We attended the IMarEST Biosecurity Symposium 2024, here’s our key takeaways

Symposium key take aways

The symposium sought to harness insights from ballast water treatment advancements and regulatory frameworks to formulate robust standards for managing biofouling and in-water hull cleaning. Experts specialising in these areas, gathered to delve into the complexities surrounding in-water cleaning, discussing the hurdles involved and how varying coatings are affected by such processes.

One of the key takeaways from the symposium was the acknowledgement that biofouling management requires an all-encompassing strategy. Discussions circled around the role of frequent, proactive in-water cleaning, even though it poses regulatory and practical hurdles. Moreover, debates centered around the alignment of cleaning practices with coating choices, underscoring a demand for deeper insights into synergizing coating and cleaning systems to optimize biofouling control for ship operators.

The symposium also highlighted the gaps between theoretical regulations and real-life practices, underscoring the complexity of creating effective global standards, the need for a comprehensive understanding of biofouling management, including the development of standards and regulations that consider the entire process. It was also emphasized the importance of antifouling coatings, not just for minimizing the risk of transferring nonindigenous species but also in reducing emissions and improve a vessel´s energy efficiency

The Connection Between Biofouling and Invasive Aquatic Species

Biofouling is a primary vector for the transfer of invasive aquatic species. Ships, through their ballast water and hull fouling, inadvertently transport a multitude of marine species across the globe. These species, once introduced to new environments, can establish reproductive populations, out-compete native species, and multiply into pest proportions. This has devastating effects on biodiversity, economic activities, and even human health. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has recognized this threat and has implemented guidelines to manage biofouling and minimize the transfer of invasive species.

Regulatory Issues and Hull Cleaning

The regulatory landscape surrounding biofouling management is complex and varies across regions. The IMO's Biofouling Guidelines provide a globally consistent approach to managing biofouling, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections, maintenance, and the use of approved antifouling systems. However, the implementation of these guidelines can be challenging due to differing national regulations and the practical difficulties of hull cleaning.

During the discussions in London, it was agreed that, regular hull cleaning, whether proactive or reactive, is crucial for controlling biofouling. For us, it was highly important to discuss the need to combine cleaning efforts with a coating that can withstand barnacle fouling, for example by including Selektope in the coating.

Proactive cleaning involves scheduled maintenance aimed at preventing biofouling, but it is often limited by port authorities due to concerns regarding the disposal of debris from the cleaning process. Moreover, this approach is only effective if no hard fouling attaches to the coating. Ideally, there should be no opportunity for hard fouling to accumulate between cleanings, but if cleaning cannot be performed, it is critical to use a coating that provides adequate protection against hard fouling organisms.