FOULING

Biological fouling (biofouling) is defined as the undesirable accumulation of microorganisms, plants and animals on artificial surfaces.

Previous research shows that less intensive fouling is typical of actively used vessels - passenger, cargo, service, port and the same. Moored ships are most susceptible to heavy fouling.

The underwater parts of stationary sea constructions and devices: offshore platforms, pipelines, cables, buoys especially suffer from this phenomenon. Fouling that occurs on hydro acoustic devices (sonic depth-finders, locators, and other communication devices) causes significant reduction in their sensitivity as well as breakage.

Globally, the total damage resulting from marine fouling currently accounts for 50 billion dollars per year (20% ship's fouling).