Australia has entered into the ‘enforcement’ phase of its new biofouling regulations for commercial ships.
Biofouling in shipping is the buildup of plants, algae, and small animals on the wetted areas of a ship which includes the hull, around rope guards, inside sea chests, and other intake pipes and
valves.
The Biosecurity Amendment (Biofouling Management) Regulations 2021 entered into force in June 2022 but the Department of Agriculture ran an 18-month education period.
In summary, commercial vessel operators have a choice of one of three different options. They can either implement an effective biofouling management plan, or clean all biofouling (including the niche areas) within 30 days before arriving in Australia or implement an alternative method of biofouling management that has been pre-approved by the Department.