National Cargo Bureau (NCB) has launched a second container inspection initiative to combat the persistent threat posed by misdeclared cargo. In a determined response to these sobering revelations and escalating concerns around ship fires, particularly those stemming from lithium-ion batteries, NCB is enhancing its inspection initiative. Several major shipping lines including Hapag Lloyd, Maersk and MSC have committed to the initiative, and container inspections have already commenced in various locations around the world. Continue reading “NCB launches second container inspection initiative to battle the dangers of misdeclared cargo”
News Hound
Ammonia powered vessels could be economical as early as 2026 concludes new report
Using an ambitious but feasible set of actions, a new report concludes that ammonia-powered vessels will not only be commercially viable but with an aggressive path and broad use of subsidies could be possible as early as 2026. The new analysis from the Global Maritime Forum is the second phase of a project focusing on a first-of-its-kind ammonia-powered gas carrier and reiterates the research’s strong support for ammonia saying they believe the cost gap between operating ships on zero-emission ammonia and conventional fuel could be closed before 2030. Continue reading “Ammonia powered vessels could be economical as early as 2026 concludes new report”
NTSB renews call for US Coast Guard to require an SMS policy for passenger vessels
Four years after the fire aboard the Conception dive boat claimed 34 lives, the National Transportation Safety Board renewed its call for the US Coast Guard to require safety management systems (SMS) for passenger vessels.
The recommendation, which the NTSB reissued following its investigation of 2 September 2019 into the fire aboard the Conception, remains open. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy sent a letter to the Coast Guard Commandant emphasizing the need to issue the regulations within 30 days. Continue reading “NTSB renews call for US Coast Guard to require an SMS policy for passenger vessels”
IUMI publishes “Best practice & recommendations for the safe carriage of electric vehicles”
There are growing concerns within the shipping community, including marine underwriters, about fires breaking out on car carriers and ro-ros with the assertion that many of these fires are attributable to electric vehicles. In response, the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) has researched these claims and published recommendations on the safe carriage of electric vehicles (EVs).
Lars Lange, IUMI Secretary General, explains:
“Our paper draws on a body of scientific research which demonstrates that fires in battery EVs are not more dangerous than fires in conventional vehicles, nor are they more frequent. Although statistics continue to be gathered, they currently estimate that, in general, there are fewer fires from EVs compared with fires from conventional vehicles when driven over the same distance.” Continue reading “IUMI publishes “Best practice & recommendations for the safe carriage of electric vehicles””
Maltese authorities issue commercial yacht manning advisory
A commercial yachting notice has been issued by the Maltese Merchant Shipping Directorate (MMSD) to remind all yacht owners about manning responsibilities.
Under Section 17 of the Malta Commercial Yacht Code (CYC), all yachts of 24m and above in length have to carry a valid Minimum Safe Manning Certificate, while yachts uner 24m must follow the minimum safe manning requirements as detailed in Section 17.
The Minimum Safe Manning Certificate (for yachts > 24m) and the Safe Manning Scales (for yachts < 24m) are applicable for all international and domestic voyages. As detailed in Section 17 of the CYC, the number of crew may be reduced when a yacht is not operational and is laid-up and/or wintering at berth. Continue reading “Maltese authorities issue commercial yacht manning advisory”
Bananas are sensitive cargoes
Bananas, though said to be the world’s most transported and consumed fruit, are also among the most sensitive cargoes that can be carried on a ship according to Skuld. Before a banana ends up on the shelves it has been exposed to numerous external factors which all have a bearing on how the fruit is finally presented.
It is an essential part of the banana export trade that the bananas are harvested in a “green” condition. This way, the ripening progression can be controlled during transport up and until presentation to the consumer markets. The ripening process of the bananas is irreversible if the bananas are allowed to enter the “climacteric” phase before transport. Continue reading “Bananas are sensitive cargoes”
ClassNK releases guidelines on the safe transportation of electric vehicles
In a bid to bolster the safety of maritime transportation of electric vehicles (EV) at a time of major concern for the shipping industry, ClassNK has unveiled a set of new guidelines and measures.
ClassNK has developed the Guidelines for the Safe Transportation of electric vehicles, which describes the characteristics of EV fires and provides guidance on how to respond, built upon dialogue with experts, operators, manufacturers, and other stakeholders. Continue reading “ClassNK releases guidelines on the safe transportation of electric vehicles”
Grains and soya beans cargo claims review
This overview of cargo claims has been provided by The Swedish Club
The Swedish Club has released a detailed analysis of cargo claims in relation to grains and soya beans having reviewed 200 bulk carrier claims. To be included in the statistics the claims had to have generated a cost of at least $5,000 and have been made between 2018 and 2022.
The average frequency for the five-year period is 0.056, which means that 5.6% of all bulk carriers have made a grain claim. Since 2019 the Club has seen a steady increase in the frequency of claims. Continue reading “Grains and soya beans cargo claims review”
Report on engine room fire on Moritz Schulte with loss of one life
At 0918 on 4 August 2020, the liquefied petroleum gas/ethylene carrier Moritz Schulte suffered an engine room fire while discharging a cargo of ethylene alongside the port of Antwerp, Belgium. The newly promoted third engineer, who was working on an auxiliary engine fuel filter, had not effectively isolated the fuel system and both he and an adjacent auxiliary engine’s hot exhaust were sprayed with fuel under pressure. The fuel spray penetrated the exhaust insulation and ignited.
Prompt actions by the crew closed down the space to limit the spread of fire. The subsequent crew muster identifed that the third engineer was missing and had last been seen in the engine room. Continue reading “Report on engine room fire on Moritz Schulte with loss of one life”
International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Handbook 2023/24 published
International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation handbook has been published.
The new edition of the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF) Handbook 2023/24 is a valuable source of information for professionals involved in oil, chemical and cargo spills from ships and features updated oil spill statistics amongst other things. Continue reading “International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Handbook 2023/24 published”
Loading scrap metal warning issued
Following increases in the issues with loading scrap metal cargo and its carriage, NorthStandard P&I Club has highlighted the need for extra vigilance.
The IMSBC Code states that scrap metal should be kept as dry as possible before loading and not loaded in the rain. The main reason for this is that when scrap metal is wet it will accelerate the oxidisation process. Should the cargo contain swarf, turnings, or other contaminants such as timber or rags, this can lead to fire.
From various recent incidents and reports, NorthStandard attributes the causes of these incidents are due to a combination of factors:
– The cargo is sprayed on loading: Stevedores or longshoremen may spray the cargo on load to reduce dust generation. Continue reading “Loading scrap metal warning issued”
MGN 653 (M) Amendment 1 electric vehicles onboard passenger roll-on/roll-off ferries
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has issued a Marine Guidance Note (MGN) amending the guidance on the safe carriage of electric vehicles on board passenger ferries. The MGN was released on 7 August 2023.
This MGN provides the UK shipping industry with best practice guidance to facilitate safe carriage, and potential charging of, electric vehicles onboard roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) Continue reading “MGN 653 (M) Amendment 1 electric vehicles onboard passenger roll-on/roll-off ferries”
