News Hound

Canal & River Trust appoints independently led Commission to review future framework for boat licensing

Posted on by News Hound
Independently led Commission appointed to review future framework for boat licensing
Independently led Commission appointed to review future framework for boat licensing

Over the past 30 years there have been significant changes in the use of the 2,000-mile canal network in the UK managed by the Canal & River Trust. The Trust has announced it has established a new Commission to review the legal framework around boat licensing, to explore whether it is appropriate for the network’s future.

The Commission will start its review in January and is expected to run until September 2025. Continue reading “Canal & River Trust appoints independently led Commission to review future framework for boat licensing”

Proper stowage of mixed cargoes on bulk carriers

Posted on by News Hound
Shipowners have the responsibility to ensure that the vessel is suitable and fit for purpose to carry break-bulk cargo, containers, and project cargoes
Shipowners have the responsibility to ensure that the vessel is suitable and fit for purpose to carry break-bulk cargo, containers, and project cargoes

The American P&I Club has raised concerns that have arisen regarding the loading of finished and unfinished steel products alongside break-bulk, containerized, and project cargoes in the same cargo hold of bulk carriers.

Examples of break-bulk, containerized, and project cargoes include large, heavy, oversized items, machinery parts, crates, and heavy-duty wheeled items such as trucks, cranes, or pay loaders. Unlike vessels dedicated to carrying break-bulk, containerized, or project cargoes, bulk carriers are not fitted with suitable lashing and securing arrangements.

The irregular sizes, shapes, and weights of such non-pure-bulk cargoes are challenging to safely lash and secure, and typically require makeshift arrangements. Continue reading “Proper stowage of mixed cargoes on bulk carriers”

MAIB voices “serious concern” over Red Sea dive boat accidents

Posted on by News Hound
Red Sea dive boat accidents are a big concern for MAIB
Red Sea dive boat accidents are a big concern for MAIB

The UK Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has shared an update on Red Sea dive boat accidents.
The MAIB has been notified of three accidents within the last 20 months affecting UK citizens on Egyptian dive boats operating in the Red Sea. These include: Continue reading “MAIB voices “serious concern” over Red Sea dive boat accidents”

EMSA Annual Overview of Marine Casualties and Incidents 2024

Posted on by News Hound
Dive of a ROV on 12th September 2023. Credit: EMSA
Dive of a ROV on 12th September 2023. Credit: EMSA

The EMSA has published its Annual Overview of Marine Casualties and Incidents 2024, which presents statistics on marine casualties and incidents that cover the period from 1 of January 2014 to 31 of December 2023.
In 2023, most of the indicators, such as the number of occurrences, ships lost, fatalities or injuries, are near or below the average values for the entire period from 2014 to 2023.
In 2023, 2,676 marine casualties and incidents were reported, which represent an increase of 49 marine casualties and incidents compared to 2022 and a decrease of 66 marine casualties and incidents compared to 2021. Continue reading “EMSA Annual Overview of Marine Casualties and Incidents 2024”

MAIB report into fire on board ro-ro ferry

Posted on by News Hound
MAIB publish report about fire on board ro-ro ferry
MAIB publish report about fire on board ro-ro ferry

At 2115 on 11 February 2023, a fire broke out in the engine room of the roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry Stena Europe while on passage from Rosslare, Ireland, to Fishguard, Wales.
The fire on board ro-ro ferry caused significant damage to the engine room but nobody was injured and there was no damage to the environment. The fire was extinguished by the crew.

Safety issues
• The fire ignited on a main engine when pressurised fuel from a loose fuel pipe connection sprayed onto a high temperature exhaust pipe. Continue reading “MAIB report into fire on board ro-ro ferry”

Proactive measures to mitigate fire hazards including thermal imaging

Posted on by News Hound
Operators should implement proactive measures to mitigate fire hazards
Operators should implement proactive measures to mitigate fire hazards

The American P&I Club urges operators to implement proactive measures such as maintenance and thermal imaging to mitigate fire hazards. Thermal imaging inspections are highlighted as an effective tool by the American Club in identifying early heat signatures caused by electrical faults, which could escalate into a fire if left unchecked. Fires of this nature often stem from one or a combination of three primary causes: electrical system failures, machinery malfunctions, and human error.

Although the likelihood of a fire may be low, specific conditions, such as defective thermal insulation on hot surfaces combined with localized fuel or oil leaks, can create a serious fire risk. Additionally, the complexity and number of electrical connections onboard vessels Continue reading “Proactive measures to mitigate fire hazards including thermal imaging”

DNV on energy efficiency compliance after alterations or conversions

Posted on by News Hound
The EEXI requirement came into effect on 1 January 2023
The EEXI requirement came into effect on 1 January 2023

The EEXI requirement came into effect on 1 January 2023, and all affected ships should now comply. To maintain compliance, any ship undergoing changes that affect its EEXI and/or EEDI may need to recalculate these.
What is a “major conversion”?
Under MARPOL Annex VI (Regulation 5.4), the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and, if relevant, the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), must be recalculated and surveyed on board in the event of a major conversion, as defined in Regulation 2.2.17. Continue reading “DNV on energy efficiency compliance after alterations or conversions”

RightShip releases revised vessel inspection age trigger timeline

Posted on by News Hound
RightShip has announced a revised timeline for implementing its vessel inspection age trigger
RightShip has announced a revised timeline for implementing its vessel inspection age trigger

RightShip has announced a revised timeline for implementing its vessel inspection age trigger, reducing the inspection threshold from 14 to 10 years through a four-phased approach.
The initial announcement of the inspection age trigger in October 2024 garnered valuable feedback from stakeholders. Constructive dialogue with RightShip’s customers and respected industry associations – including INTERCARGO, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and the Union of Greek Shipowners whose membership represents a substantial portion of the global dry bulk and general cargo fleet – has been instrumental in refining the approach to align with operational realities while reinforcing our shared commitment to safety. Continue reading “RightShip releases revised vessel inspection age trigger timeline”

MAIB report: Man overboard from potting vessel Pioneer with loss of 1 life

Posted on by News Hound
The skipper of the UK registered potting vessel Pioneer (NN200) accidently entered the water as the vessel was heading back to its beach standing
The skipper of the UK registered potting vessel Pioneer (NN200) accidently entered the water as the vessel was heading back to its beach standing

On the morning of 29 July 2021, the skipper of the UK registered potting vessel Pioneer (NN200) accidently entered the water as the vessel was heading back to its beach standing in Hastings, England. Pioneer’s sole deckhand was unable to pull him back on board and the skipper was later recovered from the water with the help of a rescue helicopter’s
winchman and airlifted to hospital, but he could not be revived.

The MAIB investigation found that Pioneer had a low bulwark at its aft deck, which did not prevent the skipper’s fall into the water. At the time of the accident neither the skipper nor deckhand were wearing a personal flotation device, although two were available on board. Continue reading “MAIB report: Man overboard from potting vessel Pioneer with loss of 1 life”

Consultation open for the UK merchant shipping (vessels in commercial use for sport or pleasure) regulations 2025

Posted on by News Hound
The new Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code reflects the development of standards since the publication of the previous editions
The new Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code reflects the development of standards since the publication of the previous editions

The Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 2025 (“the new Regulations”) will apply to vessels used commercially for Sport or Pleasure. The new Regulations will apply to seagoing United Kingdom vessels wherever they may be and to other seagoing vessels operating from United Kingdom ports whilst in United Kingdom waters.

The new Regulations will revoke and replace the Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 1998 (S.I. 1998/2771) (“the 1998 Regulations”). The new Regulations will give effect to two Codes of Practice: Continue reading “Consultation open for the UK merchant shipping (vessels in commercial use for sport or pleasure) regulations 2025”

Best practices to avoid bunker quantity disputes

Posted on by News Hound
According to Britannia, bunker quantity disputes pose a common challenge in the maritime industry
According to Britannia, bunker quantity disputes pose a common challenge in the maritime industry

Britannia P&I Club has emphasized the importance of understanding the various bunker delivery methods and establishing reliable, transparent relationships with reputable suppliers.

According to Britannia, bunker quantity disputes pose a common challenge in the maritime industry, arising from disagreements between the supplier and the receiver regarding the amount of bunker fuel delivered. These disputes can lead to significant operational and financial consequences for shipowners and operators.

In light of this, Britannia advises that before initiating the bunkering operation, owners/ships should verify and reasonably ensure compliance with the following: Continue reading “Best practices to avoid bunker quantity disputes”

Canal & River Trust Boater Report 2024

Posted on by News Hound
Our Boater Report 2024 gives an overview of how we generated income
Our Boater Report 2024 gives an overview of how we generated income

Our Boater Report 2024 gives an overview of how we generated income and our expenditure during 2023/24 to maintain navigation on our amazing heritage network of over 10,000 individual structures including locks, bridges, aqueducts and reservoirs, many up to 250 years old.

It was a year of near record spend on charitable activity, but one that saw the continued effect of climate change taking its toll on our ageing canal infrastructure. In 2023/24 we spent close to £49 million on around 80 large maintenance and repair projects, and our skilled teams of carpenters, stone masons and bricklayers completed further construction projects, at a cost of around £20 million. Continue reading “Canal & River Trust Boater Report 2024”

Instagram Posts from the IIMS @iimsmarine