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However, as a result of the presence of less effective biocides (or in a number of cases, none) in the coating system chemistry, the rate of fouling on ships’ hulls is in general higher than with the later generations of their TBT predecessors.


The European Union (EU) currently has the most stringent requirements when it comes to the application of biocidal coatings via the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). Signatories to the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems in Ships (AFS) Convention have also recently agreed to banning the use of the biocide cybutryne (Irgarol) from 2021.


This has led industry to develop new innovative solutions to prevent invasive species from adhering to ships’ hulls, some of which are as follows:


• Hydrophobic foul-release coatings: these low energy coatings enable an easy release of marine organisms.


• Alternative biocides and biocide free: these systems include a self-polishing biocide-free product and alternative new biocides that can be used to replace copper, such as Medetomidine (Selektope) and Tralopyril (Econea).


• Nano antifouling: these coatings create a surface so slippery that no organism can stick. Studies have indicated that it can work, but only on boats with speeds of 10 knots and higher.


• Hard scrubbable coatings: these do not offer any fouling prevention technology but are designed to withstand the harsh abrasive nature of underwater hull cleaning and rely on regular cleaning to ensure a foul free hull.


NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT


New antifouling product development is by its nature an ongoing process using experimental design to minimise the number of experiments carried out, in combination with an extensive field and vessel trials programme. Timescales will inevitably be long, possibly up to 5-10 years.


Carl Barnes from Safinah Group says “to convince shipowners and operators, new antifouling coatings must be proven in a range different environmental conditions over a significant period of time (typically more than 3 years) on multiple test patches and full vessel applications. The cost of an antifouling failure to a ship owner is significant and they are very reluctant to use unproven technology”.


Barnes continues: “Shipowners and operators will however continue to be under ever increasing pressure to control costs and to comply with emissions to air and sea. To meet these targets, they must rely on antifouling coatings that are compliant with national and international regulations. Therefore, collaboration between shipowners / operators, regulators, coating suppliers and other industry bodies will be critical in helping bring new antifouling products to the market in a timely and efficient manner”.


WHAT IS BIOFOULING?


Marine fouling is the accumulation of micro- and macro-organisms on immersed surfaces which lead to economic, environmental or safety-related negative effects. Marine fouling generates surface roughness which increases the drag resistance of a ship moving through water and consequently increases fuel consumption and emission of greenhouse gases. Heavy calcareous fouling may results in powering penalties of more than 85%. Moreover even slime films can lead to significant increases in resistance and powering (approximately 20%).


However successful an antifouling coating might be, with the current levels of activity there will always be an accumulation of marine growth on a ship’s hull when in service. Biofouling or biological fouling (micro or macro) is the accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae, or small animals on the wetted surfaces of a ship’s hull. There are over 5000 marine species that have been identified as biofouling organisms, all of which are of a sessile form (i.e. an organism such as a barnacle) that are fixed in one place and immobile.


Maintaining a clean hull during a ship’s service cuts out the need for costly cleaning operations and/or premature drydocking.


The IMO’s Guidelines for the control and management of ships’ biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species (Biofouling Guidelines) (resolution MEPC.207(62)) are intended to provide a globally consistent approach to the management of biofouling, which is the accumulation of various aquatic organisms on ships’ hulls. There are systems being developed (www. portshield.co.uk) that set out to assist ship owners to comply with these emerging requirements with particular emphasis on hull-borne invasive aquatic species.


WHAT ELSE CAN BE DONE?


BIMCO in partnership with several shipping organisations and specialist hull cleaning companies, has moved a step closer to finalising a global set of guidelines needed to protect the marine environment from invasive species and reduce CO2 emissions.


There is currently no common global standard for cleaning ships’ hulls to avoid transferring invasive aquatic species from port to port or for the potentially damaging debris washed off in the ships’ hulls during the cleaning process.


The standard would ensure that the result of the cleaning complies with a set of specifications, controls


The Report • December 2020 • Issue 94 | 51


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