Speakers
Biofouling Management: Regulation or Business Edge
Biofouling is a major concern for commercial fleets and the shipping industry. The build-up of marine life, such as barnacles and mussels, on the hull of vessels increases drag on the vessel. This increased drag can reduce ship speed by as much as 86%, thus increasing travel time, or decrease engine performance with a considerable increase in associated fuel costs and emissions. It is therefore a serious economic and environmental problem. Hull fouling claims typically involve an interesting interplay between technical/practical and legal aspects. In my presentation, I will delve into the technical evidence which I consider when formulating an opinion on real-world hull fouling dispute cases.
Marcelo advises on scientific aspects of maritime shipping claims involving hull fouling and the carriage of cargoes at sea. As a biofouling scientist, he has been extensively involved in incidences of hull fouling on ships' hulls and has conducted investigations into the origins, causes, extent of hull-fouling, and how this affects the antifouling coating and speed & performance of ships. He attends onboard vessels worldwide, has advised clients in a number of legal cases, and has given evidence as an expert in High Court Proceedings in London and in Arbitrations under various jurisdictions.
On attaining his PhD in biological sciences, he conducted academic research for six years at the postdoctoral level, focusing on how invertebrate animals establish bonding underwater. His career as an academic researcher involved multi-disciplinary marine science, molecular biology, and biochemistry projects, and he also completed expeditions onboard oceanographic research vessels.
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https://www.brookesbell.com/about-us/the-team/team-member/marcelo-rodrigues/