ISO 13073-1:2012

Overview

ISO 13073-1:2012 - Ships and marine technology - Part 1 - defines a marine environmental risk assessment method for biocidally active substances used in anti-fouling systems on ships. The standard provides a structured, pragmatic approach to evaluate potential impacts of substances intentionally released from anti-fouling coatings during a ship’s service life. It is adaptable for freshwater environments but does not prescribe specific toxicity test methods or efficacy tests for anti-fouling products.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and exclusions: Focuses on in-service releases from anti-fouling systems; excludes application/removal during maintenance, shipbuilding/recycling, test patches, fisheries equipment, ballast-water treatment systems, and accidental spills.
• Exposure assessment: Selection of representative products, quantification of release rates, preparation of emission scenarios, and estimation of predicted environmental concentration (PEC).
• Hazard assessment: Compilation of ecotoxicity data and derivation of predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) using appropriate assessment factors and data quality considerations.
• Risk characterization: Comparison of PEC/PNEC ratios to determine environmental risk, treatment of organic vs. inorganic biocides, and handling of bioaccumulative or persistent substances.
• Reporting and documentation: Minimum information for a risk assessment report and structured presentation of results.
• Supporting annexes: Guidance on release-rate estimation methods, risk characterisation details for organic and inorganic substances, data quality examples, testing method references, and validated models for PEC prediction.

Practical applications and users

ISO 13073-1:2012 is intended for stakeholders who need to evaluate environmental risks from anti-fouling biocides, including:

• Shipowners and shipyards assessing hull coating options
• Paint and biocide manufacturers preparing dossiers for approvals or stewardship
• Environmental consultants conducting marine risk assessments
• Regulatory agencies and approval systems implementing national or regional controls
• IMO contracting parties and organizations harmonizing assessments under the AFS Convention

Typical uses include product approval workflows, environmental permitting, comparative assessment of anti-fouling options, and supporting compliance with international guidance on harmful anti-fouling systems.

Related standards and guidance

• ISO 13073 series (Part 2: system-level assessment; Part 3: human health assessment - under development)
• IMO International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships (AFS Convention)
• References to validated models and recognized ecotoxicity test guidelines (listed in the standard’s annexes)

ISO 13073-1:2012 provides a consistent, transparent framework for marine environmental risk assessment of anti-fouling biocides, helping regulators and industry manage environmental impact while supporting compliant product development and use.