Reducing the transfer of living organisms and solutions for cleaning ship hulls based on the 11th meeting of the IMO

Document Type : scientific research article

Authors

1 Corresponding Author, Ports and Maritime Organization, Emam Khomeini Port, Khouzestan, Iran

2 Corresponding Author, Ports and Maritime Organization, Tehran, Iran.

3 Ports and Maritime Organization, Tehran, Iran

4 National Iranian Tanker Company, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Biofouling is the result of the accumulation and growth of marine biological cells on the surfaces of ships underwater and is considered one of the most important factors affecting the efficiency of all types of ships.. Keeping ships' hulls clean and removing even thin layers of sediments can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. The preliminary findings of the International Maritime Organization's study on the effect of biological sediment show that even a small layer of sediments with a thickness of 0.5 mm that covers half of the surface of the hull can, depending on the characteristics, Ship conditions such as speed and other conditions can increase greenhouse gas emissions in the range of 20 to 25 percent. Hull cleaning should not be done in such a way as to impair the current and future performance of the antifouling systems. Some cleaning methods may damage antifouling systems in a way that is not immediately visible but can accelerate the growth of fouling. In the 10th meeting of the Subcommittee on Pollution Prevention and Control of the International Maritime Organization, the member states and interested international organizations were invited to work internationally on guidance on issues related to cleaning in water and proposals. To make it applicable, present it to the 11th session of the sub-committee. Therefore, the documents that are presented at the international level should consider three social, environmental and economic aspects so that the stakeholders (member countries of the International Maritime Organization, ship designers and builders, manufacturers and suppliers of antifouling paint, agencies environmental and regulatory agencies, classification institutions, ship owners) can reach an international consensus.

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References

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Journal of Utilization and Cultivation of Aquatics
Volume 14, Issue 3
September 2025
Pages 33-40

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