Scroll

01 Jun 2026 / Brazil

Navigating Brazil’s New Mandatory Biofouling Rules: What You Need to Know

The Brazilian Navy’s Directorate of Ports and Coasts (DPC) will initiate full, mandatory enforcement of biofouling standards under NORMAM-401/DPC (Chapter 4).

  • Effective date: June 17, 2025
  • Full enforcement (including penalties and sanctions): June 10, 2026

From this date, all commercial vessels exceeding 24 meters in length must provide strict documentary and physical proof of biofouling management to operate in Brazilian Jurisdictional Waters or transit between Brazil’s three coastal biogeographical zones. The regulation was designed to allow for operational planning, predictability, and progressive adaptation, seeking to balance environmental protection with the viability of maritime and port operations. It is emphasized that the Maritime Authority does not intend to impede vessel traffic in the country, nor cause undue delays. Non-compliance after the June 10, 2026, deadline will result in immediate operational sanctions, including port entry denials, vessel detentions, and fines of up to BRL 50 million.

Core Operational Requirements

  • Documentation: Vessels must maintain an active, ship-specific Biofouling Management Plan (BFMP) and an updated Biofouling Record Book (BFRB) matching 2023 IMO guidelines.
  • Last Hull Cleaning Report: Latest hull/niche area inspection report. Reports must be written in English and/or Portuguese, with clear, high-resolution "before and after" images of different hull areas and niche areas subjected to cleaning, demonstrating the biofouling level ≤1 required by the Normative. Reports are valid for one year. However, if a vessel remains stationary (stopped or <10 knots) for more than 15 consecutive days, the report will not be valid and it will require a new inspection.
  • Hull Condition Threshold: Maximum allowable fouling for transit or entry is Level 1 (Microfouling/slime layer). Visible macrofouling (Level 2 or higher) requires immediate intervention.
  • Zonal Restrictions: Coastal voyages crossing Brazil’s domestic biogeographical boundaries trigger mandatory reporting and compliance checks.
  • Cleaning Restrictions: In-water scraping without an authorized residue-capture system is prohibited for visible macrofouling (Level 2 or higher). Reactive cleaning requests require a minimum 10-day advance notice to local authorities.

Should compliance prove unfeasible, the vessel must formally apply for a case-by-case exemption under the 'Omitted Cases' provision to avoid operational sanctions.


GAC Operational Support & Husbandry Services - we are here to assist you

Our full agency and husbandry coordination across major terminals in Brazil helps to ensure complete compliance prior to arrival and prevent costly port delays.

  • Pre-arrival review of hull inspection/cleaning documentation,
  • Guidance on Biofouling Management Plan and Biofouling Record Book requirements,
  • Complete screening for potential issues before vessels' arrival in Brazil,
  • Local port feasibility and authority interface,
  • Support with inspection, cleaning or exceptional-case procedures where required,
  • Practical guidance to help reduce the risk of delays, penalties, or operational disruption.

If you need help or further assistance, please contact [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

Make an
enquiry

enquiry icon

Find your
country

country icon