Guidelines for developing and implementing an SMS for Ammonia-Fuelled Ships

The Nautical Institute is proud to support the Maritime Technologies Forum’s (MTF) initiative in developing the Guidelines for Developing and Implementing a Safety Management System for Ammonia-Fuelled Ships. This document is a critical first step in addressing safety gaps associated with the use of ammonia as a marine fuel, providing industry stakeholders with a structured approach to integrating safety measures within their Safety Management Systems (SMS). Continue reading “Guidelines for developing and implementing an SMS for Ammonia-Fuelled Ships”

NTSB recommends risk assessments for 68 bridges after Key Bridge collapse

The containership Dali with portions of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge across its forward deck. (Source: NTSB)

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended that 30 owners of 68 bridges across 19 states conduct a vulnerability assessment to determine the risk of bridge collapse from a vessel collision after the Key Bridge collapse.

The NTSB found the Key Bridge, which collapsed after being struck by the containership Dali on March 26, 2024, was almost 30 times above the acceptable risk threshold for critical or essential bridges, according to guidance established by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, or AASHTO. Over the last year, the NTSB identified 68 bridges that were designed before the AASHTO guidance was established — like the Key Bridge — that do not have a current vulnerability assessment. Continue reading “NTSB recommends risk assessments for 68 bridges after Key Bridge collapse”

New CCTV systems requirement for Indian-flagged vessels

The Indian Directorate General of Shipping has published a notice installing Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems on Indian-flagged vessels and foreign flag vessels visiting Indian ports.

Merchant Shipping Notice No 02 of 2025 sets out requirements that mandatory for Indian-flagged merchant vessels and foreign-flagged vessels trading in Indian Coasts under Specific Period License (SPL). Continue reading “New CCTV systems requirement for Indian-flagged vessels”

MAIB investigation into fatalities on board bulk carrier Berge Mawson

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Komite Nasional Keselamatan Transportasi

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published a report into the deaths of three stevedores in a cargo hold access space on board the bulk carrier Berge Mawson. The incident took place at Bunyu Island anchorage, Indonesia on 27 June 2022. Continue reading “MAIB investigation into fatalities on board bulk carrier Berge Mawson”

EU assesses potential inclusion of small ships under EU MRV

The European Commission has published a report assessing the potential inclusion of small ships between 400 and 5000 gross tonnage under the scope of the EU regulation for the Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of maritime greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The analysis identifies that over 5300 smaller vessels, which are emitting around 11 million tonnes of CO2 every year, are currently not covered by the legislation.

“Including these ships could increase the amount of emissions covered by the legislation by around 9%, while expanding the number of regulated ships by around 42%,” the Commission stated. Continue reading “EU assesses potential inclusion of small ships under EU MRV”

Structural and stowage issues of CTUs in Australian ports warning

Image caption: Collapsed container floor (Source: AMSA)

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a safety alert, which aims to raise awareness of structural and stowage issues for shipping containers and other CTUs in Australian ports. This is in response to an increase in improperly stowed CTUs and structural issues identified during inspection. Two recent incidents involved improperly packed CTUs which led to catastrophic structural failures. These incidents highlight the critical need for ship and container owners, shippers and packers to understand their regulatory obligations and put effective controls in place. Continue reading “Structural and stowage issues of CTUs in Australian ports warning”

Liberia: Management of Asbestos and PFOS

The Liberia Maritime Authority has released a marine notice on how to deal with asbestos on board all ships that are in service, under repair/modification/conversion and alteration.

Guidance is also provided on the prohibition of the use or storage of extinguishing media containing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) on new vessels and the requirement to remove PFOS on existing vessels. Notice SAF-018 Rev. 3/25 applies to all ships, including Mobile Offshore Units and High Speed Craft. The notice breaks down its guidance of management of asbestos containing materials on board ships certified under SOLAS into separate categories, including: Continue reading “Liberia: Management of Asbestos and PFOS”

Sri Lanka looks to implement a regulatory framework for the boat building and boating industry

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has taken a significant step towards fostering the growth of Sri Lanka’s boat building and boating industry by taking initiatives to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework. This framework aims to enhance the sector’s potential, driving it forward with greater international competitiveness. To ensure effective understanding and collaboration, the EDB organized awareness creation sessions for both public and private sector stakeholders, to aware them on the recent gazette notification issued on the regulatory framework. Continue reading “Sri Lanka looks to implement a regulatory framework for the boat building and boating industry”

Lack of green fuels questions engine retrofits says new study

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has issued an update to its Retrofit Research Programme, with the latest report focusing on the developments in Engine retrofits for alternative fuels.

While the maritime industry has seen positive developments, such as increased methanol fuel conversions and shipyard engine retrofits capabilities since 2023, the adoption of alternative fuels faces a significant hurdle. Continue reading “Lack of green fuels questions engine retrofits says new study”

New report data highlights urgency of maritime industry in tackling growing cyber threats

Only 1 in 6 shipowners fully understand what a cyber-secure vessel should look like upon delivery, highlighting a critical gap in the industry’s approach to maritime cybersecurity. The report, jointly published by Thetius, CyberOwl, a DNV company and HFW, explores key stakeholder challenges and approaches to managing cybersecurity and cyber threats across the lifecycle of a vessel.

The Lifecycle Dilemma: Navigating Cybersecurity Risks Across Designing, Constructing and Operating a Vessel delves into the shifting risks and disconnected approaches in cybersecurity across each stage from initial design Continue reading “New report data highlights urgency of maritime industry in tackling growing cyber threats”

Lessons learned after fire sinks shrimp cutter

Germany’s Federal Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation (BSU) has published the lessons learned following the fire and subsequent foundering of a shrimp cutter vessel.

The exact cause of the fire could not be determined after the shipwreck was salvaged because of the extensive damage done to the vessel in the incident. Continue reading “Lessons learned after fire sinks shrimp cutter”

Cyprus reports key PSC trends and deficiencies 2022-2024

The Republic of Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry has published a report on the Port State Control (PSC) Performance of the fleet of Cyprus.

In its fourth Report on Cyprus Fleet Port State Control Performance, the organisation includes the Statistical Data Analysis of Cyprus flagged Detained Ships worldwide for the last three consecutive years (2022-2024). Key findings from the report are as follows: Continue reading “Cyprus reports key PSC trends and deficiencies 2022-2024”

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