Safe pilot transfer arrangements vital for safe operations is key message in AMSA marine notice

AMSA has published a marine notice to remind shipowners, operators, masters, crews, recognised organisations, marine pilots and pilotage providers of the obligation to provide safe pilot transfer arrangements. AMSA has noted with concern that since November 2017 several pilots’ lives have been placed at risk in six separate incidents where ropes have parted, or securing point have failed. In addition, AMSA regularly receives reports and complaints about non-compliant pilot transfer arrangements.

Shipowners, operators, masters and crews are reminded that pilot transfer arrangements, including pilot ladders, must comply with Marine Order 21 (Safety and emergency arrangements) 2016 (MO21). Continue reading “Safe pilot transfer arrangements vital for safe operations is key message in AMSA marine notice”

Onboard carbon capture explored by ABS in new publication

Emerging onboard carbon capture (OCC) technology is explored in a new publication from ABS in its latest support for the maritime energy transition. Launched at the global trade fair for Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology (SMM), Insights into Onboard Carbon Capture examines the various methods of OCC as well as carbon handling and storage and downstream considerations, as well as regulatory issues.

“Although there has been increased interest from the industry, the technology and its associated value chains have a long way to mature, and there are many factors to consider such as onboard power supply, Continue reading “Onboard carbon capture explored by ABS in new publication”

West of England P&I Club launch new video aimed at engine room fire safety

A snapshot from the video on engine room fire safety
A snapshot from the video on engine room fire safety

A new video has been added to the West of England P&I Club’s LEARN THE ROPES video series, which deals with engine room fire safety to highlight the potential sources that can result in the development of a fire in the engine room and critical factors that the vessel’s crew and superintendent should pay constant attention to for their prevention.

Fires on ships present extreme danger. Engine room fires are challenging to combat due to the confined space and an abundance of fire triangle elements: heat, fuel and air. Continue reading “West of England P&I Club launch new video aimed at engine room fire safety”

Transport Malta issues safety alert over fire hazard caused by Lithium-ion batteries

Safety alert over fire hazard caused by Lithium-ion batteries
Safety alert over fire hazard caused by Lithium-ion batteries issued by Transport Malta

Transport Malta has issued guidance to Maltese-registered vessels regarding the potential fire hazards associated with Lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells and batteries. The Marine Safety Investigation Unit (MSIU) has issued a safety alert after being notified of several fires on board yachts and cargo vessels associated with Li-ion batteries.

The statement highlights the ‘fierce intensity’ of Li-ion battery fires, and also the potential challenges to control and extinguish them with the use of conventional fire-extinguishing systems.

Owners and managers of Maltese-registered vessels Continue reading “Transport Malta issues safety alert over fire hazard caused by Lithium-ion batteries”

Fishing vessel fire investigation highlights importance of PLBs

Blue Dragon fire investigation report released by the NTSB
Blue Dragon fire investigation report released by the NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has published its investigation report for its investigation into the fire aboard the fishing vessel Blue Dragon on the November 10, 2021. No injuries or fatalities were reported, but the fire resulted in more than $500,000 in damages to the vessel.

The Blue Dragon was underway in the North Pacific Ocean conducting longline fishing operations when the vessel caught fire. The six crewmembers and a National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) observer unsuccessfully attempted to fight the fire and were forced to abandon ship to be rescued by a Good Samaritan vessel. The Blue Dragon was later towed to San Pedro, California. Continue reading “Fishing vessel fire investigation highlights importance of PLBs”

CHIRP FEEDBACK number 68 published

In his introduction to the CHIRP edition number 68, Adam Parnell, Director (Maritime),writes – Sadly, this edition of FEEDBACK contains several reports involving loss of life. They remind us that we cannot relax our vigilance, even for a moment, because the consequences can be fatal. Every death or serious injury at sea has repercussions far beyond the ship itself, not least for the family and friends whose lives are also irrevocably affected.

There are a number of themes running through this edition, and many of them will be depressingly familiar to our regular readers. Continue reading “CHIRP FEEDBACK number 68 published”

MPC Summary Report on Kind Leadership

The Maritime Professional Council of the UK (MPC) has published a summary report on Kind Leadership. This research was carried out for and on behalf of the MPC, triggered by the recent treatment of seafarers highlighted by the media, and the need to promote the professional standards required of leaders, both at sea, and ashore. The aim of this report is to stimulate industry debate and commitment on how training is transformed to focus on leadership skills and the ethos of same, rather than on today’s mostly technical focused training. The report has been compiled and authored by Steve Cameron CMR, and Capt. John Wright. Continue reading “MPC Summary Report on Kind Leadership”

The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II announced

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Photo credit: Joel Rouse/Ministry of Defence
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Photo credit: Joel Rouse/Ministry of Defence

News was released in the UK at about 18.30 on 8 September 2022 that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has passed away peacefully at Her beloved Balmoral Estate in Scotland. A period of 10 days mourning is to be observed in the UK before Her state funeral.

As news reports emerged during the day that Her close family were headed to Balmoral at speed, it became clear the situation was not good.

On behalf of its members, staff and the wider marine surveying community, IIMS would like to pay its respects to Her Majesty and to send condolences particularly to Her eldest son, King Charles III, who accedes Her to the throne, Her children and the rest of the Royal Family at this difficult time.

The Queen’s reign was the longest of any British Monarch. She dedicated Her entire adult life to serving Her people in the most dignified and graceful manner, service which was to span more than 70 years.

God save The King.

Rolls-Royce and Sanlorenzo team up for methanol propulsion in luxury yachts

 

Rolls-Royce and Italian yacht builder Sanlorenzo plan to develop and build a large motor yacht with an engine that usees a methanol propulsion system able to run carbon-neutrally on ‘green’ methanol. The two companies announced an exclusive memorandum of understanding to this effect for yachts between 40 and 70 meters on the eve of the opening of the 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival. Powered by two mtu methanol engines based on the Series 4000, the Sanlorenzo yacht is expected to undertake her maiden voyage in 2026.

“We’re making shipping more environmentally friendly and easier on the climate, and this agreement Continue reading “Rolls-Royce and Sanlorenzo team up for methanol propulsion in luxury yachts”

Carnage at sea in August. What’s happened and why?

Superyacht Hooligan pictured. Photo credit - Nomme Rescue Unit, Tallin
Superyacht Hooligan pictured. Photo credit – Nomme Rescue Unit, Tallin

We hear all the time about exciting breakthroughs in new technology and enhanced safety management systems designed to keep lives and assets safe at sea. We read in various reports that, in general, the number of serious incidents and accidents is falling year on year. So, what on earth went wrong in August? If you can help me to make sense of it all, please do so!

The number of incidents, mishaps, and accidents last month all over the world at sea and in ports is eyewatering – beyond belief – and frankly, more than anyone would agree is acceptable. In many instances, the cause and recommendations that come from the incidents, Continue reading “Carnage at sea in August. What’s happened and why?”

International Group of P&I Clubs publishes its first Sustainability report

The International Group of P&I Clubs has published its first Sustainability report, exploring how the Group’s role and current activities align with and support the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals as well as helping to facilitate global trade.

Shipping underpins global trade in a world that is more connected than ever and our industry has a responsibility to make a positive contribution to sustainability objectives. The spotlight on the sustainability of the shipping industry and the increasing expectations of all of our stakeholders have only reinforced the importance of understanding our impact and our potential. Continue reading “International Group of P&I Clubs publishes its first Sustainability report”

Latest DNV Maritime Forecast to 2050 report published

During a press conference at SMM 2022, DNV unveiled its latest Maritime Forecast to 2050 report with a new focus on how to overcome the “ultimate hurdle” of fuel availability. This year’s publication considers the comprehensive production, distribution and bunkering infrastructures required to enable the maritime industry’s shift to carbon-neutral fuels.

The report also presents an updated outlook on regulations, drivers, future technologies, and costs for decarbonizing shipping. It models two different decarbonization pathways: Continue reading “Latest DNV Maritime Forecast to 2050 report published”

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