BIMCO to establish Biofouling Management Task Force

The task force, meeting virtually, aims to gather structured, experience based insights from BIMCO members on practical aspects of biofouling management. Its objective is to help shape future global requirements so they are workable, proportionate and aligned with both current practice and emerging technologies, while still achieving the core goal of limiting the spread of invasive aquatic species (IAS).

Why your engagement matters

Biofouling is under regulatory suspicion as a major pathway for spreading invasive aquatic species (IAS), with potentially serious ecological, economic, and operational consequences.  As discussions at the IMO move from voluntary guidance towards a mandatory international regime, the decisions taken now will shape how ships are inspected, maintained and operated worldwide.

For shipowners and operators, we expect that a legally-binding framework will address key issues such as:

• Hull and niche area biofouling management and maintenance
• Requirements related to in water cleaning practices
• Expectations on regulatory control measures

So we need your help. Active engagement by our members is critical to ensure that the future regime reflects operational realities, recognises regional differences in infrastructure and service availability, and avoids unintended consequences for safety, efficiency and environmental performance.

Role of the Biofouling Task Force

The Task Force will bring together BIMCO members and expert observers, with practical experience of biofouling management, to:

• Identify implementation challenges and practical considerations arising from real world operations and in particular gather lessons learned from application of the 2023 IMO Biofouling Guidelines
• Contribute to BIMCO submissions to relevant IMO Sub Committees and Committees on issues of importance
• Support the design of industry data gathering initiatives, including surveys on the global availability of in water cleaning services
• Explore how innovative, shipping led solutions and novel technologies can be accommodated within the IMO regulatory process.

How to get involved

The task force will consist of a chairperson and members appointed by the BIMCO Secretariat, supported by invited experts and observers where appropriate. Meetings will be held online with the frequency aligned with the pace of IMO work.

To express an interest in becoming involved in the Biofouling Task Force and this important work please contact Bev Mackenzie by 3 April 2026.