1. This paper reviews the effects of biofouling on offshore wind turbines (OWTs) substructures, including the ecological and social implications.
2. It highlights various marine fouling parameters and laboratory approaches employed by past researchers in modelling biofouling, and its effects on hydrodynamic loading from wave and current excitation.
3. Challenges in modelling biofouling due to its intrinsic randomness and uncertainty are explored, as well as suggestions for many studies on marine fouling that are currently absent.
The article is a comprehensive review of the effects of biofouling on offshore wind turbines (OWTs) substructures, including the ecological and social implications. The authors provide an overview of various marine fouling parameters and laboratory approaches employed by past researchers in modelling biofouling, as well as its effects on hydrodynamic loading from wave and current excitation. The article also explores challenges in modelling biofouling due to its intrinsic randomness and uncertainty, as well as suggestions for many studies on marine fouling that are currently absent.
The article is generally reliable and trustworthy; however, there are some potential biases that should be noted. For example, the authors focus mainly on hard biofouling rather than soft or lengthy flapping biofouling which may lead to a one-sided reporting of the issue at hand. Additionally, there is a lack of evidence provided for some of the claims made throughout the article which could lead to unsupported claims being presented to readers. Furthermore, there is a lack of counterarguments presented which could lead to partiality in terms of presenting both sides equally. Finally, possible risks associated with OWTs substructures are not noted which could lead to readers not being aware of any potential risks associated with this topic.