IIMS News

Scout Drone Inspection: Autonomous drone inspections move step closer after successful test

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Scout Drone Inspection: Autonomous drone inspections
Scout Drone Inspection: Autonomous drone inspections

A drone has successfully inspected a 19.4 meter high oil tank on board a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel. The video shot by the drone was interpreted in real-time by an algorithm to detect cracks in the structure. It is the latest step in a technology qualification process that could lead to tank inspections becoming safer and more efficient. Scout Drone Inspection and DNV GL, the quality assurance and risk management company, have been working together to develop an autonomous drone system to overcome the common challenges of tank inspections. For the customer, costs can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars as the tank is taken out of service for days to ventilate and construct scaffolding. The tanks are also tough work environments, with Continue reading “Scout Drone Inspection: Autonomous drone inspections move step closer after successful test”

Biofouling industry partnership launched by IMO

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IMO launches industry partnership on biofouling. Image credit: Hamish Lass, BOP
IMO launches industry partnership on biofouling. Image credit: Hamish Lass, BOP

The UN-led GloFouling partnership has launched a new alliance with a group of fouling control companies to accelerate the development of hull fouling solutions. Four companies have become the founding members of the new biofouling initiative: hull cleaning service providers CleanSubSea, ECOsubsea and HullWiper and sonic antifouling system manufacturer Sonihull. IMO expects that more companies will join the program.

The four firms in the new Global Industry Alliance for Marine Biosafety (GIA) will work with the GloFouling Partnerships Project – a joint initiative between the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and IMO – in order to promote biofouling control solutions.

“This alliance is about the collective pioneering efforts by all maritime industries in undertaking the fight Continue reading “Biofouling industry partnership launched by IMO”

IMO issues guidance for flag states for surveys and certificate renewal

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IMO issues guidance for flag states for surveys and certificate renewal
IMO issues guidance for flag states for surveys and certificate renewal

The International Maritime Ogranization (IMO) has published a new circular providing guidance for flag States regarding surveys and renewals of certificates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The circular notes that principles represent a step-based approach to an informed decision-making process which respects the existing regulatory regime, and which can result in an evidence based assessment for the justification of the extension of a certificate.

Considering that the supporting “safety net” of Port State Control has been temporarily suspended to some degree by some and flexibility regarding extensions has been given by some Flag States for ships facing difficulties in maintaining the validity of certificates, the safety and environmental protection of shipping Continue reading “IMO issues guidance for flag states for surveys and certificate renewal”

SGMF publishes guidelines for safe drydocking of gas-fueled ships

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SGMF publishes guidelines for safe drydocking of gas-fueled ships
SGMF publishes guidelines for safe drydocking of gas-fueled ships

To help ensure the safe maintenance of gas-fueled ships, the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF) has published new guidance on work practices for maintenance, repair and dry-dock operations for ships that use gas/LNG as fuel.

As an increasing number of ships switch to using gas as a fuel, owners will need to be prepared for when their gas-fueled ships undergo routine maintenance in dry dock. While cargo is normally removed from a vessel as part of the drydocking process, sometimes fuel is not.

With 185 gas-fueled ships in active service and with another 212 on order, the release of this publication is Continue reading “SGMF publishes guidelines for safe drydocking of gas-fueled ships”

APL England lost 40 containers in rough seas – initial inspection reveals serious defects

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Initial inspection reveals serious defects in cargo ship APL England
Initial inspection reveals serious defects in cargo ship APL England

A preliminary inspection of cargo ship APL England, which lost 40 containers in rough seas, has discovered a major defect and serious concerns with how the load was secured. Australia Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) inspectors found lashing arrangements were inadequate and securing points on the deck of the ship were heavily corroded.

ASMA general manager of operations, Allan Schwartz, says the inspection is continuing but the findings so far are in breach of maritime safety regulations. He says the ship has been detained at the Port of Brisbane.

“The detention will not be lifted until these serious deficiencies are rectified. That is now a matter for the ship’s owner, American President Lines (APL), and operator to rectify,” he says. “These findings will form Continue reading “APL England lost 40 containers in rough seas – initial inspection reveals serious defects”

SMS not adhered to – investigation of capsized tug finds

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The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has published an investigation report into the capsizing of a tug, revealing that the vessel did not operate under a Safety Management System (SMS), and the crew did not have procedures for identifying or mitigating hazards.

On October 1, 2019, Seaspan ULC deployed the tug Sheena M to tow the loaded wood-chip barge Seaspan 566 from Terminal Forest Products’ facility in Langdale, BC, to Howe Sound Pulp and Paper Mills in Port Mellon, BC. At approximately 1237, the tug along with the barge departed the Terminal Forest Products Continue reading “SMS not adhered to – investigation of capsized tug finds”

HMM Algeciras: Largest engine powers world’s largest containership

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The 11G95ME-C10.5 engine was constructed at HSD Engine Co. Ltd. in Korea (Photo: HMM Algeciras)
The 11G95ME-C10.5 engine was constructed at HSD Engine Co. Ltd. in Korea (Photo: HMM Algeciras)

Everything about the HMM Algeciras is big, including the power output of its MAN B&W 11G95ME-C engine – the mightiest ever built by Germany-based MAN Energy Solutions.

The 23,964 TEU containership is the largest ever built, recently launched for South Korean shipping company HMM at the Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) Okpo shipyard in Geoje, Korea. The newbuild measures 400 metres in length and 61 meters in beam, and has recently entered service between Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal.

The record-setting containership is the first of a dozen 24,000 TEU class vessels ordered in August 2018 for delivery this year. DSME will ultimately construct seven of the series vessels, and fellow South Korean Continue reading “HMM Algeciras: Largest engine powers world’s largest containership”

Inventory of Hazardous Materials compliance has new guide published by UK P&I Club

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New guide for compliance with the Inventory of Hazardous Materials
New guide for compliance with the Inventory of Hazardous Materials

The UK P&I Club, a leading provider of protection and indemnity insurance to the international shipping community, has published a guide for ship-owners to ensure compliance with the Inventory of Hazardous Materials legislation.

The guide addresses the technical aspects, important concepts, processes and requirements of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials, aiming to assist Members in ensuring compliance with the existing regulations and reduce the likelihood of reputational risks.

Over the last decade international and regional ship recycling legislation has been adopted, some of which is Continue reading “Inventory of Hazardous Materials compliance has new guide published by UK P&I Club”

DCSA give fresh impetus to electronic bills of lading development

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Fresh impetus given to electronic bills of lading development by the DCSA
Fresh impetus given to electronic bills of lading development by the DCSA

The target of 50% of all bills of lading to be electronic within the next decade has been set by the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) in an announcement made last week. The international freight transport insurer, TT Club welcomes the commitment by the group of container shipping lines that together operate nearly 70% of the world’s capacity. The initiative is consistent with the increased trend towards digitisation across the industry to improve efficiency and reduce costs. However, the current pressures felt through the supply chain as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have no doubt spurred the action.

In its role as liability insurer and adviser on risk management throughout the container industry, TT Club is Continue reading “DCSA give fresh impetus to electronic bills of lading development”

Sea Start: Record engine failures as owners fail to prepare

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Record high of engine failures reported to Sea Start
Record high of engine failures reported to Sea Start

The UK’s marine assistance breakdown service Sea Start has experienced one of its busiest periods, with call outs to engine breakdowns at sea amongst the busiest on record.

It’s blaming owners’ “desperate rush to feel freedom” overshadowing much of the normal spring preparation made by conscientious owners.

“The boating population have left their berths en masse,” observes founder and MD, Nick Eales, of Sea Start. “We have received a record number of call outs, many of them to report quite serious failures. It’s not a Continue reading “Sea Start: Record engine failures as owners fail to prepare”

Evinrude: Pandemic blamed for the demise of the famous brand of outboard engines

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Evinrude demise blamed on pandemic
Evinrude demise blamed on pandemic

One of the most illustrious names in marine propulsion has breathed its last with BRP’s announcement today that it will discontinue production of Evinrude E-TEC and E-TEC G2 outboard engines.

A company spokesperson said: “Our outboard engines business has been greatly impacted by COVID-19, obliging us to discontinue production of our outboard motors immediately. This business segment had already been facing some challenges and the impact from the current context has forced our hand,” said José Boisjoli, President and CEO of BRP. “We will concentrate our efforts on new and innovative technologies and on the development of our boat companies, where we continue to see a lot of potential to Continue reading “Evinrude: Pandemic blamed for the demise of the famous brand of outboard engines”

ECPY clarifies yachting regulations in France

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ECPY clarifies yachting regulations in France
ECPY clarifies yachting regulations in France

European Committee for Professional Yachting (ECPY) has clarified the cruising regulations for yachts in France following conflicting reports in the media.

ECPY said it had been in regular contact with the relevant authorities concerning maritime navigation and safety and all ports to remain updated on what yachts can and can’t do as COVID-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.

It stated that regulations concerning merchant ships applies to yachts, in terms of navigation (orders of the Continue reading “ECPY clarifies yachting regulations in France”

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