Analysis of Biofouling Occurrence Trends on Ship Hull Surface

The attachment process of marine biofouling on hull surface is illustrated and presented in the paper. The influences of temperature of sea water, salinity, the speed of flowing water, the transparency of sea water and are analyzed on biofouling attachment as well as attachment material properties. Based on realistic survey of ships, some initial regular attachments of marine biofouling are obtained by discussing the fouling differences of immersion site in seven parts including ship waterline area, bow, midship, stern, bilged, propeller and rudder, considering the facts that the attachment types and quantities of fouling organism are related to the types, course and operating nature of ships. The most serious biofouling occurrence part is bilge, and the attachment quantity of bow is smaller than stern. The fouling of propeller and rudder are not so serious, where the attachments are mostly benthonic organism which has a strong adhesion force. The dominant attachment species is algae. The knowledge gained in this study provides some references to develop efficient and environmental antifouling technologies.