’ biofouling.

California recently shared its experience from the first year of enforcing Biofouling Management Regulations, that apply to vessels arriving at California ports from 1 October 2017. The California State Lands Commission emphasised that the International AFS Certificate issued by a vessel’s flag state is not enough to document effectiveness of a vessel’s antifouling coating.

In a bid to respond to the increasing attention and pressure surrounding biofouling management, BIMCO announced the launch of a survey to gain insight into how shipowners are managing the topic and to provide relevant advice to IMO, as the Organization is currently working on how to improve biofouling management.