Investigation report into mechanical failure due to wrong-sized bearing issued

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued an investigation report regarding a diesel generator engine failure on board Offshore Supply Vessel Ocean Guardian. ​On May 27, 2022, about 1435, the offshore supply vessel Ocean Guardian was conducting sea trials in Shilshole Bay near Seattle, Washington, when its no. 3 main diesel generator engine suffered a mechanical failure that resulted in a fire in the engine room.

The crew extinguished the fire before it could spread throughout the vessel. There were no injuries reported for the 22 crewmembers and contractors on board, and there was no pollution reported. Damage to the Ocean Guardian totaled an estimated $1.1 million. Continue reading “Investigation report into mechanical failure due to wrong-sized bearing issued”

Deficiencies and non-conformities involving pilot ladders are on the increase

RightShip has presented four different case studies to highlight an alarming trend which has emerged from incident and inspection data over the last two years with regards pilot ladders and transfer arrangements. The organization has observed several deficiencies while the ladders are not in use. However, critically, it is when an inspector is not present, and ladders are being rigged or utilised, that those deficiencies with high-risk potential can result in incidents. RightShip notes offer the following cases: Continue reading “Deficiencies and non-conformities involving pilot ladders are on the increase”

Annual Digest of safety reports published by CHIRP

CHIRP Maritime has published its eighth annual digest of maritime safety reports, covering all the cases published during 2022. Additionally, it includes some in-depth articles specially commissioned to highlight important safety topics.

As Captain Alan Loynd, FNI FITA MCIArb BA (Hons) says, “All companies are able to demonstrate a robust safety culture, and there are still ships where living conditions are abominable, safety is ignored, and crew welfare counts for nothing.
..said on the report.”

According to the report, 2022 was another difficult year for seafarers. As the Covid-19 situation showed signs of improving, mariners were faced with added dangers due to conflicts, especially in waters off Ukraine. Continue reading “Annual Digest of safety reports published by CHIRP”

The International Chamber of Shipping Maritime Barometer Report 2022-2023

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Maritime Barometer Report 2022-2023 reveals that uncertainty over fuel availability and infrastructure puts at risk ambitions to meet decarbonization targets, reinforcing the need for a clear plan of action to mitigate risk.

The inaugural ICS Maritime Barometer Report is the first full-scale annual survey of risk and confidence among maritime leaders. More than 130 C-suite decision makers, half of them shipowners and approximately 35% consisting of ship managers, have provided insight into the issues preoccupying them and how they are placed to manage their impact. Continue reading “The International Chamber of Shipping Maritime Barometer Report 2022-2023”

Role of hydrogen and batteries in delivering net zero in the UK analysed in new report

The Faraday Institution has published a report analysing how hydrogen and battery technologies are likely to be used in different sectors within the UK, including transportation, manufacturing, the built environment, and power sectors, to 2050. Both are anticipated to play an increasingly vital role as the UK transitions to a low-carbon future to address critical concerns of climate change and energy security.

Professor Pam Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, Faraday Institution said: “Batteries and hydrogen have distinct characteristics and should largely be viewed as complementary rather than competing technologies. Continue reading “Role of hydrogen and batteries in delivering net zero in the UK analysed in new report”

How to conduct a rocking test on pedestal-mounted rotating cranes

A new video has been released by West P&I, detailing the correct procedure for performing a rocking test on pedestal-mounted rotating cranes.

Pedestal-mounted rotating cranes are fitted with slewing bearings to allow 360-degree rotation. The slew bearing is subject to high loads and frequently harsh conditions, which can give rise to rapid catastrophic failure and unwanted consequences, including severe injury or fatalities. Regular tilt clearance measurements (frequently known as The Rocking Test) are essential to identify a failing slewing bearing. Continue reading “How to conduct a rocking test on pedestal-mounted rotating cranes”

Get involved with Invasive Species Week

Do you know the three simple actions that can help reduce the spread of non-native invasive species? Check, Clean, Dry. Some non-native species are completely harmless but others, known as invasive or species, have the ability to cause damage to the environment, the economy and our health.

Invasive Species Week runs from 15 to 21 May 2023 and is an annual national event organised by the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) to raise awareness of the impacts of invasive non-native species. Providing advice and guidance on the simple things everyone can do to help prevent the spread as well as sharing stories on some of the fantastic work taking place across the UK, Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man to protect the environment and reduce their impacts. Continue reading “Get involved with Invasive Species Week”

Safety issues of ship engine cooling systems need to be addressed

Ship engine cooling systems safety issues need to be addressed

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has called on Maritime New Zealand to address critical safety issues with the maintenance and management of ship engine cooling systems. The call was detailed in a preliminary report as part of the Commission’s inquiry into the loss of power experienced by the KiwiRail Interislander passenger ferry Kaitaki, leaving it drifting close to the coast in Cook Strait on the night of 28 January 2023.

The Chief Investigator of Accidents, Naveen Kozhuppakalam, says TAIC has recommended that Continue reading “Safety issues of ship engine cooling systems need to be addressed”

UK boaters could be priced out as above inflation licence fees bite

Above inflation price increases to the licence fees will risk pricing boaters off the system or result in them being unable to pay. That’s the warning from the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) regarding the Canal & River Trust’s (CRT) proposals to its boat licence fee.

The IWA says that bearing in mind the CRT is dependent on a government grant that is not inflation linked for a good part of its income and needs to raise more from other sources to compensate, increasing the licence fee beyond inflation could result in a net loss.

Proposals have been made to raise licence fees for continuous cruisers above those with home moorings, Continue reading “UK boaters could be priced out as above inflation licence fees bite”

Cargo ship lifeboats need to be reinvented

The Container Ship Safety Forum (CSSF) has released a statement to call for a reinvention of the lifeboat onboard cargo vessels so safety can be improved. According to CSSF, over the years, many seafarers have been injured – some of them fatally – while launching the lifeboat during evacuations or evacuation drills. This has nothing to do with the lifeboats not being compliant with safety standards, but simply because the launch of a lifeboat is a dangerous task to perform.

“For way too long, we have seen able seafarers being injured when launching lifeboats even though crews have been trained and the lifeboat is modern and fully compliant,” said Aslak Ross, Chairman of the CSSF. Continue reading “Cargo ship lifeboats need to be reinvented”

Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) Video Series available to view

The Global Industry Alliance to Support Low Carbon Shipping (Low Carbon GIA) and Arcsilea Ltd. have developed a series of videos on the latest major amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, adopted by the IMO, namely the Energy Efficiency eXisting Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII).

This 5 part video series on the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) is based on the new regulation that came into effect 1 January 2023. The video series aims to provide an overview of CII as well as to raise awareness and increase understanding by providing explainers of what is in the regulation as well as how to apply, and where to look for more information about it. Continue reading “Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) Video Series available to view”

MGN 276 (M+F): Fire protection – maintenance of portable fire extinguishers updated

Portable fire extinguishers are pressure containers that require correct maintenance. The marine environment can be harsh and special care is needed to ensure long-term safe operation.

Fatalities have previously occurred due to people operating marine portable fire extinguishers which have been attributed to corrosion of the extinguisher bases. The structure in these cases was weakened to such an extent that the extinguishers exploded when activated.

The MCA has now published MGN 276 (M+F) Amendment 1: Fire protection – maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. Continue reading “MGN 276 (M+F): Fire protection – maintenance of portable fire extinguishers updated”

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