Speakers
Rick Shilling
Biofouling Management: Ship Operations & Technology
Transport Canada is taking action to safeguard Canadian waters from the introduction and spread of non-indigenous species (NIS) through marine shipping. Vessel biofouling is one of the primary vectors for the transfer and introduction of NIS into Canadian waters.
Biofouling occurs when microorganisms, plants, algae, and animals accumulate on structures that are exposed to an aquatic environment, such as a vessel's hull. This can bring foreign species to Canadian waters or move them between ecosystems within Canada. These species can become invasive and harmful in their new habitats.
Additionally, biofouling can increase a vessel's drag, which leads to higher operating costs, fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and underwater noise. Since biofouling begins to develop within hours of a vessel entering the water, all vessels have the potential to transport NIS. A vessel’s level of biofouling is affected by many factors including the condition and type of anti-fouling system (AFS), season, mooring time, vessel speed, recent travel history, and water salinity levels and temperature.
Biofouling can be managed by cleaning a vessel in-water. However, it is important to note that cleaning a vessel in-water can also release organisms and contaminants into the environment. In-water cleaning with capture capability can help reduce this environmental risk.
Subsea Global Solutions (SGS Diving) has been contracted to demonstrate to Transport Canada the Whale Shark LTD. water treatment system couple with EITHER the Subsea Global Solutions Remora In-Water Capture and Cleaning (IWCC) unit, the Eco-Friendly C-ROV IWCC unit, or handheld IWCC tools. SGS Diving has developed commercially available systems designed to operate in environmentally sensitive areas to support the maritime industries’ need to perform in-water hull cleaning of vessels. The advanced IWCC system minimizes the risk of accidental discharge of invasive aquatic species, particulate, and soluble contaminants from a vessel’s anti-fouling coating. The SGS Diving systems are developed to reclaim spoils and contaminants that may be released from the vessels during the hull cleaning process. The Whale Shark Ltd. water treatment process not only filters out contaminants that may be present as solid particulates, but also extracts soluble biocides that may be present in the contaminants extracted from the vessel prior to returning the processed seawater back to the marine environment.
Rick Shilling entered the commercial diving industry in 2006 by connection of his independent business management company, PropEL Marine to the member companies that now form Subsea Global Solutions. With over 30 years of experience, Rick possesses practical knowledge of the marine services and industrial power industries. Prior to the formation of PropEL Marine, Rick held senior-level positions with NRG Energy and Wartsila North America.
Rick has been an integral part of the integration and merger strategy which launched Subsea Global Solutions into the global underwater service contractor it is today, serving as COO for ten years. Having originally studied Marine Engineering Systems at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Rick is now focused on the implementation, enhancement, and growth of the Subsea Global Solutions specialist technical services, including the in-house developed industry leading environmentally friendly biofouling solutions.
Rick is an honorably discharged veteran of the US Naval Reserve and remains active within his community serving as a part time Deputy Sheriff for Westchester County, as well as being the Chairman and a Certified K-9 handler with the New York State Federation of Search and Rescue Teams providing Search and Rescue support to government agencies within his home state of New York.
Jon joined Subsea Global Solutions in February 2022 as the Business Development and Marketing Director, based in Rotterdam, Europe. Originally trained in marine operations and as a commercial diver in the UK, he holds additional degrees in maritime business, law, and international logistics.
With over 20 years of experience across the maritime ship management, offshore FPSO production, and marine insurance sectors, including V.Ships, Maersk, and MS Amlin. His mix of direct experience and skill-sets link project operations to key account management with commercial marketing, strategy, and risk management. The delivery of business development tools, new online marketing, and communications channels, technical risk assessment and enhancing analytical capabilities, and pioneering design of AI-assisted survey/risk reporting and modeling systems.
Jon has studied and lived across Europe and worked globally, outside work you might find him out in nature, busy with his family, or custom building vintage bikes and restoring classic cars for future expeditions/charity events.