Choosing the anti-fouling system
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Marine Environment Protection Committee - Resolution MEPC.207(62) – 2011 Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships' Biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive Aquatic Species – (Adopted on 15 July 2011) - Annex – 2011 Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships' Biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive Aquatic Species - 6 Anti-Fouling system installation and maintenance - Choosing the anti-fouling system

Choosing the anti-fouling system

  6.3 Different anti-fouling systems are designed for different ship operating profiles so it is essential that ship operators, designers and builders obtain appropriate technical advice to ensure an appropriate system is applied or installed. If an appropriate anti-fouling system is not applied, biofouling accumulation increases.

  6.4 Some factors to consider when choosing an anti-fouling system include the following:

  • .1 planned periods between dry-docking – including any mandatory requirements for ships survey;

  • .2 ship speed – different anti-fouling systems are designed to optimize anti-fouling performance for specific ship speeds;

  • .3 operating profile – patterns of use, trade routes and activity levels, including periods of inactivity, influence the rate of biofouling accumulation;

  • .4 ship type and construction; and

  • .5 any legal requirements for the sale and use of the anti-fouling systems.

  6.5 Consideration should also be given to the need for tailored, differential installation of anti-fouling coating systems for different areas of the ship to match the required performance and longevity of the coating with the expected wear, abrasion and water flow rates in specific areas, such as the bow, rudder, or internal seawater cooling systems and sea chest interiors.

Parent topic: 6 Anti-Fouling system installation and maintenance
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