Biofouling, Biosecurity and Hull Cleaning - 3rd Edition, 2027-28
12.10.2026
New edition is coming soon:
Biofouling, Biosecurity and Hull Cleaning - 3rd Edition, 2027-28
BIMCO, ICS
Witherby Connect licence (Browser based eReader)
This fully illustrated publication describes in detail the problems that biofouling can cause to ship operations and the marine environment. It examines the use of anti-fouling systems to prevent the build-up of biofouling as well as the options available for ship cleaning, in particular the importance of in-water cleaning. It also sets out the revised 2023 IMO Biofouling Guidelines, specific regional mandatory biofouling requirements and the mandatory IMO AFS Convention. This edition includes a fully updated section of informative data sheets with for a number of in-water hull cleaning companies worldwide.
The build-up of biofouling can have a significant impact on ship hydrodynamics and energy efficiency as well as interfere with efficient operation of internal seawater systems. It can also threaten the marine environment through the transfer and establishment of non-native invasive species, or through the use of anti-fouling systems containing certain toxic substances.
The publication sets out current biofouling legislative requirements, including the IMO 2023 Biofouling Guidelines and its importance in the current development of mandatory measures for the control and management of biofouling, updates to the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships (AFS Convention), and individual national and regional biofouling legislation. It provides templates for the Biofouling Management Plan and the Biofouling Record Book from the 2023 Biofouling Guidelines.
This publication identifies ship structures that are vulnerable to biofouling, factors affecting the rate of build-up and the effect of biofouling on ship performance and operating costs. It looks in detail at biofouling management, including the use of biocidal and non-biocidal paints and coatings, corrosion, marine growth prevention systems, and both in-water and dry dock cleaning. It briefly discusses the importance of environmental research initiatives into the effects of biofouling.
Finally, this new edition provides an updated selection of data sheets summarising the services offered and area of operation of hull cleaning and inspection companies worldwide. This section includes world maps to enable readers to quickly identify companies operating in particular geographic locations.
Other future titles
KC867E Code on Alerts and Indicators, IMO, 2025-2026 Edition
Planned delivery: November 2026
This publication provides general design guidance and promotes uniformity of type, location and priority for alerts and indicators required by the SOLAS and MARPOL Conventions. The Code will benefit designers and operators by consolidating references to priorities, aggregation, grouping, locations and types of shipboard alerts and indicators.
This Code includes definitions of key alarm terminology and guides readers on the use of light and audible presentations of alerts. The functions, IMO instruments and assessments of various alarm types are given in table format, making the book a useful reference document. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the Code on Alerts and Indicators, 2025 via Resolution A.1204(34) on 3 December 2025.