News

UK offshore wind targets at risk from UK Implementation of Industrial Personnel Regulations

Posted on by News Hound

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has expressed serious concerns over the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) proposed implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Industrial Personnel Code which could impact UK offshore wind targets.

In its response to the MCA’s consultation on the Merchant Shipping (Safety Measures for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel and Special Personnel) Regulations 2025, IMCA warned that the changes could disrupt offshore operations, attract legal challenges, and make the UK a less attractive market for marine contractors. Continue reading “UK offshore wind targets at risk from UK Implementation of Industrial Personnel Regulations”

Canadian transport investigation report into fire on board fishing vessel Elite Navigator

Posted on by News Hound

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has published the results into an investigation into the fire and sinking of fishing vessel Elite Navigator.

On 08 July 2024, the Elite Navigator, with the master and 6 crew members on board, departed Valleyfield, Newfoundland and Labrador, to fish turbot. By 17 July, the vessel had caught its quota. At approximately 1830,1 the master used a satellite messenger to notify the owner that they were on the way to port to land their catch and that their estimated arrival time was 1430 on 18 July. At approximately 1930, an alarm sounded in the wheelhouse. The master checked the alarm panel and determined that it was from a smoke detector in the engine room. The master looked at the video camera that monitored the engine room, but there was no smoke visible. The master then went to one of the engine room access hatches in the deckhouse and proceeded partway down a ladder into the engine room to check for smoke. Light smoke was now visible. Continue reading “Canadian transport investigation report into fire on board fishing vessel Elite Navigator”

USCG issues alert for defective heat detectors

Posted on by News Hound

The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a safety alert regarding the issue of defective heat detectors that were discovered during an engine room fire investigation.

The Coast Guard recently investigated an engine room fire on board an inspected towing vessel which led to the discovery of issues with the maintenance and installation of fire detection systems on board multiple towing vessels. During the investigation, several towing vessels were discovered to have defective heat detectors installed in their engine rooms. Continue reading “USCG issues alert for defective heat detectors”

New loading conditions for transporting grain in bulk

Posted on by Alex Ockenden

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has released guidance on an update to International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk, which is set to take effect on 1 January 2026.

The IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) adopted resolution MSC.552(108) at its 108th session in May 2024, which includes amendments to the Grain Code. Continue reading “New loading conditions for transporting grain in bulk”

MTF report highlights critical safety issues of transporting electric vehicles

Posted on by News Hound

The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has published a report titled “Safe Carriage of Electric Vehicles” addressing the critical issue of transporting electric vehicles (EVs) on Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessels.

Currently, there are no international regulations specifically dedicated to the safe carriage of electric vehicles. While some national and regional governmental organizations have issued their own guidelines, the IMO is still in the process of developing mandatory regulations for the transportation of new energy vehicles, including EVs, with a target completion year of 2027. Continue reading “MTF report highlights critical safety issues of transporting electric vehicles”

MPA Singapore releases guidance on bunker use of biofuel

Posted on by News Hound

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA Singapore) has published guidance on transporting biofuel blends by conventional bunker ships.

With effect from 7th March this year, Singapore-registered conventional bunker ships may transport blends of up to 30% by volume of biofuel (≤B30).

In a circular, the Authority highlighted the draft Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) interim guidance on the carriage of blends of biofuels by conventional bunker ships agreed by 12th Session of the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 12). Continue reading “MPA Singapore releases guidance on bunker use of biofuel”

St Kitts & Nevis launches CIC on pilot ladder transfers

Posted on by News Hound

St Kitts & Nevis International Ship Registry (SKAN) has announced a Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on pilot ladder transfer and boarding arrangements.

The concentrated inspection campaign by St Kitts & Nevis on pilot ladder transfer and boarding arrangements will be held for three months, and will come into effect on 1st April 2025 until 30th June 2025. The purpose of this campaign is to ensure that vessels comply with relevant international regulations regarding pilot transfer and boarding arrangements, particularly those outlined in the SOLAS Convention. Continue reading “St Kitts & Nevis launches CIC on pilot ladder transfers”

Enforced ISO bunker sampling standard for Port of Rotterdam

Posted on by News Hound

Dutch authorities are set to enforce ISO bunker sampling standard in Port of Rotterdam, according to the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA).

The Association has said the IBIA Secretariat has received information from the Port of Rotterdam that the Inspectorate for Environment and Transport in the Netherlands is planning for the Port of Rotterdam to strictly enforce the rules for fuel oil sampling (the MARPOL sample) on board the receiving vessel via drip sampling to conform with ISO 13739. Continue reading “Enforced ISO bunker sampling standard for Port of Rotterdam”

IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE11)

Posted on by News Hound

Maritime life-saving equipment and ship’s fire safety systems have been the focus of the eleventh session of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment.

The Nautical Institute provided a summary of the meeting saying one topic under consideration related to dealing with electric vehicle (EV) fires in Ro-Ro passenger ships.

It was noted that EVs have a lower fire rate of just 25 fires per 100,000 vehicles sold, compared to 1,530 fires per 100,000 sold for petrol cars. Continue reading “IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE11)”

Climate Adaptation Report published by the UK Canal & River Trust

Posted on by News Hound

Recently published, a new report produced by the Canal & River Trust aims to show how vital the UK’s waterway network can be as the Government tries to tackle climate change. The 30-page Climate Adaptation Report spells out how important canals and waterways are and how they can be part of action against problems such as storms, flooding and drought, which have badly affected areas of the UK.

It highlights how the 2000 miles of canals and waterways, and 84 reservoirs, across England and Wales have adapted from their original roles and can now become a vital infrastructure as the country deals with climate change threats.

The Climate Adaptation Report also claims the charity will need an extra £15 million a year to combat global warming. Continue reading “Climate Adaptation Report published by the UK Canal & River Trust”

RSG 2025 guidelines published

Posted on by News Hound

The Recreational Craft Sectoral Group (RSG) has unveiled its latest edition. The RSG 2025 guidelines introduce significant updates to assist manufacturers, Notified Bodies, and market surveillance authorities in adhering to Directive 2013/53/EU on recreational and personal watercraft. This latest edition emphasizes the integration of new harmonized ISO standards, reflecting advancements in technology and safety protocols within the marine industry.

Key updates in the RSG 2025 guidelines include revised criteria for compliance, particularly concerning the installation of lithium-ion batteries and the testing protocols for dual outboard engine vessels. These changes aim to enhance safety and environmental performance, ensuring that watercraft meet contemporary standards. Continue reading “RSG 2025 guidelines published”

Maritime Labour Convention inspections MGN 600 for coded vessels updated by MCA

Posted on by News Hound

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has published MGN 600 (M) Amendment 3, which updates the inspection requirements for coded vessels under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

The updated guidance clarifies inspection procedures for vessels under 500GT, ensuring they meet the MLC’s core principles, including appropriate crew accommodation, fair working conditions, regulated rest hours, and comprehensive health and safety measures. These changes aim to align the standards for coded vessels more closely with international maritime regulations, strengthening compliance across the sector. Specifically there is an added annexe which provides an inspection report form. Continue reading “Maritime Labour Convention inspections MGN 600 for coded vessels updated by MCA”

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