# Biofouling Management

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Biofouling management covers all measures taken to prevent or reduce the accumulation of marine organisms – algae, mussels, barnacles, and others – on submerged ship surfaces such as hulls, propellers, rudders, and sea chests.

Biofouling management covers all measures taken to prevent or reduce the accumulation of marine organisms – algae, mussels, barnacles, and others – on submerged ship surfaces such as hulls, propellers, rudders, and sea chests. Unchecked fouling increases hydrodynamic drag, raising fuel consumption and emissions considerably. Common control strategies include antifouling hull coatings, in-water cleaning systems, and dry-dock treatment during scheduled maintenance periods. Beyond operational efficiency, the IMO's biofouling guidelines also address invasive species transfer: fouled vessels can introduce non-native organisms to new marine environments, causing lasting ecological damage. Shipowners, technical managers, and classification societies therefore treat biofouling management as both a cost-control measure and a compliance obligation.

**Source:** [https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/Biofouling.aspx](https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/Biofouling.aspx)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Biofouling Management |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 107 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/Biofouling.aspx |

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