Brazil NORMAM-401: New Biofouling & UWC Rules
Published: June 2026
Brazil implements significant updates to its maritime environmental regulations, focusing on biofouling management and Underwater Cleaning (UWC) operational standards to align with international decarbonization goals.
Category: Regulation Update
Scope of the Regulation
The NORMAM-401 regulation, introduced by the Brazilian Maritime Authority, establishes a rigorous framework for biofouling management and Underwater Cleaning (UWC) activities within Brazilian Jurisdictional Waters (AJB). This regulatory update applies to all merchant vessels, regardless of flag, that intend to perform hull maintenance or operate for extended periods in Brazilian ports. The scope specifically targets the reduction of invasive aquatic species (IAS) transfer and the promotion of maritime decarbonization through improved hull efficiency.
UWC and Speed Rules
A critical component of NORMAM-401 involves the regulation of Underwater Cleaning (UWC) procedures. These must be performed using approved technologies that collect and treat residues to prevent local contamination. Furthermore, the regulation introduces speed-linked compliance metrics, acknowledging that vessel velocity directly impacts the accumulation of biofouling. Operators must maintain strict logs of ship movements and cleaning intervals to ensure that speed-induced performance degradation does not violate the environmental standards set for Brazilian port entries.
Validity Conditions and Reporting
- Anti-Fouling System (AFS) Certificate: Must be valid and updated according to the latest IMO conventions.
- Biofouling Management Plan (BFMP): A vessel-specific document detailing proactive management strategies.
- Biofouling Record Book: Mandatory documentation of all cleaning and sea-chest inspections.
- Record & Reporting Requirements: All cleaning operations must be reported to the local Port State Control within 48 hours of completion, including detailed diagrams of the areas treated.
Regulation in Action
Visualizing the practical applications of NORMAM-401 from hull inspection standards to Brazil's leading port compliance diagrams.
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