News Hound

IACS 2025 Blue Book is available to download

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The International Association of Classification Societies has issued the IACS 2025 Blue Book, further enhancing its technical support for the shipping industry through investments in technology, innovation, and research and development at both the classification and statutory levels.

The IACS 202 Blue Book is a comprehensive electronic library of technical resolutions adopted by IACS as part of its ongoing technical work. It serves as the Association’s primary reference, containing historical data and all previous revisions of IACS publications. Published and updated annually, the Blue Book demonstrates how IACS fulfils its mission to benefit international shipping. It includes: Continue reading “IACS 2025 Blue Book is available to download”

IACS releases new guidelines on safety standards for surveyors

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IACS has introduced new recommendations to enhance safety standards for surveyors.
IACS has introduced new recommendations to enhance safety standards for surveyors.

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has introduced new recommendations to enhance safety standards for surveyors.
The new guidelines, Rec. 184, recognise that surveyors continue to face significant occupational health and safety (OHS) risks at work.
There is growing recognition that some of the safety challenges that surveyors’ face would benefit from improved collaboration and sharing of experience to establish a more consistent approach.
Designed to creating safer working conditions for surveyors and all personnel engaged in maritime operations, these guidelines outline critical measures to mitigate risks and addresses key areas such as risk assessments and situational awareness, ensuring that they are equipped to handle the hazards they may encounter. Continue reading “IACS releases new guidelines on safety standards for surveyors”

IMO Ship Design and Construction Sub-Committee 11 summary

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Lloyd’s Register has provided a summary report on the recent IMO Ship Design and Construction Sub-Committee
Lloyd’s Register has provided a summary report on the recent IMO Ship Design and Construction Sub-Committee

Lloyd’s Register has provided a summary report on the recent IMO Ship Design and Construction Sub-Committee (SDC).
The SDC is where many technical and operational requirements related to ship design and construction (including tonnage, load line and stability) are discussed. SDC reports to the Maritime Safety Committee.

2011 ESP Code amendments relating to Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT):
Draft amendments have now been finalised to permit the use of RIT in support to surveyors undertaking a close-up survey of vessels to which the code applies. They are expected to be applicable from 1 January 2028. Continue reading “IMO Ship Design and Construction Sub-Committee 11 summary”

WSC: Shipping carriers move to prevent deadly charcoal fires

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The shipping industry is improving safety measures for transporting charcoal
The shipping industry is improving safety measures for transporting charcoal

The shipping industry is taking proactive steps to implement improved safety measures for transporting charcoal, ahead of mandatory IMO regulations in 2026, according to a press release from the World Shipping Council (WSC).

In response to a series of devastating fires caused by improperly handled charcoal, shippers should be ready to see carriers phase in new tighter regulations this year.

“We’ve seen too many preventable fires onboard vessels caused by improper handling of charcoal,” said Joe Kramek, WSC President and CEO. Continue reading “WSC: Shipping carriers move to prevent deadly charcoal fires”

Transport Malta investigation into boiler explosion death

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Source: Transport Malta
Source: Transport Malta Boiler explosion death investigation report has been published

Transport Malta has released an investigation report into the boiler explosion on board oil/chemical tanker Torc, resulting in the death of a crewmember.

The incident took place on 8 January 2024 as the Maltese-registered ship was traveling between Agioi Theodorai and Genoa.
On 03 January 2024, Torc departed Agioi Theodoroi, Greece, after discharging part of its cargo of Paraffin. The vessel was bound for Genoa, Italy with an expected date of arrival of 10 January 2024. Shortly after departing from Agioi Theodoroi, the engineers changed over the boiler fuel consumption to very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) for both boilers. However, the starboard boiler failed repeatedly to start. Continue reading “Transport Malta investigation into boiler explosion death”

New wreck removal certificates for Norwegian ships

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Håkon Kjøllmoen, fotokonkurransen for sjøfolk 2019. Source: NMA
Håkon Kjøllmoen, fotokonkurransen for sjøfolk 2019. Source: NMA

All Norwegian ships of 300 gross tonnage and above will soon have to have a Wreck Removal Certificate (WRC).

A Wreck Removal Certificate is a certificate for ships of 300 gross tonnage and above. It confirms that the ship has approved insurance or other security covering the costs of locating, marking and removing wrecks pursuant to the rules of the Nairobi Convention. It applies both for ships engaged on domestic and international voyages.

The Norwegian Maritime Authority is now processing applications and encourages those required to obtain a Wreck Removal Certificate to apply promptly, no later than 11 February. Continue reading “New wreck removal certificates for Norwegian ships”

DNV launches family of class notations on autonomous shipping

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DNV has launched a new family of class notations, Autonomous and Remotely Operated Ships (AROS)
DNV has launched a new family of class notations, Autonomous and Remotely Operated Ships (AROS)

DNV has launched a new family of class notations, Autonomous and Remotely Operated Ships (AROS), providing a framework for how autoremote vessels can achieve equivalent or higher safety compared to conventional vessels.

Autonomous shipping, ranging from remote control operation to fully unmanned vessels, marks a major advancement in the maritime industry. These solutions can deliver a wide range of benefits including improved safety, optimised logistics chains, improved cargo capacity due to reductions in crew, increased fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and reduced operational and maintenance costs. Continue reading “DNV launches family of class notations on autonomous shipping”

Volvo Penta launches all-inclusive global 3-year marine warranty

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Volvo Penta launches all-inclusive global 3-year marine warrantyPhoto credit: Volvo Penta
Volvo Penta launches all-inclusive global 3-year marine warranty Photo credit: Volvo Penta

This new comprehensive marine warranty applies to products delivered from 2025 and onwards and underscores our commitment to premium protection, ease of ownership, and support. The 3-year marine warranty covers Volvo Penta branded transmissions, engines, control systems, and accessories – ensuring seamless protection throughout the entire ownership journey.

The new 3-year standard warranty replaces previous offerings, providing a unified and expanded solution. This warranty reflects Volvo Penta’s commitment to delivering premium protection and support for both marine leisure and commercial customers. It includes global Continue reading “Volvo Penta launches all-inclusive global 3-year marine warranty”

Morco gas water heaters the subject of an urgent product recall

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Morco gas water heaters have been recalled
Morco gas water heaters have been recalled

A safety issue has been identified with Morco open-flued gas water heaters which may be installed in canal boats and houseboats as well as in domestic and commercial settings.

The product presents a risk of fire, explosion and injuries. There is a risk of gas leaking which, if ignited, may cause burns, explosions and injuries. The products are not in conformity with the requirements of Regulation 2016/426.

Morco has initiated an urgent recall for the affected appliances. Continue reading “Morco gas water heaters the subject of an urgent product recall”

Allianz Risk Barometer 2025: Cyber risk climbs to the top

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Cyber incidents are the top global risk for 2025 and by a higher margin than ever before – making it the fourth year in a row that cyber is ranked as the number one risk across industries, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer 2025.

Top global risks overview
Cyber incidents consolidate their position as the most important risk – with 38% of responses, a record 7% points ahead. Notably, the risk impact of new technologies and developments in artificial intelligence (AI) is a new entrant in the top 10 global risks at #10. Closely interlinked to cyber, business interruption is ranked #2 (31%), just ahead of another related risk, natural catastrophes at #3 (29%). Continue reading “Allianz Risk Barometer 2025: Cyber risk climbs to the top”

Marshall Islands issues fatal falls from height warning

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Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator has published Yacht Safety Advisory 13-24
Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator has published Yacht Safety Advisory 13-24

The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator has published Yacht Safety Advisory 13-24 on fatalities due to falls from height.

Since 2019, falls from height on RMI-flagged commercial vessels have been the leading very serious marine casualty (VSMC) by incident type. It accounts for 31% of VSMCs and has resulted in 22 deaths. In the last two years, 11 seafarers have died falling from height. The maritime authority has stressed the importance of wearing fall protection equipment when a risk of falling from height exists.

Recommendations:
• The Administrator strongly recommends that the owner or the owner’s representative review and amend, as necessary, onboard safe Continue reading “Marshall Islands issues fatal falls from height warning”

UK MCA publishes acceptable chart system update

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The MCA acceptable chart system has been updated
The MCA acceptable chart system has been updated

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has published an amendment accepting electronic chart systems for commercial fishing and small vessels up to 24 metres in length.

The update goes under MGN 319 (M+F) Amendment 2 – Acceptance of electronic chart systems for fishing vessels and small vessels in commercial use (code boats) up to 24 metres in load line length (SV-ECS).

The MCA will accept electronic chart systems complying with the Small Vessel Electronic Chart System (SV-ECS) performance standard as satisfying the chart carriage requirements stipulated within SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19 for applicable vessels. Continue reading “UK MCA publishes acceptable chart system update”

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