NACE International SP21421-2017 Pictorial Standard for underwater Evaluation of Fouling Degree on Ship Hulls 21421-SG

One of the key factors affecting ship perfor­mance, particularly fuel consumption and associated GHG (Green House Gas) emis­sions, is the degree of biofouling on the immersed hull and propeller(s). Rates of biofouling accumulation vary considerably, depending on the suitability, age and physi­cal condition of the coating system(s) ap­plied to the hull, the voyaging, anchoring and lay up patterns of the ship, and the geo­graphical regions where these take place. This pictorial-based standard is designed to facilitate more con­sistent descriptions of the degree of biofoul­ing on a vessel hulls, however it is not meant to define the overall fouling condition of the wetted hull.