Biofouling, Biosecurity and Hull Cleaning

Published: July 2022

Biofouling can have a significant impact on ship hydrodynamics and energy efficiency and 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 toxic anti-fouling systems.

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 briefly discusses a number of environmental research initiatives into the effects of biofouling.

The book looks in detail at biofouling management, including the use of biocidal and non-biocidal paints and coatings, marine growth prevention systems, in-water cleaning and treatment in dry dock.

It sets out current biofouling legislation and guidelines, including IMO’s 2011 Biofouling Guidelines, 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.

Finally, it provides a selection of data sheets giving an insight into the spread and capabilities of hull cleaning and inspection companies worldwide.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

PART 1 Background

Chapter 1 Background

1. 1. What is Biofouling?
   2. The Establishment of Biofouling
   3. Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC)
   4. Invasive Species

PART 2 Biofouling and the Ship

Chapter 2 Ship as a Carrier

1. 1. Areas of Attachment on a Ship
   2. Newbuild Design to Minimise Biofouling
   3. Operational Profile and Maintenance of the Ship/Marine Structure
      1. Type of Ship and its Charter Profile
      2. Operating in Different Environments
   4. Marine Structures/Devices

Chapter 3 Biofouling and Ship Performance

1. 1. Effect of Biofouling on Ship Hydrodynamics and Energy Efficiency
      1. IMO Guidance

3.1.2 ISO 19030

1. 1. Biofouling Cost Effects

Chapter 4 Biofouling Biosecurity and Research

1. 1. The Effects of Biofouling on the Marine Environment
   2. The Effects of Biofouling Control and Removal on the Marine Environment
   3. Environmental Research Initiatives
      1. The GloFouling Partnership Project
      2. The TEST Biofouling Project
      3. The COMPLETE Project
      4. The BioFREE Project
      5. The OCEANIC Project
      6. The Wave and Energy Project (WEP+)
      7. The Flinders Biofilm Research and Innovation Consortium (BRIC) Project
      8. The MultiFlex Project
      9. HCR Project (a CORDIS Project)
      10. Autonomous Biofouling Inspection Robots Research

PART 3 Biofouling Management

Chapter 5 Anti-fouling Systems (AFS)

1. 1. Biocidal Paints and Coatings
      1. Ablative or Soluble Matrix Coatings
      2. Contact Leaching
      3. Self-polishing Copolymer (SPC)
   2. Non-Biocidal and Hybrid Anti-fouling Systems
      1. Foul Release Coatings (FRC)
      2. Hard Inert Coatings
   3. Marine Growth Prevention Systems (MGPS)
      1. Anodic Copper Systems
      2. Electrochlorination

Biofouling, Biosecurity and Hull Cleaning

1. 1. 1. Direct Chemical Dosing

5.3.4 Ultrasound

1. 1. Selecting an AFS
   2. Proper Application of Anti-fouling Coating
      1. Applying AFS to Specific Niche Areas

5.5.2 Ship Painting Robots

Chapter 6 Ship Cleaning

1. 1. In-water Cleaning
      1. Brush Systems

6.1.2 Soft Tools

6.1.3 Water Jet and Air Jet (Blast) Systems

6.1.4 AFS Resistance to Cleaning

6.1.5 Propeller Cleaning

1. 1. 1. Proactive In-water Cleaning

6.1.7 The Future of In-water Hull Cleaning (IWHC)

1. 1. Cleaning/Maintenance in Dry Dock
      1. Hydroblasting

6.2.2 Abrasive Blasting

1. 1. Hull Cleaning and Ship Operations

PART 4 Legislation and Guidelines

Chapter 7 The 2011 Biofouling Guidelines

1. 1. Design and Construction
   2. Anti-fouling Systems (AFS)
   3. Niche Areas
   4. In-water Operations: Inspection, Cleaning and Maintenance
      1. In-water Inspection

7.4.2 In-water Cleaning and Maintenance

1. 1. The Biofouling Management Plan and Record Book
      1. The Biofouling Management Plan

7.5.2 The Biofouling Record Book

1. 1. Reviewing the 2011 Biofouling Guidelines

Chapter 8 Regulations for the Control of Anti-Fouling Systems

1. 1. The International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling

Systems on Ships (AFS Convention)

1. 1. UK Regulations

Chapter 9 National and Regional Biofouling Legislation

1. 1. Australia
   2. New Zealand
      1. Acceptable Measures

9.2.2 Documentation

9.2.3 Non-compliance

1. 1. United States of America
      1. Federal Law
   2. Individual US State Biofouling Requirements

1. 1. Polar Waters
   2. Belgium
   3. Chile

Appendices 83

Appendix 1 Template of a Biofouling Management Plan Courtesy of IMarEST and IPPIC

Appendix 2 Template Form for a Biofouling Record Book

Appendix 3 Hull Cleaning Companies

Data Sheet Icons

Appendix 4 Ship Wetted Surface Area (WSA) Information

References