BIMCO is seeking industry feedback on practical experience with the 2023 IMO Biofouling Guidelines as the IMO considers details of a mandatory Convention. The survey gathers insights on implementation, effectiveness and operational challenges and forms part of a wider BIMCO evidence-gathering initiative that also includes surveys of port agents and biofouling service providers. Together, the findings will help ensure future IMO discussions are informed by operational realities and support practical, globally applicable solutions.
The IMO is currently considering the future direction of international biofouling management with a legally-binding framework – a “Biofouling Convention” likely to be adopted in 2029. As discussions progress and details are determined it is important that the decision-makers have access to practical, operational experience to ensure the framework both achieves its objectives and is workable for global shipping.
BIMCO seeks industry feedback on experience with IMO Biofouling Guidelines
BIMCO is inviting industry stakeholders to share their practical experience with the 2023 IMO Biofouling Guidelines.
While the guidelines have been available for a couple of years, there is currently limited information on how they are being used in practice, the challenges encountered during implementation, and where improvements may be needed to ensure any future regulation is practical. As the IMO considers the next steps in its biofouling work, it is important that future decisions are informed by the experiences of those managing biofouling risks on a day-to-day basis.
The survey seeks feedback from shipowners and operators on their awareness and use of the guidelines, the effectiveness of biofouling management plans and record books, and any barriers to implementation. The survey will help identify what is working well, what challenges remain, and where additional guidance or clarification may be beneficial.
The survey forms part of a broader BIMCO initiative to gather evidence on biofouling management across the maritime sector. Alongside the guidelines survey, BIMCO has also launched a Port Agent Survey to map biofouling requirements and practices around the world, and a Service Provider Survey examining the availability and capability of underwater inspection, cleaning and related biofouling management services.
Together, the three surveys will provide valuable insight into the regulatory, operational and service delivery aspects of biofouling management. The findings will support BIMCO's engagement at the IMO and help ensure that future measures are practical, proportionate and capable of being implemented consistently across the global fleet.
All surveys will close on 24 October 2026.
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