The Lithium-ion Batteries in Containers Guidelines seek to prevent the increasing risks that the transport of lithium-ion batteries by sea creates, providing suggestions for identifying such risks and thereby helping to ensure a safer supply chain in the future. Together with its partners, the Cargo Incident Notification System Network (CINS) has compiled a comprehensive publication covering the properties of these batteries and their potential to explode, initiate fires and emit toxic gases. Continue reading “Industry bodies unite to produce guidelines for safe transport of Lithium-ion batteries in containers”
IIMS News
Ports Of Stockholm explores safety aspects of autonomous shipping
Ports of Stockholm and its collaborative partners have been awarded funding from the Swedish Transport Agency maritime transport research and innovation portfolio. Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) is coordinating the research project, which has the name PLUZ Policy Lab Urban Zjöfart. Other organisations participating in the project are Norwegian shipping company Torghatten, technology supplier Zeabuz, Det Norske Veritas Sweden (DNV), who work with vessel classification and certification, as well as the Vattenbussen AB organisation, which focuses on efficient use of resources and the potential of waterways to contribute to a sustainable society. Continue reading “Ports Of Stockholm explores safety aspects of autonomous shipping”
Adherence to instructions for inflatable boats is crucial says USCG safety alert
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has released a safety alert to addresses the importance of proper maintenance and adherence to manufacturer’s recommendations for filling and/or inflating buoyancy chambers on some models of inflatable boats.
During a recent investigation of an incident that occurred involving foreign cruise vessel operations in the Antarctic, a US passenger was severely injured due to a Zodiac MILPRO model FC 580/MK5 keel bladder failure while underway on a sightseeing excursion. In calm weather, the keel bladder suddenly ruptured, sending the passenger several feet into the air before landing onto the deck and sustaining serious injuries including a fractured femur. Continue reading “Adherence to instructions for inflatable boats is crucial says USCG safety alert”
Outboard engine fire causes yacht to sink is finding in MCIB report
Now, a Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) report is recommending that racing yacht owners should ensure their auxiliary engines provide the necessary power for their craft to make a safe passage. In addition, the MCIB says risks associated with refuelling outboards at sea need to be highlighted.
The Beneteau First Class 8 (FC8) yacht, Black Magic, was motor sailing using a 3hp outboard and mainsail, on route from Crosshaven, Co Cork to Kinsale Harbour for winter lay-up in December 2021. The owner and skipper of the yacht the sole person onboard for the approximately 19-mile passage. Continue reading “Outboard engine fire causes yacht to sink is finding in MCIB report”
Risks associated with dirty engine room bilges
The Shipowners Club would like to highlight the potential hazards associated with oily engine room bilges and the checks and steps that a ship’s crew should undertake to assist mitigate the associated possible issues. It is common for bilge water to accumulate during the routine operation of machinery in the engine room spaces. However, engine room bilges contaminated with oil can pose hazards if not managed properly and could indicate a wider problem on board. A recent analysis of the Club’s Condition Survey Programme showed a rise in vessels reported as having occurrences of contaminated engine room bilges. Continue reading “Risks associated with dirty engine room bilges”
MAIB Safety Bulletin: Potential safety hazards from flexible hose installations
On Sunday 19 September 2021, fire broke out in the auxiliary engine room on board the Finland registered roll-on/roll-off cargo ship Finnmaster while departing Hull, UK. The fuel source for the fire was identified as coming from a small-bore flexible hose that failed due to being overheated by an exhaust gas leak from the outboard turbocharger of auxiliary engine 2.
The flexible hose assembly was part of a modification made to the auxiliary engine alarm system more than 15 years prior to the fire. It was contrary to requirements and relevant guidance, as it was too long and had been routed close to hot surfaces. The hose had not been approved or surveyed by the classification society when it was installed. Continue reading “MAIB Safety Bulletin: Potential safety hazards from flexible hose installations”
Superyacht industry flying a little blind with insufficient data on sustainability
MB92 Group, the world’s leading superyacht refit, repair and maintenance company with facilities in Spain and France, published today its third report that highlights the need for greater regulation and concertation across the superyacht industry and its vast supply chain.
For this new report, MB92 Group surveyed its supply network and consulted key stakeholders from the industry and environmental NGOs for a broad discussion on the path ahead for the luxury yacht sector and its suppliers. Among the topics discussed were the challenges for refit shipyards and suppliers to propose sustainable solutions to clients, considerations when looking at the whole of the superyacht lifecycle such as material sourcing and sustainable manufacturing processes, research and development and innovation from the supply chain. Continue reading “Superyacht industry flying a little blind with insufficient data on sustainability”
BV issues rules for the classification of harbour equipment
This Rule Note gives the requirements for construction and classification of harbour equipment intended to be operated as floating dock, floating bridge, floating door and other storage or working unit floating in smooth stretches of waters. NR612 is to be applied for structural elements of the hull and for components of the machinery and electrical installations of harbour equipment.
Main changes in NR612 – Rules for the classification of Harbour Equipment
In general
1. Harmonisation of Rules’ content, structure, wording and terminology with NR217 Rules for
the classification of inland vessels.
2. Extension of Rules application to hull materials other than steel: aluminium (A), composite
(C), wood (W) and concrete (CR).
Classification and Surveys – PART A
1. Implementation of a new service notation “Floating plant” together with related additional
service features defining the plant type
2. Implementation of new additional service features for units: Continue reading “BV issues rules for the classification of harbour equipment”
Marine scrubber market to reach $20.3 billion by 2031
Allied Market Research has published a report revealing the global marine scrubber industry was valued at $4.9 billion in 2021 and is estimated to generate revenue of $20.3 billion by 2031, witnessing a CAGR of 16.2% from 2022 to 2031.
The report demonstrates that the global marine scrubber systems market is driven by the implementation of the 2020 sulfur rule, air pollution prevention policies & laws imposed by governments to protect the environment, the growth in international marine freight transport, and an increase in demand for cargo transportation through ships. Continue reading “Marine scrubber market to reach $20.3 billion by 2031”
RSG Guidelines 2023 Version 2 published
The most recent revised version of the RSG Guidelines 2023 (version 2) has been released and contains a number of updates.
These guidelines are the go-to document for boatbuilders and boatyards, detailing the RCD requirements, and supporting ISO Standards which clarify certain areas of the regulations.
The RSG Guidelines 2023 are prepared to assist with the conformity assessment procedures undertaken by Notified Bodies for recreational craft, personal watercraft, their components and their engines, in accordance with Directive 2013/53/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, dated 20 November 2013 on recreational craft and personal watercraft and repealing Directive 94/25/EC Continue reading “RSG Guidelines 2023 Version 2 published”
A unique international maritime collection goes online
Over one million maritime archival records, documenting nearly 100,000 ships, are now available online for the first time following a five-year digitisation programme by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation Heritage and Education Centre (HEC).
The collection includes maritime technical records such as ship plans and survey reports for famous ships including the Carpathia – the Cunard passenger liner that rescued survivors of the Titanic – and other material such as wreck data, correspondence, photographs and certificates. Alongside the digitised collection of Lloyd’s Register of Ships from 1764 to 2000, it provides a fascinating insight into the history of maritime safety, the development of Lloyd’s Register, Continue reading “A unique international maritime collection goes online”
Guidelines released to improve cooperation in the handling of shipping casualties
The Salvage Committee of the International Group (IGP&I) has drafted new guidelines in collaboration with the Joint Marine Claims Committee (JMCC) to help improve cooperation in the handling of shipping casualties.
The protocol document aims to promote more effective communication among the parties involved, ensuring the prompt deployment of emergency response services to ships in distress. The ‘Guidelines for casualty Continue reading “Guidelines released to improve cooperation in the handling of shipping casualties”
