Biofouling Management

Biofouling on a ship hull refers to the accumulation of aquatic organisms, such as algae, barnacles, mussels, and other marine life, on the underwater surfaces of the ship. These organisms attach themselves to the hull and other submerged parts of the vessel, which can cause several issues:

Increased Drag

The rough surface created by biofouling increases the drag as the ship moves through the water. This results in increased fuel consumption and reduced speed, which raises operational costs.

Invasive Species Spread

When ships move from one region to another, biofouling can transport invasive species, disrupting local ecosystems and harming native marine life.

Maintenance Costs

To mitigate the effects of biofouling, ships often require inspection and cleaning, which increases maintenance costs. Special coatings (anti-fouling paints) are also applied to hulls to prevent organism attachment.

Therefore, managing biofouling is a major concern for shipping industries, as it directly impacts environmental including biodiversity concerns and economic factors.

Below you will find Danish Shipping's Policy Paper on biofouling. Here you can read more about the challenges and best practices associated with biofouling management.