News

MCIB Investigation: FV Horizon catches fire and sinks

The Irish Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) has published its report on the fire and loss of “FV Horizon” off the old head of Kinsale, County Cork, which occurred on May 14th, 2021.

On 11 May 2021 at approximately 02.00 hrs a fishing vessel departed Union Hall, Co. Cork for a gill net fishing trip 30 to 50 NM south of Union Hall. There were four crew onboard and the boat was stocked with food and ice for a seven day trip. The fishing trip was uneventful, and the Skipper reported that there were no problems onboard until the time of the incident. On the evening of 13 May 2021, the vessel was fishing approximately 30 NM south Continue reading “MCIB Investigation: FV Horizon catches fire and sinks”

Gard recommends vigilance and warns about liquefaction risk of of solid bulk cargoes

Gard warns about liquefaction risk of solid bulk cargoes
Gard warns about liquefaction risk of solid bulk cargoes

Gard P&I Club has recently been notified of new incidents where solid bulk cargoes classified as Group A, liable to liquefy, have been loaded with moisture content in excess of the transportable moisture limit (TML). Gard reminds its members and others to remain vigilant when loading such cargoes.

In the first case, the vessel was loading copper concentrates in Peru. The cargo was partially loaded when the Master observed pooling of free water in the holds and cargo spatter; i.e., cargo splashing up on the sides of holds when dropped from grabs. Both of these are considered red flags when loading Group A cargo. Continue reading “Gard recommends vigilance and warns about liquefaction risk of of solid bulk cargoes”

First UK e-marine hub for electric boats launches in Plymouth

UK's first "e-marine hub" launched in Plymouth
UK’s first “e-marine hub” launched in Plymouth

The UK’s first ‘e-marine hub’ of shoreside charging facilities for electric vessels have been unveiled in Plymouth. The series of high-power DC electric charging stations have been switched on in prominent locations along the perimeter of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. This includes the world’s first 150kW charging facility at Mount Batten, the UK’s first 75kW site at MDL’s Queen Anne’s Battery and a 25kW installation at the Barbican landing stage.

Further installations are now being developed along the city’s waterfront, Continue reading “First UK e-marine hub for electric boats launches in Plymouth”

Loss of lubrication supply to engines crankshaft journal bearings and crankpins leads to Wight Sky engine failures

Report published on Wight Sky engine failures
Report published on Wight Sky engine failures

The UK Marine & Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its report on the two catastrophic engine failures on board ro-ro passenger ferry Wight Sky, one of which resulted in a fire.

At 1823 on 26 August 2018, Wight Sky left Yarmouth on its regular route across the Solent to Lymington. On board were a range of commercial and private vehicles, 117 passengers and 10 crew. ME1 and ME2 drove the VSP at the bow and ME3 drove the VSP at the stern. All three MEs were operating at their 1800rpm full speed setting. Continue reading “Loss of lubrication supply to engines crankshaft journal bearings and crankpins leads to Wight Sky engine failures”

Lack of stability book knowledge led to landing barge capsize

Landing barge capsized due to lack of stability book knowledge
Landing barge capsized due to lack of stability book knowledge

On 21 August 2019, a landing barge (operated as a Class 1E and 2D) capsized while transiting from Great Mackerel Beach to Pittwater north of Sydney. AMSA has provided the lessons learnt from this event.

Leading up to the incident the landing barge loaded a vacuum suction truck and secured it to the starboard side of the deck so that the master could maintain forward visibility from the wheelhouse while navigating the vessel. Following, the vessel listed to starboard and subsequently capsized shortly after leaving Great Mackerel Beach. The investigation found at the time of the incident no wind or wave action was present. Continue reading “Lack of stability book knowledge led to landing barge capsize”

Norway inspects vessels with battery installations with low IP rating

Vessels with battery installations with a low IP rating of less than IP-44 are being inspected.
Vessels with battery installations with a low IP rating of less than IP-44 are being inspected.

As a consequence of the Brim accident on 11 March 2021 and a preliminary report from the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority, the Norwegian Maritime Authority is carrying out inspections on vessels with battery installations with a low IP rating of less than IP-44.

These inspections are ongoing, with surveyors having detected salt in several battery rooms as a result of humid air or water intrusion.

The Norwegian Maritime Authority has received a report from a battery supplier pointing out that there is a significant risk of incidents involving systems that have a low IP rating Continue reading “Norway inspects vessels with battery installations with low IP rating”

IIMS Certifying Authority spring training day

The IIMS is hosting a face-to-face certifying authority training day on 19 May 2022 at the RNLI’s headquarters in Poole for its own (and other CA) coding examiners with an opportunity to join the afternoon session on life-saving equipment in an online capacity for those delegates who are further afield. Members and non-members are welcome to attend. The event is also likely to appeal to other surveyors who are not involved in MCA coding.

09.00 Refreshments on arrival

09.30 Chris Holloway, RNLI volunteer
He will discuss man overboard kit, lifejackets and recovery technologies. Continue reading “IIMS Certifying Authority spring training day”

DW investigation reveals bilge pump dumping at sea is a bigger problem than most realise

Ships are dumping oily wastewater illegally by using a bilge pump.
Ships are dumping oily wastewater illegally by using a bilge pump.

The illegal dumping of oily wastewater into the ocean from ships, by using a bilge pump, is likely much more widespread than previously known and largely goes unpunished, according to an investigation from German media company DW. Despite oily waste dumping being prohibited globally under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), it continues to be shockingly common as vessels continue to pollute the world’s ocean with oil wastewater. Continue reading “DW investigation reveals bilge pump dumping at sea is a bigger problem than most realise”

Time to take charge of lithium battery moves

The market is exponentially increasing through consumer demand for a wide variety of rechargeable products from handheld devices to power tools and electric vehicles. Recently recorded incidents of container fires caused by, or suspected to involve lithium batteries, as well as conflagrations of significant proportions on car carriers and ro-pax ships mean that safety concerns rightly continue to grow amongst the maritime community. In addition to which revised regulatory restrictions regarding the carriage by air of lithium batteries, which took effect from 1st April, may result in greater volumes being transported by surface modes. Continue reading “Time to take charge of lithium battery moves”

World-leading Brisbane Shipyard expansion wins council approval

Photo credit: Rivergate Marina and Shipyard
Photo credit: Rivergate Marina and Shipyard

A Brisbane Shipyard is a major step closer to becoming the Asia Pacific region’s premier superyacht destination and a more strategic location for defence and commercial vessels after Rivergate Marina and Shipyard gained approval for a $200 million expansion.

Brisbane City Council has approved Rivergate’s Development Application for an expanded maintenance and refit hub based on the Brisbane River, which would be the catalyst for a jobs and economic bonanza for Queensland’s marine and tourism industries. Continue reading “World-leading Brisbane Shipyard expansion wins council approval”

Unsecured openings led to sinking of towing vessel Proassist III determines NTSB report

 NTSB report determines that unsecured openings led to sinking of towing vessel Proassist III
NTSB report determines that unsecured openings led to sinking of towing vessel Proassist III

Unsecured openings in the deck of a towing vessel led to its eventual flooding and sinking off the coast of Puerto Rico are the findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The towing vessel, Proassist III, suffered flooding in its stern compartments and sank near Puerto Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, on December 24, 2020, while transiting northbound off the coast. The three crewmembers on board were unable to pump out the water and eventually abandoned the vessel. No injuries were reported. The vessel was declared a total loss at $968,000. Continue reading “Unsecured openings led to sinking of towing vessel Proassist III determines NTSB report”

Brian Johnson to step down as CEO of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Brian Johnson set to retire from his role as CEO of the MCA
Brian Johnson set to retire from his role as CEO of the MCA

Brian Johnson has announced his retirement and is to formally step down from his role as CEO of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in October 2022.

He has been in the role for the last four years.

In a statement, he explained that becoming the chief executive of the MCA was an absolute dream come true.

“Being able to work to make a difference in the world of maritime safety, leading a group of people whose Continue reading “Brian Johnson to step down as CEO of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency”

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