IMO Biofouling Convention: Maritime Industry Urged to Help Shape New Global Rules
The IMO Biofouling Convention is taking shape as IMO member states negotiate what would become the first legally binding global convention on biofouling management. The decisions being made during these negotiations could influence how ships are operated, inspected, cleaned and maintained for years to come.
The proposed maritime regulations include mandatory biofouling assessments, cleaning requirements linked to prescribed thresholds, deadlines for corrective action, certification requirements and enforcement measures that could ultimately affect a vessel’s ability to trade internationally. The shipping industry is therefore being urged to provide practical evidence about current biofouling management practices and the challenges involved in implementing new requirements.
Industry Evidence Needed for IMO Discussions
IMO member states need evidence on what can be achieved in practice, the challenges faced by crews and operators, the availability of cleaning services, current approaches to biofouling management and the potential unintended consequences of new requirements.
The requested information covers industry experience with vessel inspections, cleaning, coatings, operational constraints, service availability and the practical challenges of managing biofouling. This real-world evidence is intended to help inform the ongoing discussions at the IMO.
Maritime Industry Urged to Complete Biofouling Survey
The industry is being asked to complete a biofouling survey as soon as possible. Responses will provide real-world evidence that can be used to help inform discussions at the IMO.
Previous BIMCO surveys have helped demonstrate the industry’s commitment to biofouling management and identify practical implementation challenges. The more responses received, the stronger the evidence that can be brought to the negotiations.
Operational Experience Could Shape Future Requirements
Whether an operator manages one ship or a large fleet, its experience can contribute to the discussions. Information from across the industry can help address how future requirements could work in practice while considering the operational realities of the global fleet.
The proposed Convention is intended to be environmentally effective while also being practical, workable and capable of consistent implementation across the global fleet. The industry is therefore being encouraged to complete the survey as soon as possible and ensure that its operational experience is represented in the ongoing negotiations.
