Blog · Hull Cleaning & Coatings
Hull Cleaning & Coatings: 2026 Biofouling Guide for Australia
The New Baseline for Biofouling Management in 2026
As shipping operators prepare for Australian port calls in 2026, the regulatory landscape surrounding hull cleaning and antifouling coatings requires careful attention. Biosecurity and environmental protection are top priorities for Australian authorities. For masters, superintendents, and shipping agents, understanding the distinction between proactive and reactive hull cleaning is essential for avoiding delays and regulatory action. This post provides general information on the current framework and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice.
Managing biofouling is mandatory for all vessels arriving in Australian territorial seas from international locations. These rules, which entered into force on 15 June 2022, are administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) under the Biosecurity Act 2015. It is important to distinguish this from the role of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), which enforces the Anti-Fouling Systems (AFS) Convention and handles port state control.
DAFF's Three Accepted Proactive Practices
Operators must report their biofouling information through the Maritime Arrivals Reporting System (MARS) prior to arrival. As outlined in DAFF's Notice 80-2022, the pre-arrival report includes mandatory questions regarding a vessel's biofouling management practices. A compliant antifouling coating alone is not recognized as an accepted biofouling management practice. Instead, operators must rely on one of exactly three accepted proactive methods to satisfy DAFF requirements.
The first option is operating under a vessel-specific Biofouling Management Plan and Record Book. For 2026 arrivals, these documents must align with the Australian Biofouling Management Requirements for Commercial Vessels (ABFMR-CV). Version 4 of these requirements took effect on 30 April 2026. The second option is cleaning all biofouling from the hull and niche areas within 30 days before arrival. The third option requires implementing an alternative management practice that has been pre-approved by DAFF, which involves submitting an application at least 30 days prior to arrival.
Transitioning from Education to Enforcement
The transition to strict enforcement is now fully established. Following the initial rollout of the regulations, DAFF published Notice 269-2023, officially ending the 18-month education phase for the biofouling management requirements. In 2026, non-compliant vessels face rigorous business-as-usual enforcement, which can include targeted underwater inspections and severe operational restrictions.
Proactive Cleaning and the IMO 2023 Guidelines
A major focus of modern hull maintenance is the shift from reactive to proactive cleaning. Reactive cleaning often occurs when macrofouling is already severe, which can damage the antifouling coating and release invasive aquatic species. Proactive cleaning involves regular, gentle removal of microfouling (slime) before it develops into complex macrofouling. This approach preserves the coating condition and extends dry-dock intervals.
The 2023 IMO Biofouling Guidelines, resolution MEPC.378(80), strongly encourage proactive maintenance. These guidelines supersede the older 2011 version. While the IMO guidelines remain voluntary on a global scale, aligning your vessel's management plan with them is highly recommended to meet Australia's mandatory ABFMR standards and improve overall hydrodynamic efficiency.
In-Water Cleaning and Capture Rules in Queensland
When in-water hull cleaning is necessary within Australian waters, operators face strict capture and containment requirements. Any cleaning operation must successfully capture biological waste to prevent it from entering the local marine environment. Furthermore, Appendix B of the newly active ABFMR Version 4 sets out the minimum content required for a valid in-water cleaning report.
For vessels calling at the Port of Brisbane, operators must be aware that federal compliance is only the first step. Conducting in-water hull cleaning in Queensland waters requires separate, specific approval from Biosecurity Queensland on top of the federal capture requirements. Niche areas such as sea chests, thruster tunnels, and gratings are highly susceptible to biofouling accumulation because they are often unprotected by standard antifouling coatings. Overlooking these niche areas during a scheduled hull cleaning is a common compliance failure that can lead to biosecurity intervention upon arrival.
AMSA Port State Control and Niche Areas
While DAFF handles biosecurity, AMSA focuses on the safety and environmental aspects of the AFS Convention during routine port state control inspections. A degraded antifouling system or poorly maintained hull can prompt inspectors to scrutinize the vessel's Safety Management System (SMS) under the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.
According to AMSA's Inspections annual report 2024, port state control officers conducted 2,264 initial inspections, resulting in 133 detentions and a 5.9 percent detention rate. ISM compliance was the largest category of detainable deficiencies, accounting for 27.57 percent. If a vessel's biofouling record book and maintenance logs are missing or inaccurate, it can trigger an ISM deficiency and lead to costly port delays.
Streamlining Compliance with Berthfile
Preparing the necessary paperwork for Australian port calls can be a complex administrative burden. Shipping agents and operators can use Berthfile to streamline this process. Berthfile features a specialized biofouling copilot designed to help draft accurate MARS pre-arrival reporting documents and ensure your paperwork meets DAFF's strict criteria. By proactively managing your hull condition and maintaining flawless documentation, your vessel will be fully prepared for a smooth clearance process in 2026.