Maritime Menace: How Biofouling Is Draining Efficiency

Biofouling, the accumulation of aquatic organisms on vessel surfaces, has long plagued the maritime industry. Although hidden beneath the waves, the layers of algae, barnacles, and mussels that attach themselves to vessels are creating a visible impact on fuel consumption and emissions.

This silent but persistent threat increases drag, reduces fuel efficiency, and elevates operational costs. As shipping grapples with stringent emissions regulations and rising fuel costs, the need for effective biofouling management is more urgent than ever. Traditionally, antifouling paints and periodic hull cleaning have been the go-to methods. However, these paints, which often contain biocides, are losing effectiveness due to environmental regulations which limit their toxicity. Meanwhile, manual hull cleaning, whether by divers or during dry-docking, remains labour-intensive, costly, and reactive, meaning that the damage from drag has already been done by the time cleaning occurs.

Fortunately, advances in biofouling technology are offering a proactive solution. Cathelco’s new patented USP DragGone™ an ultrasonic antifouling system, marks a breakthrough in biofouling prevention. Designed to complement traditional methods, DragGone™ tackles the root cause of the challenge, disrupting the biofouling process before it can take hold.

The biofouling problem

From the moment a ship hits the water, the biofouling process begins. If left unchecked, microorganisms attach to submerged surfaces, creating a biofilm that invites macro-fouling organisms like barnacles and mussels. This build-up significantly increases drag, forcing engines to work harder to maintain speed, which in turn leads to higher fuel consumption and emissions.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) recognises biofouling as a key contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A study by the Global Industry Alliance for Marine Biosafety – part of IMO’s GloFouling Partnerships Project – suggest that maintaining a clean hull can reduce a ship’s GHG emissions by up to 25%, directly contributing to the IMO’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

A proactive approach with Ultrasonic Protection

This is where innovations like Cathelco’s USP DragGone™ step in. Leveraging ultrasonic antifouling technology, USP DragGone™ prevents biofouling by emitting ultrasonic waves through transducers attached to the hull. The system works by sending vibrations across the vessel surface to disrupt the biological attachment of microorganisms at the earliest stages ensuring the hull remains clean from the start.

The technology’s efficiency is rooted in two advanced techniques: guided wave and heterodyning. Guided wave technology allows ultrasonic energy to travel across longer distances, reducing the number of transducers needed by up to 60%, making installation more straightforward and cost-effective. Meanwhile, heterodyning generates multiple frequencies, ensuring protection against a broader range of fouling species – essential in diverse marine environments.

The benefits are immediate and long-lasting. By preventing biofouling from the outset, DragGone™ reduces drag, leading to up to 13% reduction in fuel consumption, directly translating into lower operational costs and fewer emissions. The use of ultrasonic technology is particularly effective in preserving the hull’s hydrodynamic performance, ensuring that ships can maintain speed without the need for frequent maintenance.

Environmental and regulatory benefits

Beyond fuel savings, USP DragGone™ plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of invasive aquatic species, a significant issue in sensitive marine ecosystems. With biofouling identified as a contributor to ecological imbalances, technologies that proactively manage biofouling also support global sustainability goals.

To address the growing environmental concerns surrounding biofouling, the IMO implemented strict guidelines to mitigate its impact. Updated in 2023, the IMO’s Biofouling Guidelines require vessels to have a Biofouling Management Plan (BMP) and maintain a clean hull to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species. Regional regulations, such as those enforced in California, Australia, and New Zealand, further underscore the global push for effective biofouling management, making compliance not only an environmental necessity but also a key operational priority.

Financially, DragGone™ provides an efficient return on investment. By keeping the hull clean, it reduces the need for frequent hull cleanings and dry-docking, which are both costly and time-consuming. The system’s proactive approach ensures smoother, more efficient operations, extending the vessel’s service life and minimising disruptions.

As shipping companies face increasing regulatory pressures, solutions like USP DragGone™ offer a way to stay compliant while enhancing operational efficiency and profitability. In an industry increasingly focused on decarbonisation, effective biofouling management is no longer a “nice to have” – it’s a necessity.

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