The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has reminded vessel owners and operators of the significant risks associated with underwater ship husbandry (UWSH) operations as activity in the Strait of Hormuz increases.As vessels
The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has reminded vessel owners and operators of the significant risks associated with underwater ship husbandry (UWSH) operations as activity in the Strait of Hormuz increases.
As vessels begin returning to service following extended periods at anchor, demand for hull cleaning, inspection, and maintenance has risen sharply. These activities, commonly grouped under UWSH, play a critical role in restoring vessel efficiency by removing marine growth and biofouling.
Bloomberg has reported that orders for crews to clean ship hulls fouled by algae, slime, and crustaceans have jumped more than 30-fold since US President Donald Trump announced an interim peace deal with Iran that will reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
About 600 vessels remain trapped in the Persian Gulf following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East. With vessels having spent prolonged periods idle, the accumulation of marine growth on hulls is expected to be significant. This reduces fuel efficiency due to increased hydrodynamic drag, and also risks transferring invasive aquatic species between regions, damaging marine ecosystems.
However, UWSH remains one of the most hazardous areas of commercial diving. In recent years, IMCA has been made aware of multiple fatalities linked to UWSH. These incidents are frequently
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