European Federation of Inland Ports Annual Report 2024

EFIP Annual Report 2024 has been published
EFIP Annual Report 2024 has been published

In his introduction to the European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP) Annual Report 2024, President Antoine Berbain, writes:
It is with great pride that I present the 2024 Annual Report of the European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP). This year has been one of both transformation and resilience, as we navigated evolving challenges while embracing new opportunities for inland ports across Europe.

Inland ports, as key nodes in Europe’s transport and logistics network, Continue reading “European Federation of Inland Ports Annual Report 2024”

U.S.C.G. releases Lithium Battery Guide for Shippers

Lithium Battery Guide for Shippers published by USCG
Lithium Battery Guide for Shippers published by USCG

The United States Coast Guard has published a helpful compliance resource, Lithium Battery Guide for Shippers.

The publication aims to assist shippers to safely package lithium cells and batteries for transport by all modes, including vessel shipments, with new regulatory requirements based on cell or battery configuration as well as Watt-hour (Wh) rating.

As described in the guide, the transport of lithium cells and batteries via vessel can be subject to both the domestic regulations and the International Code for the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) that may require additional actions. Continue reading “U.S.C.G. releases Lithium Battery Guide for Shippers”

Liberia: Carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers

Recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers has been issued by LMA
Recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers has been issued by LMA

The Liberia Maritime Authority has sent out recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers. These recommendations are the first step in a two-stage approach aimed at reducing the environmental risks associated with the carriage of plastic pellets in packaged form by sea, pending IMO’s consideration of future mandatory measures for their carriage.

Summary of the Recommendations
1. Plastic pellets should be packed in good quality packaging which should be strong enough to withstand the shocks and loading normally encountered during transport. Packaging should be constructed and closed to prevent any loss of content which may be caused under transport normal conditions.
2. Transport information should clearly identify those freight containers containing plastic pellets. Additionally, the shipper should supplement the cargo information with a special stowage request requiring stowage as outlined in item 3 below. Continue reading “Liberia: Carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers”

IIMS Safety & Loss Prevention Briefings Compendium 2024

Edition IV of the IIMS Safety & Loss Prevention Briefings Compendium has been published and is available for download. This is an essential addition to every marine surveyor’s online library. As you read and browse the 172-page publication you will discover:

– A wealth of safety briefing information.

– Detail of incident and accident reports from last year.

– Vital loss prevention guidance and advice from leading P&I Clubs. Continue reading “IIMS Safety & Loss Prevention Briefings Compendium 2024”

NTSB report on dinner cruise vessel Spirit of Boston fire

An improperly extinguished chafing fuel heating canister led to a fire on the passenger vessel Spirit of Boston
An improperly extinguished chafing fuel heating canister led to a fire on the passenger vessel Spirit of Boston

An improperly extinguished chafing fuel heating canister, canned heat used to keep food and beverages warm, led to a fire on the passenger vessel Spirit of Boston last year while moored at the Commonwealth Pier in Boston Harbor.

As a result of the investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued four new safety recommendations and reiterated a safety recommendation to the U.S. Coast Guard.

On March 24, 2023, a fire broke out on the Spirit of Boston’s first deck wait station after the scheduled cruise had ended, the vessel had docked and all passengers Continue reading “NTSB report on dinner cruise vessel Spirit of Boston fire”

New guidance for smaller Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels published

MGN 705 - Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels has been published
MGN 705 – Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels has been published

New guidance on smaller Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels (ROUVs) has been released, published by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Marine Guidance Notice (MGN) 705 (M) came into force 31 December 2024 setting out a pathway for operation of the rapidly growing number of hi-tech ROUVs between 2.5-4.5 metres in length. It puts the UK among the first in the world to formally set out the scope of regulation and operators’ obligations in this emerging category, as well as the MCA’s commitments to well-founded oversight that keeps people safe. Publication is the first step since extensive consultation began in 2022 with a range of maritime industries.

The core of MGN 705 (M) is a two-year general exemption for eligible ROUVs. It Continue reading “New guidance for smaller Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels published”

IUMI’s 2024 analysis of the global marine insurance market

IUMI’s 2024 analysis of the global marine insurance market has been published
IUMI’s 2024 analysis of the global marine insurance market has been published

IUMI has presented their Stats Report for 2024. Overall, the 2023 insurance year was positive for marine underwriters with market
development seen across all lines of business. World trade continued to grow which impacted positively on the global premium base, particularly for cargo insurance. The oil price appears to have stabilised which is good for the offshore sector.

Inflationary pressure has eased and many central banks are beginning to cut their interest rates, although this does not necessarily have an immediate effect on vessel repair costs. Apart from some inflation impact on hull repair costs, the claims environment was also relatively moderate in 2023, with no major weather Continue reading “IUMI’s 2024 analysis of the global marine insurance market”

Merchants, mariners and mavericks Lloyd’s Agents, the first 200 years

Lloyd’s Agents the first 200 years has been published
Lloyd’s Agents the first 200 years has been published

Throughout time, every country, every community, every business and every home has needed insurance in one form or another. Society could not function as it does without it. With each new direction taken by trade and industry, insurance has adapted to deliver new protections and provide a safe springboard for future development.

Despite its value, the nature of insurance has also often been misunderstood. Insurance has always been based on analysis, research and the scientific study of risk. In other words, on information. Continue reading “Merchants, mariners and mavericks Lloyd’s Agents, the first 200 years”

INTERCARGO Annual Review published

INTERCARGO Annual Review for 2023/4 has been published,
INTERCARGO Annual Review for 2023/4 has been published,

INTERCARGO Annual Review for 2023/4 has been published, shedding light to initiatives and addressing critical challenges, including the implementation of IMO’s net-zero emissions target, maritime security concerns in the Red Sea region, and the implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention.

The Association’s Chairman Dimitri Fafalios reflected on key developments during 2024, including the August launch of the Dry Bulk Centre of Excellence (DBCE) and its DryBMS portal, demonstrating the sector’s dedication to operational excellence. Continue reading “INTERCARGO Annual Review published”

Canal & River Trust appoints independently led Commission to review future framework for boat licensing

Independently led Commission appointed to review future framework for boat licensing
Independently led Commission appointed to review future framework for boat licensing

Over the past 30 years there have been significant changes in the use of the 2,000-mile canal network in the UK managed by the Canal & River Trust. The Trust has announced it has established a new Commission to review the legal framework around boat licensing, to explore whether it is appropriate for the network’s future.

The Commission will start its review in January and is expected to run until September 2025. Continue reading “Canal & River Trust appoints independently led Commission to review future framework for boat licensing”

Proper stowage of mixed cargoes on bulk carriers

Shipowners have the responsibility to ensure that the vessel is suitable and fit for purpose to carry break-bulk cargo, containers, and project cargoes
Shipowners have the responsibility to ensure that the vessel is suitable and fit for purpose to carry break-bulk cargo, containers, and project cargoes

The American P&I Club has raised concerns that have arisen regarding the loading of finished and unfinished steel products alongside break-bulk, containerized, and project cargoes in the same cargo hold of bulk carriers.

Examples of break-bulk, containerized, and project cargoes include large, heavy, oversized items, machinery parts, crates, and heavy-duty wheeled items such as trucks, cranes, or pay loaders. Unlike vessels dedicated to carrying break-bulk, containerized, or project cargoes, bulk carriers are not fitted with suitable lashing and securing arrangements.

The irregular sizes, shapes, and weights of such non-pure-bulk cargoes are challenging to safely lash and secure, and typically require makeshift arrangements. Continue reading “Proper stowage of mixed cargoes on bulk carriers”

MAIB voices “serious concern” over Red Sea dive boat accidents

Red Sea dive boat accidents are a big concern for MAIB
Red Sea dive boat accidents are a big concern for MAIB

The UK Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has shared an update on Red Sea dive boat accidents.
The MAIB has been notified of three accidents within the last 20 months affecting UK citizens on Egyptian dive boats operating in the Red Sea. These include: Continue reading “MAIB voices “serious concern” over Red Sea dive boat accidents”

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