News

ICS publishes its latest Flag State performance table

Posted on by News Hound
ICS publishes its latest Flag State performance table
ICS publishes its latest Flag State performance table

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has published the latest version of its Flag State Performance Table, which can be downloaded free of charge via the ICS website: http://www.ics-shipping.org/free-resources/flag-state-performance-table.

The Table provides a helpful indication of the performance of individual flag states worldwide, which analyses how the administrations included deliver against a number of criteria such as port state control records, ratification of international maritime Conventions and attendance at IMO meetings. This year, a new criteria on participation in the ‘IMO Member State Audit Scheme’ has been included.

ICS Deputy Secretary General, Simon Bennett, remarked: “Following the entry into force of amendments to the relevant IMO Conventions, the IMO Member State Audit Scheme has become mandatory. This is a significant development that should make further contributions to Continue reading “ICS publishes its latest Flag State performance table”

Recent research findings highlight issues with dirty engine room bilges

Posted on by News Hound
Recent research findings highlight issues with dirty engine room bilges
Recent research findings highlight issues with dirty engine room bilges

Recent analysis of the Shipowners Club’s Condition Survey Programme has highlighted that approximately 25% of the vessels surveyed showed evidence of contaminated engine room bilges. As such, Shipowners Club seeks to raise awareness of the potential fire hazards associated with oily engine room bilges and the checks and steps that a ship’s crew and/or surveyor should undertake.

Whilst an oily bilge may not be the immediate source of a fire, any fire that arises in an engine room or machinery space has the potential to escalate and spread rapidly. The presence of oil accumulated in bilges or drip trays act as additional fuel to sustain burning and increase the likelihood of the fire reaching further areas.

With respect to these, the Club notes the following:

IIMS training opportunities during late March and April 2018

Posted on by News Hound

IIMS has organised several training opportunities over the next month or so in various worldwide locations for surveyors working in many different aspects of marine surveying, who are keen to learn and pick up the latest thinking in specific areas of the profession. If appropriate, do come and join us either online or in person at one of the following events.

23/24 March 2018
International Institute of Marine Surveying 2018 Baltimore Conference
Twelve great presentations over two days on everything from the ‘Latest technology in gyroscopic stabilization’ to ‘Electric propulsion systems and alternate new build and repower solutions” and much more. Open to online and real-time delegates.
Click for more info

Continue reading “IIMS training opportunities during late March and April 2018”

Poole Liveboat Stations gets a new floating boat house

Posted on by News Hound
Poole Liveboat Stations gets a new floating boat house
Poole Liveboat Stations gets a new floating boat house

There was great excitement for the volunteers at Poole Lifeboat station as the new floating boat house arrived by water! The new building was lifted into the channel, between the bridges from the Old Power station site in Poole where during the past six months or so it has been under construction, built by the Weymouth based Sawtell Construction Ltd.

On Tuesday (March 6th) the boat house was craned into the water for a float test and then floated down between the quays, guided expertly by Jenkins Marine, through the 1.30 bridge and alongside outside the lifeboat station ready for the next phase of putting it into position

The building, designed by ECA Architecture and Planning, will nestle alongside the Old lifting bridge. ECA architects were keen not to make the boathouse like the standard industrial sheds, the angled roof is designed to Continue reading “Poole Liveboat Stations gets a new floating boat house”

First ever luxury cruise ship lengthening undertaken by Fincantieri

Posted on by News Hound
First ever luxury cruise ship lengthening undertaken by Fincantieri
First ever luxury cruise ship lengthening undertaken by Fincantieri

Fincantieri’s Palermo shipyard is carrying out the world’s first luxury cruise ship lengthening. Lengthening is not unheard of for merchant vessels, but it has never before been attempted for a vessel of this type as far as is known.

On March 10, workers cut the 36,000 tonne Silver Spirit in half with torches and began the process of pulling her bow and stern in opposite directions. Once they had enough space, they used self-propelled modular transporters to move a new, prefabricated 50-foot section into place. Reconnecting the hull, fitting out wiring and piping and installing interior fittings will take workers about Continue reading “First ever luxury cruise ship lengthening undertaken by Fincantieri”

Possible new cure for diesel bug

Posted on by News Hound
Possible new cure for diesel bug
Possible new cure for diesel bug

A new product that removes water from the bottom of diesel tanks is expected to end all diesel bug problems.

The Diesel Dipper is a self-contained system independent of the engine. Fitted with a 12-volt pump, it is designed to suck water from the floor/bottom of a fuel tank below the fuel suction and by doing so, makers Marine 16 say it eliminates or prevents diesel bug and engine failures.

Marine 16 said: “Water and sludge lying on the bottom of the tank is drawn up into a ‘tank separator’ where it separates from the diesel and collects on the bottom. This accumulated water and sludge is then periodically drained off into a container.”

The clean diesel exits the top of the separator and flows through a Continue reading “Possible new cure for diesel bug”

Partnership formed to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping

Posted on by News Hound
Partnership formed to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping
Partnership formed to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping

DNV GL has announced a joint partnership to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping. The class society’s partners in the effort include flag states, research institutions, battery and propulsion suppliers, fire system manufacturers, shipowners, vessel operators and yards. DNV GL says that the hope is to identify improvements not just for the batteries themselves, but for the associated systems, procedures, and approval processes.

“We put a great deal of effort into ensuring the safety of these new alternative systems, but the cost of the present safety and approval methodology is cumbersome. This collaborative effort gives a chance for an even greater level of safety,” said Rasmus Nielsen, a naval architect and officer at project partner Scandlines.

The project’s deliverable’s are focused on safety. Tasks include the development of Continue reading “Partnership formed to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping”

Sielseas concept for sail propelled cruise ships unveiled

Posted on by News Hound
Sielseas concept for sail propelled cruise ships unveiled
Sielseas concept for sail propelled cruise ships unveiled

STX France has revealed a concept design for a cruising sailing ship, Silenseas, that aims to reduce energy costs and environmental impact.

STX France has researched sail propulsion since 2009 and developed a patented concept, Solidsail, which makes it possible to reach sail areas of up to 1,200 square meters (12,900 square feet) safely. Arising from that, the company says it can offer the market a range of innovative vessels.

By combining the use of the sails with the latest propulsion and Continue reading “Sielseas concept for sail propelled cruise ships unveiled”

Stylish and futuristic foiling craft launched by Enata Marine

Posted on by News Hound
Stylish and futuristic foiling craft launched by Enata Marine
Stylish and futuristic foiling craft launched by Enata Marine

UAE based Enata Marine has launched a stylish superyacht with twin carbon fibre hydrofoils and a hybrid diesel electric propulsion system at the Dubai Boat Show.

The 9.6m long FOILER, also called ‘The Flying Yacht’ due to its ability to operate 1.5m above the water has two BMW 320hp diesel engines which gives it a take-off speed of 17 knots and a maximum speed of 40 knots. The engines are also able to cruise in full electric mode up to 10 knots to reduce fuel consumption by 20% over a traditional yacht.

Enata Marine explains that the diesel engines drive two generators which provide the electrical power. The power is then delivered to two electrical (ENATA) torpedoes that drive the boat.

The retractable red foils fully lift the hull 1.5m out of the water at Continue reading “Stylish and futuristic foiling craft launched by Enata Marine”

Deck water spray failure highlighted as one of the main deficiencies on LNG carriers

Posted on by News Hound
Deck water spray failure highlighted as one of the main deficiencies on LNG carriers
Deck water spray failure highlighted as one of the main deficiencies on LNG carriers

The US Coast Guard has published an information bulletin about the ongoing issue regarding inadequate deck water spray systems on LNG carriers. US Coast Guard has noted that inadequate coverage of the required areas by a deck water spray system is one of the main deficiencies identified when certificate of compliance inspections are undertaken on these vessels.

The Deck Water Spray system is required by the IGC Code 1993, Regulation 11.3. This requirement text has remained nearly identical back through the GC Code 1983 and to the EGC Code. The new 2016 edition of the IGC Code incorporates the amendments adopted by the IMO MSC at its ninety-third session (May 2014) by resolution MSC.370(93).

These amendments, which entered into force on 1 Jan 2016, consist of a complete replacement text of the IGC Code and will apply to ships whose keels are laid or are at a similar stage of construction, on or after 1 July 2016.

Across the industry, vessel operators and crews have struggled to keep these simple systems operating properly. Ineffective operation of the deck water spray appears easily managed by periodic removal of the Continue reading “Deck water spray failure highlighted as one of the main deficiencies on LNG carriers”

Storm Emma wreaks havoc on Holyhead Marina

Posted on by News Hound
Storm Emma wreaks havoc on Holyhead Marina
Storm Emma wreaks havoc on Holyhead Marina

Estimates suggest that as many as 80 boats were destroyed and pontoons washed away at Holyhead Marina as Storm Emma hit the north Welsh coastline with violence.

The RNLI said it had to launch its own inshore lifeboat just to get a crew to its larger vessel in Holyhead in Thursday night’s force 12 gale.

“There is considerable damage and disruption at the marina, so, for now, we will stay berthed within the inner harbour, ready to respond – slower than usual, but able – to a shout,” said the RNLI team.

Continue reading “Storm Emma wreaks havoc on Holyhead Marina”

BoatCoSafe launches boating Carbon Monoxide alarms campaign

Posted on by News Hound
BoatCoSafe launches boating CO alarms campaign
BoatCoSafe launches boating CO alarms campaign

Mandatory installation of Carbon Monoxide alarms on cabin boats in UK waterways would save lives. In the last 20 years, 19 boaters have died and another 24 have needed hospital attention from Carbon Monoxide gases.

BoatCOSafe has launched with a petition and news on its website see BoatCOSafe.uk along with an intense video highlighting the dangers. There is also an online petition available on the website to encourage parliament to make having a CO alarm mandatory on inland waterways.

“Boats are naturally enclosed spaces where Carbon Monoxide can build up very quickly – and as you can’t smell or see it, you can be affected by it before you realise what has happened,” says lead campaigner Niki Molnar MBE

With people already booking boats for their Summer holidays, BoatCOSafe is encouraging people to Continue reading “BoatCoSafe launches boating Carbon Monoxide alarms campaign”

Instagram Posts from the IIMS @iimsmarine