IMO member states are negotiating what will become the first legally binding global Convention on biofouling management. The decisions being made now could affect how ships are operated, inspected, cleaned and maintained for years to come.
The industry therefore needs to make its voice heard, and we need your help now.
Proposals under discussion include mandatory biofouling assessments, cleaning requirements linked to prescribed thresholds, deadlines for corrective action, certification requirements and enforcement measures that could ultimately affect a vessel’s ability to trade internationally.
IMO member states need evidence about what is achievable in practice, the challenges facing crews and operators, the availability of cleaning services, current approaches to biofouling management and the potential unintended consequences of new requirements.
This is why we are asking you to complete our biofouling survey as soon as possible.
Your response will give us real-world evidence that we can use to help inform the discussions at IMO. We want to hear about your experience of inspections, cleaning, coatings, operational constraints, service availability and the practical challenges of managing biofouling.
Previous BIMCO surveys have helped demonstrate the industry’s commitment to biofouling management and identify practical implementation challenges. The more responses we receive, the stronger the evidence we can bring to the negotiations.
Whether you operate one ship or a large fleet, your experience matters. By responding, you can help shape a Convention that is environmentally effective while also being practical, workable and capable of consistent implementation across the global fleet.
If industry does not provide its operational experience now, others will shape the Convention on its behalf.
Please complete the survey as soon as possible and help us ensure the industry’s voice is heard.
