Collecting baseline information of biofouling management

So far, little is known on the legislation, procedures, and frequency of in-water cleaning in most of the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) countries. The extend of cleaning is unknown in all countries as well as the potential ecological consequences.

In 2011, IMO has published the “Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships’ Biofouling to Minimize the Transfer of Invasive Aquatic Species” to assist ship owners. Unfortunately, there is no information available so far on if and how the guidelines are applied in the Baltic Sea.

COMPLETE will collect and assess information on:

• national regulations, facilities cleaning and antifouling procedures and waste management in BSR countries, including on the application of the IMO biofouling guidelines and experiences with it
• good practices and best available technology (BAT) concerning antifouling and biofouling management from within and outside BSR, applicable in the region
• currently available antifouling systems and methods, antifouling effectivity towards different organism groups, refouling, toxicity, cost/efficiency and potential application in the BSR
• benefits from biofouling management on ship fuel consumption and emissions, including staff experiences of operating while hull is unclean or cleaned