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The world’s two largest trimarans launched by Latitude Yachts

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One of a pair of striking vessels launched by Latitude Yachts which will jointly hold the title of the world's largest trimarans
One of a pair of striking vessels launched by Latitude Yachts which will jointly hold the title of the world’s largest trimarans

Launching the world’s largest trimaran would be a feat worthy of mention in iteself, but Latvian based yard, Latitude Yachts have gone one better! Latitude Yachts has launched two 53 metre multihulls simultaneously. Together they hold the record for the world’s largest trimarans.

The two new trimarans called Galaxy and Galaxy of Happiness were launched in Riga in early May 2016. They are now undergoing extensive sea trials prior to delivery to their new owner in UAE.

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New Port of Antwerp lock becomes a tourist attraction

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New Port of Antwerp lock. Image courtesy of the Belgian Government
New Port of Antwerp lock. Image courtesy of the Belgian Government

One might not consider the inauguration of a new lock at the Port of Antwerp a must see event, but in June month people will be able to view the event from a gondola atop a giant ferris wheel 55 metres in the air. But you’d better be quick and book your place fast.

The new Kieldrecht lock at the Port of Antwerp is the biggest in the world, a quite magnificent work of engineering. It stands 500 metres long, 68 metres wide and with a depth of nearly 18 metres. It was previously referred to as the Deurganckdok lock, but takes its new name from a public competition to name the lock.

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UKHO issues warning over counterfeit nautical Admiralty charts

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The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has issued a warning over the dangers posed to the safety of vessels, crews and cargoes by counterfeit nautical charts and publications, and has produced a simple guide to help identify genuine Admiralty products.

The UKHO has recently observed an increase in the number of counterfeit versions of its Admiralty charts and publications in circulation. John Dawson, Head of Marketing at the UKHO, said:
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Researchers are developing underwater drones

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uavLow-cost underwater unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs) are to scan the ocean and gather environmental information for management of one of Europe’s busiest ports using ground-breaking technology from European researchers.

The on-demand UAVs will drive intelligent data analytics to provide the Port of Leixões, Portugal with environmental impacts in a matter of hours.The Internet-connected UAVs will send observations to a geo-spatial environmental data Continue reading “Researchers are developing underwater drones”

Standard Club advises how to safely carry wood pulp

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The Standard P&I Club has issued an advisory note on the carriage of wood pulp.Wood pulp is a wood fibre which has been reduced chemically or mechanically to pulp. It is used in the manufacture of paper. The product has a high moisture content and can be susceptible to damage if not carried correctly. The carriage of wood pulp requires the vessel to comply with stringent requirements. These demand that all holds are in top condition; clean, dry, no loose paint and no rust.

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MAIB reports on the girting and capsize of mooring launch Asterix

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The MAIB report, recently published, into the incident leading to the ultimate loss of Asterix explains the issues surrounding the girting and capsize of the mooring launch while assisting manoeuvring of the small chemical tanker Donizetti at Fawley oil refinery, Southampton UK points to lack of communication and training. The two crew from the launch were rescued, the coxswain having been trapped in the upturned wheelhouse for more than an hour. The launch later sank however there was no pollution and although later recovered, the launch was declared a constructive total loss.

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Sailors’ Society releases free Wellness at Sea app for seafarers

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Sailors’ Society has launched Wellness at Sea app, a free app for seafarers
Sailors’ Society has launched Wellness at Sea app, a free app for seafarers

Sailors’ Society, one of the largest seafarer support charities operating internationally, has launched Wellness at Sea app, a free app for seafarers.

Wellness at Sea app is the next step in Sailors’ Society improving on board health and well-being at sea and puts seafarers’ wellness in their own hands.

Sandra Welch, Sailors’ Society’s deputy chief executive, said: “Sailors’ Society’s Wellness at Sea coaching programme has been well received by the industry and we were keen to take it to the next level by putting the tools to enhance and monitor well-being in the hands Continue reading “Sailors’ Society releases free Wellness at Sea app for seafarers”

Jordan is the latest to ratify MLC 2006

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santaThe Government of Jordan deposited with the International Labour Office the instrument of ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). Jordan’s decision to join up makes them the 73rd member State to have ratified this landmark Convention. Now over 80 per cent of the world gross tonnage of ships have signed up to MLC 2006.

Jordan, the first Middle East Arab country to have the ratified this landmark Convention, has a merchant fleet totalling 109,602 gross tonnage.The MLC, 2006 entered into force on 20 August 2013 for the first 30 member States that had registered their ratification by 20 August 2012. The Convention will enter into force for Jordan on 27 of April 2017, that is, one year after its ratification.

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Ongoing issue of enclosed space risks highlighted by the death of a Master

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Enclosed space risks are vexing and remain a topic of concern
Enclosed space risks are vexing and remain a topic of concern

Despite repeated warnings and on-going training, another life has been needlessly claimed from an enclosed space incident. It seems that enclosed space risks and incidents continue to exact a heavy toll on seafarers, often because basic safety precautions are overlooked. A new Mars Report, issued by the Nautical Institute, refers to an enclosed space fatality on board an oil tanker in which an oil sampler had to be recovered from an empty tank.

The atmosphere was found to be 20.6% oxygen, with hydrocarbon at 26% LEL. The Master approved the risk assessment and work plan for two crew members to enter the space with emergency escape breathing devices. When they reached the tank bottom, the men felt dizzy; one exited but the other collapsed. Despite being warned not to, the Master entered the tank and was overcome. Although both men were brought out by crew wearing breathing apparatus, the Master could not be revived.

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Mystery of ghost tanker that drifts ashore minus crew

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The Panama flagged oil tanker Tamaya 1 has strangely drifted ashore on a beach near Robertsport on the northern Liberia coast on 4 May. There is no sign of its captain or crew.

According to MarineTraffic, the vessel’s last known position was recorded on 22 April 22 2016 as the ship was steaming southward at 0.7 knots towards Senegal after leaving the port of Dakar in Senegal.

Currently theories range from abandonment to piracy, although Tamaya 1’s last known position was well north of active Gulf of Guinea pirate groups who typically stick to the waters off Nigeria.

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European Community Shipowners’ Associations says Alang recycling processes have improved

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Ship recycling practices in Alang, India, are gradually improving according to the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA). It says the European Commission should acknowledge this positive development under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation. Adopting an overly restrictive approach will discourage first movers and further delay the entry into force of the IMO Hong Kong Convention.

These are the main messages that ECSA took home from a fact-finding visit held last week in Alang, India. The visit was organised in cooperation with the Indian government, Continue reading “European Community Shipowners’ Associations says Alang recycling processes have improved”

Innovation award for Magma Structures

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Sailing Yacht A proudly displaying her giant masts by Magma Structures
Sailing Yacht A proudly displaying her giant masts by Magma Structures

Portsmouth based composites experts, Magma Structures, has been awarded the prestigious Maritime Innovation Award presented by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects in association with QinetiQ.

The award was presented to Magma Structures’ Managing Director Clive Johnson at the annual RINA Awards Dinner at the Lancaster Hotel, London. The Maritime Innovation award was presented to Magma Structures in recognition of its innovative work on the engineering, design and manufacture of the world’s three tallest carbon free-standing composite masts built for the Sailing Superyacht ‘A’. The masts, which took over four years to design, test, and build were constructed at Magma Structures waterside manufacturing premises in Portsmouth in the UK.

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