Local regulation creates hull fouling challenges
Overview
It seems to be becoming increasingly difficult to find locations where in-water hull cleaning will be allowed for environmental reasons. At the same time, local regulations related to biofouling, are now in place in New Zealand and California, Australia is working on it, and more locations may follow suit.
If it becomes more difficult to find viable locations for in-water hull cleaning, the alternative may be drydocking the vessel to handle the debris from the hull cleaning in an environmental friendly manner. This might pose two problems, availability of drydock capacity (for this purpose) and an increase in the cost of hull cleaning.
Already, hull fouling is a common bone of contention, both at the time the ship is fixed and when the time comes to implement the clause that may be contained in the governing charter party.
It is not difficult to envisage that parties may become involved in disputes if the better alternative - in a given case - is that the ship proceeds to drydock for hull cleaning. The same can happen if cleaning in-water is available but where a considerable deviation for the ship is required. Both seem to be equally unattractive alternatives, and we have not even considered the risk of waiting time for the dock or the cleaning operation in general.
This development may not only become relevant in the context of a time charter where disputes are most likely to occur. Parties engaged in voyage chartering may also be challenged by local regulations. Imagine a ship having to wait for weeks due to congestion before loading at a place where fouling is likely to happen, and then proceeding to a discharge port where the ship isn’t allowed to berth until the hull is spotless. Where and how can the owners (operators) arrange for hull cleaning en route?
As opposed to the implementation of local legislation, BIMCO strongly believes in a voluntary approach, based on IMO guidelines, on how to manage biofouling to avoid transferring invasive species from one area to another. These guidelines include, for example, coating and in-water hull cleaning maintenance.
Shipowners have in any case their own incentive to manage fouling, as it improves fuel efficiency.
Currently, there are no lists outlining rules for in-water hull cleaning in different areas.
If you want to learn more about biofouling there are a number of articles available on the BIMCO website:
- California Biofouling and Ballast Water Management requirements 2018
- BIMCO's position on biofouling management
The following articles may also be of interest:
Feedback or a question about this information?
Posted:
24 January 2018
VPS Bunker Alerts
Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) publish regular Bunker Alerts based entirely on fuel samples and have kindly permitted BIMCO’s Members to access this information.
The Bunker Alerts are not intended to be an evaluation of overall bunker quality in the port or area concerned, but usually highlight a specific parameter within the fuel which has raised a quality issue.
Latest ice reports for members
Latest piracy reports
Latest industry releasable threats
Related publication
Independent testing & certification of in-water cleaning companies
The procedure replaces the “Approval procedure for in-water cleaning companies". It was written:ELSEWHERE ON BIMCO
Contracts & Clauses
All of BIMCO's most widely used contracts and clauses as well as advice on managing charters and business partners.
Learn about your cargo
For general guidance and information on cargo-related queries.
BIMCO Publications
Want to buy or download a BIMCO publication? Use the link to get access to the ballast water management guide, the ship master’s security manual and many other publications.
About a new business partner
We can help members check new business partners. We also help to recover millions of USD (undisputed) funds every year.
