2023 Guidelines for the control and management of ships' biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species - 2024 Edition

Biofouling, described as the undesirable accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae and animals on submerged structures (especially ships? hulls), is considered one of the main vectors for bioinvasions. These Guidelines for the control and management of ships? biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species are intended to provide a globally consistent approach to the management of biofouling.

Foreword

The introduction of harmful aquatic organisms to new environments by ships has been identified as a major threat to the world?s oceans and to the conservation of biodiversity. Biofouling, described as the undesirable accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae and animals on submerged structures (especially ships? hulls), is considered one of the main vectors for bioinvasions.

These Guidelines for the control and management of ships? biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species are intended to provide a globally consistent approach to the management of biofouling. They were initially adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization at its sixty-second session, from 11 to 15 July 2011, in the form of resolution MEPC.207(62) following three years of consultation between IMO Member States, and subsequently revised following four years of consultation culminating in the adoption of the 2023 Biofouling Guidelines by the eightieth session of the MEPC, held from 3 to 7 July 2023. The Guidelines represent a decisive step towards minimizing the transfer of aquatic invasive species by ships.

Port States, flag States, coastal States and other parties that can assist in mitigating the problems associated with biofouling should exercise due diligence to implement the Guidelines to the maximum extent possible. Implementing practices to control and manage biofouling can greatly assist in reducing the risk of transfer of invasive aquatic species. Such management practices can also improve a ship?s hydrodynamic performance and can be effective tools in enhancing energy efficiency and reducing air emissions from ships.

Contents

Foreword

Abbreviations

1 Introduction

2 Definitions

3 Application

4 Objectives

5 Design and construction

6 Anti-fouling system installation and maintenance

Choosing an AFS

Installing the AFS

Reinstalling, reapplying or repairing the AFS

7 Contingency action plans

8 Inspection

Extent of biofouling and recommended actions

Condition of the AFS

Inspection report

9 Cleaning and maintenance

Procedures for proactive cleaning

Procedures for reactive cleaning

Procedures for recycling facilities

10 Biofouling Management Plan

Continuous improvements

11 Biofouling Record Book

12 Documentation and dissemination of information

13 Training and education

14 Other measures

Appendices:

Appendix 1 Assessment of biofouling risk

Appendix 2 Inspection and cleaning reports

Appendix 3 Example form of Biofouling Management Plan

Appendix 4 Example form of Biofouling Record Book

IMO

As a specialised agency of the United Nations, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.

In other words, its role is to create a level playing field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance. This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency.

Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis. And IMO is the forum at which this process takes place.