Characterising biofouling and biocorrosion on deployment mooring elastomers and springs

Project Description

Biofouling, the accumulation of aquatic organisms such as micro-organisms, plants, and animals on surfaces and structures immersed in or exposed to the aquatic environment, has well-recognised negative effects on the operational activities of maritime industries. Biofouling management requires regular maintenance programmes to avoid premature failure or reduced performance of equipment and components, increased surface roughness resulting in higher frictional drag and fuel consumption increased (bio)corrosion or loss of product value. The development of improved antifouling (AF) coatings, surface treatments, surface types, or devices to remove biofouling from affected surfaces is therefore an ongoing challenge for maritime industries. The most common contemporary approach for managing marine biofouling is the use of biocidal coatings to eradicate or deter colonising organisms. However, this practice is associated with a range of environmental challenges, most notably contamination and pollution of coastal habitats. The challenge is to develop novel, non-toxic AF solutions widely applicable across the maritime sector. This is complicated by the fact that biofouling patterns greatly vary in space and time. The extent and composition of biofouling on maritime vessels, e.g. depends on vessel type, location and design of niche areas, operational profile and (above all) the vessels' maintenance and travel history. Biofouling on vessels and artificial structures is also a main mechanism for the introduction and spread of non-indigenous marine species which represents one of the greatest contemporary threats to global biodiversity. The current trend is to progress away from the current generation of biocidal additives because of their environmental consequences and instead focus on environmentally-friendly solutions. This project will assesses biofouling occurrence on deployed structures and from there, will test and characterize biofouling and antifouling on new and emerging materials and coatings.