Ultrasound as Antifouling strategy – evaluation from economical and environmental perspective

Research Project, 2027 – 2030

Ultrasound is used to protect vessels from biofouling by generating vibrations that disrupt the cell structures of organisms. The mechanism is the high accelerations that occur in the water surrounding the ship’s hull. Since these temporary physical forces cease when the systems are not in operation, they do not generate visible emissions into the environment. In recent years, using ultrasounds for antifouling has evolved from research to industrial application.

The overall aim of this study is to generate knowledge on how an increased use of ultrasound as an antifouling method can be made more cost- and energy-efficient while simultaneously assessing potential impacts at three levels in the marine ecosystem. To achieve this, we have formulated the following objectives:

- Illustrate the opportunities and challenges of ultrasound as an antifouling method in terms of economic and energy consumption aspects compared to other existing antifouling methods (such as antifouling paints and hull cleaning, which release chemical substances and biological material into the environment).

- Compile information on the costs of installing and operating ultrasound systems for different vessel types and geographical areas to understand the economic feasibility of an increased implementation of ultrasound as an antifouling system.

- Investigate how increased use of ultrasound may affect marine ecosystems by studying three different levels/groups: larval stages, fish, and marine mammals, at various distances from the ship’s hull.

- Develop guidelines and policy recommendations on how ultrasound technology should be used to ensure cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and minimal impact on marine life.

Several studies have shown that anthropogenic noise can have negative effects on marine life. If the sound falls within an organism's hearing range, it can lead to masking, meaning that the organism struggles to perceive, interpret, or respond to important biological sounds within the same frequency range. This, in turn, may cause behavioral changes in animals within the affected area.

The use of ultrasound to reduce biofouling on ship hulls is considered a sustainable antifouling method, given that it does not result in the release of chemicals harmful to marine life (as is the case with antifouling paints). However, more knowledge is needed regarding the economic and energy- related feasibility of using these systems, as well as their impact on marine life. The results from this study can be used to evaluate and, if necessary, develop guidelines for the use of ultrasound in marine environments, considering energy consumption, economic aspects, and the minimization of negative effects on marine life.