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Fatal inland accidents in Russia and Indonesia were avoidable claims ITF

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ITF is repeating its call for ILO and other international maritime bodies and authorities to take steps to move towards a modern set of standards for the inland navigation industry.
ITF is repeating its call for ILO and other international maritime bodies and authorities to take steps to move towards a modern set of standards for the inland navigation industry.

Following two deadly and harrowing incidents involving inland navigation vessels in Russia and Indonesia in recent weeks that have claimed the lives of almost 200 people, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has expressed its deep concern regarding the industry’s procedural and safety compliance, noting that these accidents could have been prevented.

In the first accident, a catamaran, carrying passengers over its capacity, capsized in the Volga River after colliding with another boat, killing 11 people. Russia’s Investigative Committee said the boat’s captain, who was also the owner of the vessel, was drunk and likely to blame for the crash.

The second incident involved the capsizing of a ferry carrying three times its passenger capacity on Lake Toba, Indonesia, leaving over 190 people dead or missing. The vessel was reportedly operating illegally with Continue reading “Fatal inland accidents in Russia and Indonesia were avoidable claims ITF”

Low speed diesel engines save on claims is the finding of a recent Swedish Club study

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Statistically, a vessel will suffer between one and two incidences of main engine damage during its life time, according to the club
Statistically, a vessel will suffer between one and two incidences of main engine damage during its life time, according to the club

In a recent study the Swedish Club has warned that vessels propelled by medium or high speed diesel engines have a claims frequency two and a half times higher than slow speed engines with an average claims cost of about $650,000.

Statistically, a vessel will suffer between one and two incidences of main engine damage during its life time, according to the club. However, the incidence rate varies by vessel class (and engine type).

“Our research shows that bulkers and tankers are the best performers for claims cost,” said senior technical advisor Peter Stalberg. “Most of these vessels have slow speed engines. Conversely passenger vessels/ferries have the highest frequency of main engine claims – 0.066 claims per vessel and year. Often these vessels have multiple medium speed engine installations.”

Stalberg advises that when shipowners have Continue reading “Low speed diesel engines save on claims is the finding of a recent Swedish Club study”

Capt Zarir Irani takes over as President of the International Institute of Marine Surveying

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IIMS would like to express their thanks to Adam, who travelled to the event in London especially from Australia, for his sterling work over the past two years.
IIMS would like to express their thanks to Adam, who travelled to the event in London especially from Australia, for his sterling work over the past two years.

Capt Zarir Irani (pictured right) took over the role of IIMS President from Adam Brancher (pictured left) in a simple ceremony at the Annual General Meeting on 26th June held at Heathrow Airport, London, UK.

IIMS would like to express their thanks to Adam, who travelled to the event in London especially from Australia, for his sterling work over the past two years. He was presented with a miniature President’s medal as a memento and a tippling stick in recognition of his service.

In his final address as President, Adam reflected on how proud he was to have held the position for the past two years and as he looked Continue reading “Capt Zarir Irani takes over as President of the International Institute of Marine Surveying”

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch annual report for 2017 has been published

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The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its 112 page annual report for 2017 today.  the report in full can be downloaded in pdf format below. Writing in his introduction for the final time after eight years with the Branch, Steve Clinch, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, says:

“2017 was a typically busy year for the Branch, not only in terms of its investigation workload but also in respect of its effort to promulgate the safety message, build relationships with stakeholders and train its staff. Included in this report is a selection of the diary entries for MAIB staff, which I hope will provide a flavour of the diverse nature of the work they have been involved with during the year.

Continue reading “The Marine Accident Investigation Branch annual report for 2017 has been published”

Fire safety on ferries guide issued by the Standard P&I Club

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To raise awareness, the Standard P&I Club has published a 36 page guide about fire risks on ferries.
To raise awareness, the Standard P&I Club has published a 36 page guide about fire risks on ferries.

To raise awareness, the Standard P&I Club has published a 36 page guide about fire risks on ferries. This type of ship presents particular risks due to the cargo onboard, including cars, lorries and refrigerated containers. All of these have combustible material and are fire hazards in their own right.

There are numerous causes of fire but the most relevant ones to ferries are:

– Electrical defects, such as overloaded electrical equipment, damaged cables and poorly formed connections. – Electrical faults in vehicles, especially when engines are hot/running. Reefer containers are major sources of fire.
– Mechanical failure, such as ignition from overheated bearings or a catastrophic engine failure.
– Uncontrolled release of oil or flammable liquid coming into contact with a hot surface, or the release of a low flashpoint fuel, such as petrol vapour, coming into contact with a source of ignition.
– Dry, readily combustible materials (such as wood, paper, textiles) coming into contact with an ignition source, – such as a lighted cigarette, sparks or conducted heat from burning or cutting, highintensity lights or defective electrical equipment.

Things to do Continue reading “Fire safety on ferries guide issued by the Standard P&I Club”

PLA place order for the first UK hybrid pilot boat

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The new hybrid vessel is due for delivery spring 2019
The new hybrid vessel is due for delivery spring 2019

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has ordered the UK’s first hybrid pilot boat from Goodchild Marine in bold move to help meet climate targets.

The ORC 136.HY is a parallel hybrid pilot boat, which will combine both diesel and electric power and has been designed to be completely emission-free when operating in electric mode.

The PLA has placed the order as it starts to deliver on the commitments in its recently published Air Quality Strategy for the tidal Thames – also the first of its kind for any UK Port.

Among the 18 proposals for action is a commitment to encourage the installation of green technology.

Goodchild Marine Services Limited, a family-run business in Burgh Castle, near Great Yarmouth – whose ORC flagship range lends itself to incorporating hybrid power – is partnering with Continue reading “PLA place order for the first UK hybrid pilot boat”

IIMS and BSSA to deliver a special one day seminar entitled Marine Corrosion and its Prevention in Amsterdam November 2018

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Following the huge success of the first corrosion seminar delivered by Mike Lewus, British Stainless Steel Association (BSSA), which attracted nearly 60 delegates (both real-time and online) in January, IIMS has decided to run the programme again in Amsterdam on 27th November 2018.

Mike Lewus from British Stainless Steel Association (BSSA) will deliver this essential one-day seminar called ‘Marine Corrosion and its Prevention’. The day’s seminar programme will be delivered on 27th November at Park Inn by Radisson by Amsterdam Schiphol Airport commencing at 09.00. Delegates who cannot be there in person may join online live via Zoom.

Continue reading “IIMS and BSSA to deliver a special one day seminar entitled Marine Corrosion and its Prevention in Amsterdam November 2018”

Volvo aiming to have a new self-docking system ready by 2020

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The self-docking system is centred around a joystick-controlled Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS)
The self-docking system is centred around a joystick-controlled Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS)

In a live demonstration of the self-docking system, which can be seen in the video below, a 20.7-metre (68-foot) motor yacht fitted with the technology was able to automatically and safely dock in a compact space between other vessels.

The self-docking system is centred around a joystick-controlled Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS), which is a comprehensive integrated propulsion system. The automated docking procedures are viable thanks to the on-board electronic vessel control system (EVC), which calculates steering power, speeds and the boat’s exact location. It also interacts with four sensors positioned in the berth for maximum accuracy.

As well as being able to safely secure a boat into a berthing space, the automated system can also help it depart with ease.

The pioneering new device is aligned perfectly with Continue reading “Volvo aiming to have a new self-docking system ready by 2020”

Flexible mobdock repair method for underwater shaft seal repairs developed by Hydrex

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Diver/technician re-welding the rope guard after shaft seal replacement
Diver/technician re-welding the rope guard after shaft seal replacement

Hydrex has developed a flexible mobdock repair method that enables the underwater replacement of all types and sizes of shaft seals. This technology has been successfully used by Hydrex diver/technicians for over a decade. It allows ship owners to keep their vessel sailing, saving precious time and money.

Damaged stern tube seals will cause an increasing amount of oil leaking or water ingress as the damage worsens. By replacing the seals when the damage is first discovered, Hydrex keeps the down time low. The ship can keep its schedule as seal repairs can be performed during cargo operations. This is done by creating a dry underwater working environment around the shaft.

It is not always straightforward to replace seals, because there can be quite a bit of variation in the configurations of the stern tube itself. There can also be complications with the liners, which can be worn down and show ruts. All this is routinely handled by Hydrex teams on the jobs.

In this article you can find a short summary of some of the recent Continue reading “Flexible mobdock repair method for underwater shaft seal repairs developed by Hydrex”

Major survey regime change and shake-up announced as AMSA takes control of domestic commercial vessels in Australia

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All domestic commercial vessels are required to have a national law certificate of survey unless an exemption applies.
All domestic commercial vessels are required to have a national law certificate of survey unless an exemption applies.

AMSA, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and regulator, has announced that from 1 July 2018 all domestic commercial vessels that are required to have a certificate of survey will need to be surveyed in accordance with the frequency and requirements in the new marine order 503, and Part 2 of the Marine Surveyor Manual. This includes ‘grandfathered’ vessels, which to date have been surveyed in accordance with the National Standards for the Administration of Marine Safety (NSAMS) 4, the USL Code, or other survey processes.

So what does this mean in practice?
These changes implement the outcomes of the Decision Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) under the National System for Domestic Continue reading “Major survey regime change and shake-up announced as AMSA takes control of domestic commercial vessels in Australia”

DNV GL issues first type approval for aluminium cables onboard ships

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DNV GL’s new type approvals for aluminum cables and connectors allow expensive copper to be replaced with aluminum.
DNV GL’s new type approvals for aluminum cables and connectors allow expensive copper to be replaced with aluminum.

As the competitive and economic pressure on the shipping and offshore industries continues to grow, owners, operators and yards are searching for every efficiency. To support its customers, DNV GL has developed the first type approval scheme for the use of aluminium cables and connectors onboard vessels.

“This type approval represents another first for the DNV GL rule set and demonstrates our commitment to moving classification forward to help our customers,” says Geir Dugstad, Senior Vice President, Director of Ship Classification & Technical Director at DNV GL – Maritime. “Electrification is playing an increasingly important role in ship propulsion and this new type approval can help to reduce costs and improve sustainability.”

DNV GL’s new type approvals for aluminium cables and connectors allow expensive Continue reading “DNV GL issues first type approval for aluminium cables onboard ships”

Chairman of IACS satisfied with association’s achievements, emphasises the importance of being agile

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Mr Ørbeck-Nilssen said that over the past year great progress had been made in modernising classification to deal with the digital transformation of shipping
Mr Ørbeck-Nilssen said that over the past year great progress had been made in modernising classification to deal with the digital transformation of shipping

Speaking at the Posidonia trade fair in Athens, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, who will hand over the reins of IACS in July, examined how the association had evolved during his time as Chairman.

In an industry undergoing rapid change, the IACS Chairman identified the need for classification societies and IACS itself to be adaptable and prepared for change, while staying true to the core purpose of classification.

Mr Ørbeck-Nilssen said that over the past year great progress had been made in modernising classification to deal with the digital transformation of shipping: “I’m pleased to see the progress that was made in modernising the concept of class, to adapt to the digital transformation we see in shipping today. I say transformation because the progress has truly been astonishing. IACS has embraced the challenges and changes ahead, to support the industry – contributing to the development of a safer and more secure Continue reading “Chairman of IACS satisfied with association’s achievements, emphasises the importance of being agile”

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