Abstract
There is concern that marine organisms transported by ships would disturb native ecosystems. Marine organisms are transported through the ships' ballast water and by hull fouling. A major method of ship biofouling prevention is through the use of antifouling paints (AF paint). Keeping the paint in good condition between dock intervals is essential. However, a complete painting of the hull is difficult and some unpainted parts exist. These parts will become biofouled first. This research aims to clarify the causes of ship biofouling in relation to the hull structure, hull painting maintenance and ship operation through observations of merchant vessels and a research/training ship and to provide effective information on biofouling prevention.
