BIMCO has yesterday launched a survey to find out the real picture on the methods ship owners and operators are using for the treatment of biofouling, and the performance of the various methods on different ships and over varying time periods.

Aron Sørensen, Chief Marine Technical Officer at BIMCO, who is leading the study, said:

“We believe there is a lack of collective knowledge on biofouling management and treatment practices in the shipping industry.

“BIMCO would like to build a clearer picture of practice and performance for biofouling management, and how current antifouling technologies are performing on various ship types.

“We will use and share the outcome to work on the industry’s behalf to highlight any issues of concern. Once analysed, the survey result could form the basis for a BIMCO submission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).”