Your views needed – please complete our new biofouling survey

Published: 31 July 2024

The 3rd BIMCO biofouling survey has been launched to gather information from shipowners on biofouling management practices. The survey recognises that a number of organisations, including the IMO, are developing guidance on topics such as in-water cleaning and inspection regimes and practical input is needed from industry. It is essential that shipowners and operators are able to provide evidence that enables such guidance to be pragmatic and to facilitate access to in-water cleaning services when and where needed.

The BIMCO Biofouling Survey – 2024 – Why participate?

In 2023 the IMO adopted new “Guidelines for the control and management of ships' biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species" (the Biofouling Guidelines) which are intended to provide a globally consistent approach to the management of biofouling. At present work at IMO is focussed on providing guidance on inspections and in-water cleaning - two elements that have significant influence on ship operations.

As such it is extremely important that shipowners have their say in what is practical and what is needed to realise the benefits of biofouling management in, for example, energy efficiency and GHG reductions. BIMCO will use the outcome to provide evidence-based information on industry practices to help ensure that IMO guidelines are pragmatic and practical.

About the survey

This years’ survey builds on previous BIMCO biofouling surveys conducted in 2018 and 2021 to allow us to determine whether there has been a change in biofouling management practices. It also delves more deeply into how inspections and in-water cleaning are being carried out through the development of case studies to allow us to inform IMO member states. We expect the survey to take between 10 and 20 minutes to complete depending on the amount of information you are happy to supply.

How to complete

The survey is available at BIMCO Biofouling Survey 2024 (jotform.com) and will remain open until 30 September 2024.

We will use the information you provide for the purposes mentioned above. A statistical analysis of the survey’s results will ensure anonymity and any contact details supplied will not be shared with any third parties.

Should you need assistance in completing the questionnaire, please contact marinesurveys@bimco.org

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