Biofouling Management

• IMO Biofouling Guidelines
• Antifouling Convention
• Ban of paints containing TBT
• Round Table Biofouling

IMO Biofouling Guidelines

IMO's Biofouling Guidelines "2023 Guidelines for the control and management of ships' biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species" (Resolution MEPC.378(80)) offer a globally uniform approach for the biofouling management of ships. It is directed at ship operators, shipowners, naval architects, shipyards, classification societies, manufacturers of antifouling systems, suppliers and other interested parties and provide practical recommendations for measures that can reduce the risks posed by biofouling.

In addition, the Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the IMO approved the stand-alone Guidance on in-water cleaning at its 83^rd session, to demonstrate and facilitate environmentally sound cleaning methods. Moreover, a mandatory instrument for environmentally friendly biofouling management was agreed to be developed. A finished draft is intented to be developed over four sessions of the Sub-Committee Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR) and presented to MEPC 89 (mid-year 2029).

Antifouling Convention prohibits the use of underwater antifouling paints containing TBT

On 17 September 2008 the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Antifouling Systems on Ships, 2001 has entered into force globally. This mandatory convention prohibits the use of antifouling paints containing TBT on ships.

All ships of 400 GT and above in international trade must have a TBT free antifouling coating on their hull or must have applied an approved sealer coat. Further details of the hull coating are listed in the supplement of the International AFS certificate or in the AFS declaration.

Ships under 400 GT need only an AFS declaration which can be issued by the ship owner himself based on information provided by the paint manufacturer.

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Ban of underwater antifouling paints containing TBT applies in domestic trade, too

The use of underwater antifouling paints containing TBT on ships of 400 GT and above is also prohibited by European law. Other than the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Antifouling Systems on Ships the European regulation (EC) No 782/2003 is also applicable for ships engaged in national trade.

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Round Table Biofouling

Since the first Round Table Biofouling hosted by the BSH and the German Shipowners' Association (VDR) in 2019, it has become an established setting. The Round Table provides a platform for an interdisciplinary exchange of information focussing on biofouling management and bringing together authorities, policy makers, the industry, associations, classification societies and research. An important aspect of the Round Table is the specialist support for the committee work.

Read on about this topic in the reports and presentations of the Round Tables Biofouling.

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