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DPI Biofouling Primefact
Summary
Biofouling on vessels occurs when organisms such as seaweeds (algae), barnacles, mussels, or other small animals attach themselves to submerged parts of vessels. Biofouling can be found on vessel hulls, propellors, internal seawater systems, ropes, buckets and anchors.
Vessel biofouling is a key pathway for non-native marine species and diseases entering and spreading in Australian waters.
The impacts associated with biofouling are varied and far reaching. Biofouling can impact vessel owners through costs of removing the biofouling, increased maintenance costs and fuel consumption due to frictional drag on the vessel, damage to the vessel, cost of (re)applying hull protective coatings and reducing the manoeuvrability of your vessel.
The best time to remove biofouling is when you first notice it. You can use a number of removal methods depending on the extent of the biofouling and the resources available. This Primefact outline key steps to ensure safe and efficient cleaning.
