IIMS News

Extracts from an IMCA safety flash concerning workboat and corrosion incidents

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The wooden bung found to be the cause of the problem
The wooden bung found to be the cause of the problem

IMCA (International Marine Contractors Association) has reported a number of incidents, extracts of which are published here involving workboat and corrosion incidents, giving suggested recommendations in each case.

Incident one. Incomplete engine service by vessel crew led to an auxiliary power unit engine breakdown.
After servicing of a vessel’s electrical generator (auxiliary power unit) it was found that the motor could not be returned to a functioning service. Initial investigation revealed a lack of coolant movement, causing the motor to overheat which in turn was causing the generator to automatically shut down. Further investigation (not by the crew) found a blockage was located within the coolant line. The blockage was a wooden bung.

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Fully automated electric ferries for Norway

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From January 2018, Fjord1 will be operating the two new battery ferries on the 2.4 km route between Anda and Lote on the west coast of Norway and this will be the first ferry connection in Norway where the Road Administration requires the use of zero-emission technology.

Although the Road Administration has allowed for partly hybrid operation, using biodiesel or biogas on the ferries, Fjord1 decided on using fully electric operation of the new ferries. Charging of batteries will be done through fully automatic charging stations at the quayside and battery capacity will be adequate to continue operations for several hours without charging.

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Ships are going increasingly digital and clean

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Marine innovation has been driven by big corporations. Now, the sector is evolving and accepting open innovation ecosystem allowing experts of various disciplines to contribute to maritime development. Clean oceans have become a priority. Therefore substituting traditional fuel to biofuel comes in play and is essential. Currently, the European Parliament set a share of biofuel in traffic fuel usage to reach up to 10% by 2020. But in Finland the target is 20% of biofuel usage by 2020 and 40% by 2040. The industry, like the rest of sectors, follows the aim of being clean and zero-carbon. The aim is to find new and innovative ways to power the ship to make shipping and cruising environmentally-friendly.

There are initiatives worldwide to substitute the fuel in shipping. The industry is putting lots of research and development resources to find sustainable substitution to current fuels. Biodiesel is one of the options highly explored by Lloyds Register. Lloyd’s Register has Continue reading “Ships are going increasingly digital and clean”

Fully electric propulsion on a passenger ship becomes possible

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The Norwegian explorer cruise line, Hurtigruten, is to build its two new expedition ships using a new and environmentally sustainable hybrid, electric propulsion technology from Rolls-Royce. The MS «Roald Amundsen» and MS «Fridtjof Nansen» are about to be constructed at Kleven Yard in Norway.

In addition to the hybrid power solution, the vessels will have the latest of automation and control systems, including the Rolls-Royce Unified bridge, the first delivery of two azipull propellers using permanent magnet technology, two large tunnel thrusters, stabilisers, four engines, winches and power electric systems. And of course the Rolls-Royce ship design.

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Reminder of new shipping regulations coming into force from 1 January 2017

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As is the norm on 1 January each year, new regulations make an appearance and 2017 is no different. The North of England P&I Club has helpfully compiled a list and has issued reminders of new and amended regulations to be aware of.

International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code)
Amendments 03-15, which have been in place on a voluntary basis since 1 January 2016, will become mandatory on 1 January 2017. These include updates to existing individual schedules for solid bulk cargoes, 19 new cargo schedules and references to recent SOLAS amendments, along with updated information from the IMDG Code.

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Change is in the air for IMCA’s eCMID

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“Working with the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) the AVI scheme is already proving successful" says IMCA's Richard Benzie
“Working with the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) the AVI scheme is already proving successful” says IMCA’s Richard Benzie

From January 2018 the International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) will recognise only formal inspection reports conducted using its eCMID database, meaning that paper reports not uploaded into the database will no longer be considered by IMCA to be authorised inspection reports. The whole eCMID system is now based on the principles described in the ISO 19011 Guidance for Auditing Management Systems standard and is aligned with other comparable industry guidance on safety management system assurance.

From the same date only validated Accredited Vessel Inspectors (AVIs) will be able to use the ‘inspector role’ in the IMCA eCMID database to conduct authorised Common Marine Inspection Document –IMCA M149 and Marine Inspection for Small Workboats – IMCA M189) inspections.

“Working with the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) the AVI scheme is already proving successful, and 2016 saw a concentrated drive to ensure vessel owners/operators register on the eCMID database and to encourage all aiming to become AVIs to complete the steps necessary for validation,” explains IMCA’s Technical Director, Richard Benzie.

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The death of Captain Ieuan Lampshire-Jones has been announced

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jones-with-ship-1-300x212With deepest regrets and sadness I have to inform you all that on 30th of December, 2016 our esteemed colleague, friend and mentor Captain Ieuan Lampshire-Jones sailed away peacefully to Fiddler’s Green at the age 94. Captain Jones was one of the original founding members of the Association of Marine Surveyors of British Columbia and he has played a crucial and supporting role in the amalgamation process between AMSBC and the International Institute of Marine Surveying and in subsequent formation of the IIMS Canada Regional Branch.

Captain Jones was born in a small village in Wales (Aberarth), Captain Jones followed in the footsteps of his father, grandfather and great grandfather by choosing a career at sea. “You had three choices: farmer, preacher or seaman,” said Jones. He joined his first merchant ship, the Lottie Rolfe (part Continue reading “The death of Captain Ieuan Lampshire-Jones has been announced”

Major overhaul to the IIMS CPD programme announced

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Approval stamp saying Eligible for CPD PointsAfter a period of review, the IIMS CPD (Continuing Professional Development) scheme is set for a major overhaul in 2017. Maintaining CPD is desirable for all members and the IIMS Management Board agreed the roll out of the new programme at their meeting in December. Full details of how to get involved with the new scheme will be announced in the coming weeks, both by email and in writing directly to members.

The new scheme will be based around the development and launch of a new App, currently in final testing, meaning that automation will make the whole CPD process far easier to manage and complete. The App, which will be freely downloadable, will work on a smart phone, but there is also an internet based version for use on PC and laptop too.

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Acoustic emission testing technology enables improved crack, corrosion detection

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Photo credit ABS. Acoustic emissions wiring. George Wang
Photo credit ABS. Acoustic emissions wiring. George Wang

ABS has published and issued guidance notes on structural monitoring using acoustic emissions. This guidance presents best practices for planning and executing acoustic emission testing.

“A primary goal at ABS is to improve safety without interrupting operations,” says ABS Chairman, President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki. “These new guidance notes provide a framework that will help companies perform acoustic emission testing in support of continuous health monitoring for their assets.”

Acoustic emission testing is a passive nondestructive examination technology that has been successfully applied to detect and monitor crack propagation, corrosion activity, cavitation erosion and leaking in structures made of steel, aluminum, composites and other Continue reading “Acoustic emission testing technology enables improved crack, corrosion detection”

Fracture of propeller shaft resulted in loss of starboard propeller

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New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has issued the investigation report for the passenger and freight ferry Aratere which was in Cook Strait en-route from Picton to Wellington when the starboard propeller shaft fractured and the propeller was lost. The ship was able to complete the trip using its port propulsion system only.

On 5 November 2013, when the ship arrived in Wellington, divers confirmed that the starboard propeller tail shaft had totally fractured within its tapered section, near the forward end of the propeller.

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Announcing the world’s first electric powered trawler

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What is believed to be the world’s first electric powered trawler is being developed by Trondheim Trawlers
What is believed to be the world’s first electric powered trawler is being developed by Trondheim Trawlers

With an eye on extended voyages and rough weather, the Trondheim 40 Trawler is being billed as the world’s first electric powered trawler and will be able to go into shallow and icy waters such as Alaska or the Norwegian fjords. The trawler is 40-foot long and has a steel hull and is powered by two Torqeedo electric motors.

This innovative design should come as no surprise to those who know of the work and reputation of Russian designer, Max Zhivov.

“The main idea of our project Trondheim Trawler is a revision of classic trawler design and usage of innovative electric technologies,” explained Zhivov, who believes this is the first electric powered trawler.

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Aberdeen Harbour expansion project approval announced

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Commencement of a £350 million project to expand facilities at Aberdeen Harbour, which was recently granted planning consent in the form of Marine Licenses and a Harbour Revision Order by the Scottish Government, has been sanctioned by Aberdeen Harbour Board.

“We are delighted that, after six years of detailed planning and extensive consultation with our many stakeholders and the regulatory authorities, we are now in a position to approve commencement of construction”, stated Colin Parker, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Harbour Board.

Following a detailed engagement process, Aberdeen Harbour Board, in partnership with Dragados UK, a main contractor, will develop facilities over the next three years that will represent a step change in the marine support capabilities in Scotland. These will transform the port’s ability to accommodate the trend for larger vessels we are witnessing across a whole range of industries.

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