Fouling of offshore structures in China--a review.

Biofouling on ships' hulls and other man-made structures is a major economic and technical problem around the world. In recent decades, the development and growth of the offshore oil and gas industry has led to increased interest in, and studies on marine fouling in offshore regions. This paper reviews the effects of marine fouling on offshore structures, the development of offshore fouling studies in China, and the characteristics of marine fouling in relevant areas. Future research strategies are also proposed.