Ocean Technologies Group, the global leader in maritime human capital management solutions and operational technologies, launches a new e-learning title: Biofouling Management. This release addresses the increasing need for biofouling control for both compliance and operational efficiency.

As regulatory scrutiny around biofouling intensifies, and the IMO’s Biofouling Management guidelines, while not mandatory, are increasingly being supplemented by national legislation, this release comes at a critical time. Several states have already introduced laws that have resulted in ships with fouled hulls being banned from their waters.

Managing biofouling is also critical to minimising fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. An IMO study into the “Impact of Ships’ Biofouling on Greenhouse Gas Emissions” reported that “a layer of slime as thin as 0.5mm covering up to 50% of a hull surface can trigger an increase in GHG emissions in the range of 30-25%”.

Through the effective management of biofouling, vessels can dramatically improve their Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) rating, lower bunker costs, and contribute to global emission reduction goals.

The Biofouling Management learning, available through the Ocean Learning Platform (OLP), provides an in-depth look at the factors causing biofouling and recommends maintenance procedures to minimise its build-up. It details the requirements and importance of having a biofouling management plan and maintaining a comprehensive record book.

Additionally, the title identifies when in-water inspections may be required and explains how the duration and location of a voyage impact the survivability of invasive marine species.

“This new e-learning highlights the importance of having a robust biofouling management plan, which not only helps to improve the hydrodynamic performance of a vessel, leading to reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions, but also ensures compliance with evolving regulations and helps protect marine ecosystems,” said Knut Mikalsen, Director of Learning Solutions for OTG.

“Increasingly, vessels risk being refused into ports due to inadequate biofouling management. Many countries, including Australia and New Zealand, have established stringent biofouling regulations, signalling to the industry that any vessel deemed to have a poor biofouling record will face entry restrictions until proper cleaning and preventative measures are demonstrated. Our new title is designed to guide our customers to meet these national regulations and improve vessel performance,” said Johan Gustafsson, Chief Revenue Officer at OTG.