News

Denmark cancels registration fee for Danish Register in attempt to boost fleet size

The aim of this amendment is to increase the attractiveness of the Danish Flag
The aim of this amendment is to increase the attractiveness of the Danish Flag

The Danish Parliament adopted a legislative amendment on 26 of April, which cancels the registration fee for vessels in the Danish Registers of Shipping. The aim of this amendment is to increase the attractiveness of the Danish Flag.

Denmark supports that this measure will indeed increase the attractiveness of the Danish Flag, as it now offers the same benefits as foreign Flags.

This amendment also provides increased economic activity and international influence, when the Danish Flag attracts more vessels from both national as foreign shipowners.

The amendment will enter into force on the Continue reading “Denmark cancels registration fee for Danish Register in attempt to boost fleet size”

London P&I Club reveals key causes of recent container loss claims

Photo credit: London P&I Club
Photo credit: London P&I Club

A recent run of container loss claims by the London P&I Club has highlighted some of the common contributory factors that emerge as part of the investigation process. The Club noted that the subject of misdeclared container weights continues to be a problem. But with this particular run of claims it was the attending surveyor’s observations about cargo securing equipment that caught the eye.

In these cases, it became clear that several manual twist locks were not correctly locked at the time of the incident. The causes for this were considered to be two-fold – some twist locks were damaged (specifically with locking levers either bent or missing), or the units in service were a mixture of right and left-hand locking units, leading to confusion over the observed status of the twist lock.

Upon investigation, a number of container corner castings and container foundations showed no signs of having a locked twist lock forcibly removed during the collapse, the natural conclusion being Continue reading “London P&I Club reveals key causes of recent container loss claims”

Report on the Western Mediterranean LYSCWG training event

IIMS members watching a practical demonstration of Prop Scan at the METALNOX facility
IIMS members watching a practical demonstration of Prop Scan at the METALNOX facility

The annual IIMS Western Mediterranean Large Yacht & Small Craft Working Group training event took place in Palma on 26-27 April and attracted 18 surveyors, proving to be a great success. As well as local Mallorca based IIMS members, others had travelled from Portugal, Ireland, mainland Spain and France to take part in the event.

On the first morning, the group travelled by bus to the METALNOX facility in nearby Calvia. METALNOX staff explained how they repair and recondition propellers and check and repair shafts. Surveyors were given a Continue reading “Report on the Western Mediterranean LYSCWG training event”

Futuristic 110 metre superyacht concept Elyon by Expleo set to break the superyacht mould

Elyon by Expleo Design
Elyon by Expleo Design

Expleo Design has unveiled a futuristic 110-metre (360-foot) superyacht concept named Elyon, with on-board accommodation for up to 30 guests.

According to Expleo Design, the organic shapes of the yacht “combine elements inspired by nature [and] assembled in a futuristic and innovative approach”. The studio’s main inspiration was a calm ocean wave, which explains its curvaceous exterior lines, which are described as being calm and elegant, yet firm and strong at the same time.

Elyon’s unique bow; the blending between decks; wide-glass windows; and her structural elements are combined with clean design and wide-open spaces to give the feeling of space, freedom and power.

Key entertainment features are Continue reading “Futuristic 110 metre superyacht concept Elyon by Expleo set to break the superyacht mould”

Heinen & Hopman launches new CFD-analysis service to reduce HVAC costs

Heinen & Hopman have launched new CFD-analysis service to reduce HVAC costs
Heinen & Hopman have launched new CFD-analysis service to reduce HVAC costs

Marine HVAC supplier Heinen & Hopman has introduced a new service that can accurately predict where deficiencies in an HVAC system may occur before mounting a single piece of equipment on board a vessel.

According to Heinen & Hopman, computational-fluid dynamics (CFD) technology is used to analyse the HVAC-system design to validate whether the HVAC installation shall meet specific requirements.

In a recent press release, Heinen & Hopman outlined, “CFD is a well-established technology in many industries. With CFD technology, airflows can be realistically simulated to identify common HVAC problems, such as drafts, high levels of turbulence, high-pressure drop[s] and poor air-distribution. CFD considers everything from Continue reading “Heinen & Hopman launches new CFD-analysis service to reduce HVAC costs”

IACS publishes its 2017 Annual Review

Knut Orbeck-Nilssen IACS Chairman
Knut Orbeck-Nilssen IACS Chairman

Quality, modernisation and transparency have been the three fundamental themes of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) during DNV GL’s Chairmanship, and this approach is widely reflected in IACS’ 2017 Annual Review which was presented in London by IACS Chairman Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen.

Looking back at IACS’ development and successes over the past year, Mr Ørbeck-Nilssen said that during these dynamic times, both IACS and it’s twelve Member societies need to act as a guide for the shipping industry, identifying the path for others to follow.

Continue reading “IACS publishes its 2017 Annual Review”

DNV GL publishes its review of marine fuel alternatives

Image courtesy of DNV GL
Image courtesy of DNV GL

Class society DNV GL has published an up-to-date assessment of the most promising alternative marine fuels available today. The study is timely, as the 2020 fuel sulfur cap is fast approaching and the IMO has just decided to aim for a 50 percent cut in shipping’s carbon emissions.

The paper examines the prospects for the full range of alternatives – LNG, LPG, methanol, biofuel, hydrogen, fuel cells, wind and battery technologies – and it compares them to the use of conventional fuel, both Continue reading “DNV GL publishes its review of marine fuel alternatives”

Portable testing device for fuel sulfur content launched

Parker Kittiwake has launched the X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzer (XRF), a portable testing device that, among other parameters, measures the sulfur content in fuel.

The XRF provides an accurate indication of sulfur content through the analysis of a small fuel sample in less than three minutes. This gives both shipowners and Port State Control (PSC) the ability to conduct laboratory-standard testing onsite before non-compliant fuel is bunkered and before a vessel carrying non-compliant fuel leaves port.

Continue reading “Portable testing device for fuel sulfur content launched”

Former Cunard flagship Queen Elizabeth 2 opens as a hotel in Dubai

The legendary former Cunard flagship Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) is set to finally open its doors to the public as a hotel in Dubai tomorrow, April 18, almost 50 years after her completion by the John Brown shipyard in Scotland and more than nine years after her retirement from active Cunard service in November 2008.

Initial plans by Dubai World to convert the vessel to a hotel were disrupted by the 2008 financial crisis, but now PCFC Hotels – part of the Dubai government’s Ports, Customs and Free Zones Corporation – says it has “reinvented the legendary vessel as the latest must-see tourism destination, in a city renowned for its world-class attractions.”

The ship is now docked permanently at Mina Rashid, where her dining, accommodations and entertainment attractions will be unveiled.

Continue reading “Former Cunard flagship Queen Elizabeth 2 opens as a hotel in Dubai”

Liquid nitrogen and heat system could meet new rules on emissions

Perryman Technologies is developing what it believes is the marine power source of the future – a source of powering marine engines that do not rely on combustion and does not result in any harmful emissions. Instead, steam, gas turbine can be powered by heat and diesel engines can be powered thermal energy, heat, stored as molten metal, combined with liquid nitrogen or highly compressed air.

Spokesman Shiva Vencat says the Perryman battery system is timely, considering the IMO has just agreed to cut emissions by at least 50 percent by 2050. He also cites Wood Mackenzie’s prediction that global shipping fuel costs are likely to rise by a quarter in 2020 when the global sulfur cap takes effect.

Continue reading “Liquid nitrogen and heat system could meet new rules on emissions”

IMO adopts climate change strategy for shipping

Nations met at the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London recently
Nations met at the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London recently

Nations meeting at the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London recently have adopted an initial strategy on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships, setting out a vision to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping and phase them out, as soon as possible in this century.

The vision confirms IMO’s commitment to reducing GHG emissions from international shipping and, as a matter of urgency, to phasing them out as soon as possible.

Continue reading “IMO adopts climate change strategy for shipping”

Wind Propulsion is an Essential Tool in Shipping’s Decarbonisation Efforts says the International Windship Association

 Wind Propulsion is an Essential Tool in Shipping’s Decarbonisation Efforts
Wind Propulsion is an Essential Tool in Shipping’s Decarbonisation Efforts

The International Windship Association, along with its 40-plus member companies and organisations is positioned to help the shipping industry meet urgent and ambitious carbon reduction targets to be set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at MEPC72.

There is a wide range of wind-assist and primary wind propulsion technology solutions that offer between 10-30% savings for retrofits, and up to 50% on smaller new built fully optimised vessels. Wind is a primary renewable energy that is free at point of use, abundant and exclusively available giving the vessel better commercial and operational autonomy.

Continue reading “Wind Propulsion is an Essential Tool in Shipping’s Decarbonisation Efforts says the International Windship Association”

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