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Addressing the surge in engine room fires on container ships

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statistics show that between 2019 and 2021, there was a sharp increase in engine room fires on container ships.
statistics show that between 2019 and 2021, there was a sharp increase in engine room fires on container ships.

According to DNV, statistics show that between 2019 and 2021, there was a sharp increase in engine room fires on container ships. Preliminary data gathered from public sources indicate that this trend applies to the global fleet – and that for 2022 to 2023, the number of engine room fires remains at the same level as in 2021.

The increase in engine room fires on container ships cannot be seen separately from the increasing number of findings related to dirty engine rooms, missing insulation and screening of oil piping being reported by class surveyors. This is also reflected in the number of PSC detentions related to these issues. Continue reading “Addressing the surge in engine room fires on container ships”

Sticky diesel is causing multiple fuel problems on the UK inland waterways

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A massive increase in diesel fuel related breakdowns have been due to sticky diesel.
A massive increase in diesel fuel related breakdowns have been due to sticky diesel.

By Darrell Broscomb.

In my work as a marine engineer at Tooley’s boatyard in Banbury, I see many different mechanical issues throughout the year, but during 2023 we have been seeing a massive increase in diesel fuel related breakdowns due to sticky diesel.  At present, we have four boats requiring attention because of fuel issues. This is not ‘diesel bug’ but something else entirely.  With this particular sticky diesel scenario, the fuel goes dark, smells different and leaves sticky tar-like deposits in the fuel system. Continue reading “Sticky diesel is causing multiple fuel problems on the UK inland waterways”

Risk Focus: Tugs and Barges by the UK P&I Club

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Risk Focus Tugs and Barges published by UK P&I
Risk Focus Tugs and Barges published by UK P&I

The UK P&I Club has published a Risk Focus which is intended to promote best practice covering vessel owners and operators of tugs and barges.

Over 80% of tug claims concern injury or illness of personnel. Other claim types include collision, cargo, pollution, damage to fixed or floating objects, and fines – but the number of those claims is very small compared with personnel injury/illness claims. In terms of the dollar cost of claims, the picture is very similar – personnel claims account for 79% of the value of claims. The total cost of pollution incidents has proven to be more costly than incidents of collision, damage to fixed or floating objects, Continue reading “Risk Focus: Tugs and Barges by the UK P&I Club”

‘Book it right and pack it tight’ IMDG code updated

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UKP&I and TT have collaborated to update their publication ‘Book it right and pack it tight’
UKP&I and TT have collaborated to update their publication ‘Book it right and pack it tight’

On 1 June 2022, the latest version of the IMDG Code, Amendment 40-20, came into force. Following its publication, UKP&I and TT have again collaborated to update their publication ‘Book it right and pack it tight’ which provides key insights for all participants in the freight supply chain responsible for preparing unitised consignments for carriage by sea.

The amended guide is divided in two parts;

Part A: This covers the operational processes and documentation involved in preparing and presenting a consignment of dangerous goods for shipment and uses terms from the IMDG Code that are explained in the reference section, Part B. Continue reading “‘Book it right and pack it tight’ IMDG code updated”

MCA Workboat Code edition 3 becomes law

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The new edition of the code will be statutory from 13th December 2023
The new edition of the code will be statutory from 13th December 2023

Following many months of protracted discussions and consultation earlier this year, Workboat Code edition 3 is set to become law from 13 December 2023. From this date onwards this Code must only be used for new workboats and pilot boats.

Existing vessels that are certificated under the Brown Code, its equivalent standard published in the technical Annex to MGN 280(M), or Workboat Code Edition 2, Amendment 1 shall meet the requirements of Workboat Code edition 3 by the vessel’s next renewal examination or three years after the date of entry into force of the Code, Continue reading “MCA Workboat Code edition 3 becomes law”

Crude tanker S-Trust fire caused by lithium-Ion battery is finding

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Fire on crude tanker S-Trust caused by lithium-Ion battery thermal runaway
Fire on crude tanker S-Trust caused by lithium-Ion battery thermal runaway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released an investigation report into the blaze on the bridge of the crude tanker S-Trust. On 13 November 2022, a fire started on the bridge of the crude tanker S-Trust while the vessel was docked at the Genesis Port Allen Terminal in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Fire teams from the vessel’s crew extinguished the fire. There were no injuries and no pollution was reported. The damage to the vessel was estimated at $3 million.

The S-Trust was a Liberian-flagged, 800-foot-long, steel-hulled liquid bulk cargo vessel. The vessel was built in 2005 and had a cargo capacity of 741,732 barrels. Continue reading “Crude tanker S-Trust fire caused by lithium-Ion battery is finding”

Fishing vessel FREYJA: Report released by BSU after fire in engine compartment

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fire in the engine compartment of fishing vessel FREYJA
Fire in the engine compartment of fishing vessel FREYJA

The German Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation (BSU) has published an accident report following a fire that broke out in the engine compartment of the German fishing vessel FREYJA on the evening of 17 September 2021.

The fire on board the fishing vessel FREYJA resulted in the destruction of most of the boat. The fire-induced foundering of the vessel made it impossible to identify usable evidence of the cause of the fire or the exact starting point of its development during the investigation of the wrecked parts. The statements of the crew merely permit the conclusion that the fire broke out inside the engine compartment. Continue reading “Fishing vessel FREYJA: Report released by BSU after fire in engine compartment”

MPV Everest engine room fire report published

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MPV Everest engine room fire report published
MPV Everest engine room fire report published

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has published an investigation report into the Bahamas-registered, 145m multi-purpose vessel MPV Everest engine room fire, which suffered a fire in the port engine room. The vessel was en-route from Mawson Station, Antarctica to Hobart, Tasmania with 37 crew and 72 Australian Antarctic Division staff on board.

The ship’s crew responded, and the fire was contained before being eventually extinguished using the engine room water mist fixed fire-extinguishing system. The port engine room sustained substantial damage with most of the power generation equipment and machinery located within rendered inoperable. Continue reading “MPV Everest engine room fire report published”

Ensuring safe access to Australian domestic commercial vessels

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AMSA has published a safety alert to raise awareness of the risks involved with getting on and off Australian domestic commercial vessels
AMSA has published a safety alert to raise awareness of the risks involved with getting on and off Australian domestic commercial vessels

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has published a safety alert to raise awareness of the risks involved with getting on and off Australian domestic commercial vessels. Accessing a vessel while at berth is a routine activity and is sometimes taken for granted. The requirement for safe access can be overlooked, particularly where there are limited berthing options, or a vessel is only berthed for a short period. Failing to provide safe access can result in serious risk to people. This is heightened by bad weather or extreme tidal variations. Under the Australian National Law, the owner and master are responsible to ensure the safety of people boarding a domestic commercial vessel. Continue reading “Ensuring safe access to Australian domestic commercial vessels”

Towing and mooring equipment regulation effective from January 2024

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According to Korean Register, amendments to SOLAS II-1/Reg.3-8 “Towing and mooring equipment” were adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee at MSC 102
According to Korean Register, amendments to SOLAS II-1/Reg.3-8 “Towing and mooring equipment” were adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee at MSC 102

According to Korean Register, amendments to SOLAS II-1/Reg.3-8 “Towing and mooring equipment” were adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee at MSC 102 and will enter into force on or after 1 January 2024. In particular, these amendments introduce new safety requirements for design, selection, inspection, maintenances and replacement of mooring and towing arrangements in conjunction with MSC.1/Circ.1175/ Rev.1, MSC.1/Circ.1619 and MSC.1/Circ.1620.

New ship designs, and especially the design of large ships, have resulted in optimized performance and a greater degree of complexity. It is a widely recognized fact that the development and design of mooring systems have not adequately followed the development of ships. Despite efforts to improve how safe mooring operations, there is still a high number of accidents during these operations.

Continue reading “Towing and mooring equipment regulation effective from January 2024”

Battery Energy Storage Systems: Safety guidance published by EMSA

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Battery Energy Storage Systems: Safety guidance published by EMSA
Battery Energy Storage Systems: Safety guidance published by EMSA

EMSA battery guidance is the subject of a new publication about the Safety of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) on-board ships. The guidance aims at supporting maritime administrations and the industry by promoting a uniform implementation of the essential safety requirements for battery systems on-board of ships.

According to the EMSA battery guidance, BESS installations on board ships have been increasing in number. There are more than 800 battery ships in operation across the world, 60% of which are known to be operating in Europe, using batteries onboard for propulsion either in pure electric or hybrid functions. Continue reading “Battery Energy Storage Systems: Safety guidance published by EMSA”

Battery electric vehicles carriage risk guidance published by AMSA

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new guidance on the risks associated with the carriage of battery electric vehicles
new guidance on the risks associated with the carriage of battery electric vehicles

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued the Guidance on Risks Associated with the Carriage of Battery Electric Vehicles. The safety alert provides guidance to operators of domestic commercial vessels (DCVs) on risks associated with the carriage of battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) on roll-on, roll-off (RORO) ferries, and how best to deal with these risks.

As per Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation and operation requirements) you must conduct a risk assessment for your vessel to ensure that risks arising from the carriage of BEVs are addressed. Consideration must be given to the hazards arising from transporting BEVs Continue reading “Battery electric vehicles carriage risk guidance published by AMSA”

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