Collision between a general cargo vessel and a split hopper investigation report

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its investigation report into the collision between the general cargo vessel Scot Carrier and the split hopper barge Karin Høj.

The collision resulted in the capsize of the barge with two fatalities in the Bornholmsgat traffic separation scheme. On 13 December 2021, the UK registered general cargo ship Scot Carrier and the Denmark registered split hopper barge Karin Høj collided in the precautionary area adjacent to the Bornholmsgat traffic separation scheme, Sweden. As a result of the collision, Karin Høj capsized and its two crew lost their lives. Continue reading “Collision between a general cargo vessel and a split hopper investigation report”

Sampling liquid cargoes properly is vital advises Gard

Gard P&I Club has highlighted the importance of sampling liquid cargoes properly
Gard P&I Club has highlighted the importance of sampling liquid cargoes properly

Gard P&I Club Gard P&I Club has highlighted the importance of sampling liquid cargoes properly to protect shipowners’ interests to protect shipowners’ interests, particularly when allegations of cargo contamination arise.

Cameron Livingstone, Claims Executive, Arendal and Robert Skaare, Senior Claims Adviser, Arendal have highlighted that if a cargo is found to be “off-spec” when the vessel arrives at the discharge port, and there is no evidence of contamination from the load port, the vessel could be faced with a potentially large claim even if the vessel is not at fault. Continue reading “Sampling liquid cargoes properly is vital advises Gard”

Fire not the only danger with lithium-ion batteries

Devastating consequences of rapidly spreading, and often challenging to extinguish fires involving the lithium-ion batteries particularly in electric vehicles (EV) on board ships, and other parts of the supply chain have been well-documented in recent months. There is however far less awareness of the highly toxic combustion products that are released and their respective impact to the health and wellbeing of those exposed to the gases.

Based on the evidence of past fires the time between the initiation of a failed battery igniting to a discharge of toxic vapour can be measured in seconds rather than minutes. This is due to a process known as thermal runaway. Continue reading “Fire not the only danger with lithium-ion batteries”

NCB launches second container inspection initiative to battle the dangers of misdeclared cargo

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”

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”

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