The Changing Landscape of Marine Biofouling Compliance

Marine Biofouling—the accumulation of aquatic organisms on a vessel’s hull and niche areas—poses significant risks to the marine environment and operational efficiency. It can increase fuel consumption by up to 35%, raise maintenance costs, and contribute to the spread of invasive aquatic species, threatening biodiversity worldwide. 

The IMO Biofouling Guidelines have evolved significantly, with the 2023 update introducing new elements to enhance global consistency in marine biofouling management. Key changes include: 

• A fouling rating system with four levels, from no fouling to heavy macrofouling. 

• Requirements for monitoring antifouling systems and marine growth prevention systems. 

• Specific risk assessment guidance and sample inspection reports. 

• Provisions for contingency plans and electronic record-keeping.
   

These guidelines aim to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species and recognize the potential for improved energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions through effective biofouling management. 

Globally, countries are implementing stricter regulations:

• New Zealand: Since 2018, New Zealand has required all vessels entering its waters to have clean hulls free from biofouling. Ships must maintain a Biofouling Management Plan (BFMP) and submit records of hull cleaning activities. Inspections upon arrival ensure compliance and vessels with fouling can be delayed or quarantined. These measures protect New Zealand’s unique marine ecosystem from invasive species. 

• Australia: Australia’s biofouling regulations, introduced in 2022, mandate all international vessels to maintain a Biofouling Management Plan and follow strict cleaning protocols. Vessels are subject to inspections and risk assessments based on their port of origin. Failure to comply can result in fines, delays, or detention. These measures help safeguard Australia’s biodiversity, including the Great Barrier Reef. 

• California: The State Lands Commission enforces California’s Marine Invasive Species Program, which requires all vessels entering its waters to have a Biofouling Management Plan. Ships must maintain clean hulls and provide cleaning records. Vessels from high-risk regions face stricter inspections. These regulations aim to prevent the spread of invasive species, protecting California’s sensitive marine ecosystems.  

• European Union (EU): The EU has adopted the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, which includes measures related to biofouling management. In addition, specific ports like those in the Netherlands and Sweden have introduced stricter inspection and cleaning protocols for biofouling. 

• Singapore: The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) has introduced regulations requiring vessels to adhere to biofouling management practices, including keeping biofouling records and providing evidence of maintenance to prevent the introduction of invasive species. 

• Japan: Japan enforces strict biofouling regulations, requiring vessels to regularly manage and clean their hulls. The country introduced its guidelines in line with IMO’s antifouling convention and continues to update requirements. 

• Canada: Canada has regulations similar to those of the U.S. and Australia. Specific provinces like British Columbia have implemented policies to manage biofouling to prevent the spread of invasive species along their coastlines. 

• South Africa: South Africa has adopted a national strategy to prevent the spread of invasive species through biofouling. Their regulations require ships to adopt management plans and follow cleaning practices to comply with national environmental standards. 

• Chile: In 2021, Chile introduced new regulations on biofouling management for international vessels entering its ports, focusing on hull cleanliness and biofouling monitoring. 

 

The IMO’s updated guidelines reflect the urgency of addressing these issues. Vessels must now have comprehensive, vessel-specific Biofouling Management Plans (BFMPs) and detailed Biofouling Record Books (BFRBs). These documents must demonstrate compliance with global standards and, in many cases, regional regulations. Failure to comply can result in heavy fines, denied port access, and reputational damage. 

Why Being Proactive is Critical

With biofouling regulations becoming stricter, port inspections are more rigorous in several areas of the world, and more destinations are coming on board, so a reactive approach is no longer optional. Waiting until non-compliance issues arise can lead to costly downtime, last-minute fixes, and missed operational opportunities. Staying ahead of the curve with efficient compliance tools ensures smoother operations and long-term cost savings. 

Why ShipCarePro is Revolutionizing Biofouling Management 

Keeping up to date with IMO and Regional Regulations is challenging in the Marine industry. Either vessels are still on paper-based models, or updating Word doc templates is time-consuming and a hassle to maintain compliance.  

ShipCarePro is a platform designed to assist vessel owners in managing biofouling compliance efficiently. It helps by: 

Reduce Admin Burden: After your one-time vessel is set up, ShipCarePro automates the creation of IMO-compliant BFMPs and BFRBs, saving countless hours of data entry and formatting. With just one click, you can download fully formatted documents tailored to the specific regulations of your destination port. This reduces the administrative burden and compliance costs, ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 per vessel.

Simplifying Compliance: The platform organizes biofouling documents and automatically updates them to reflect changes in regulations. It integrates data from Marine Traffic AIS and uploaded inspection reports to maintain accurate records.

User-Friendly Platform: The app offers an easy-to-use setup wizard, inspection reminders, AIS integration for biofouling data, and quick document downloads. Fleet managers can easily toggle between vessels and access compliance data in one place. 

Cost-Effective: By streamlining biofouling management, ShipCarePro reduces administrative time and lowers the risk of fines or delays. 

Beta Testing: Shaping the Future of Biofouling Management

We’re beta-testing ShipCarePro with vessel operators who want to be at the forefront of innovation. This is an opportunity to experience the platform firsthand, provide valuable feedback, and help shape a tool designed to meet the industry’s evolving needs. 

Beta testers benefit from first access to a solution that can transform their operations. They will be able to streamline compliance processes, ensure inspection readiness, and focus more on their core business. 

A Call to Action for the Maritime Industry

The IMO guidelines are just the beginning. As the maritime industry prioritizes environmental sustainability, adopting proactive, efficient solutions like ShipCarePro is essential. Staying ahead of regulatory changes protects your bottom line and contributes to a more sustainable future for our oceans.  

If you’re ready to take control of your biofouling compliance and see the benefits of automation, join our beta testing program today. Visit shipcarepro.com to apply and experience a more innovative way to manage compliance.