Lloyd’s Register (LR) has issued an update to its Retrofit Research Programme, with the latest report focusing on the developments in Engine retrofits for alternative fuels.
While the maritime industry has seen positive developments, such as increased methanol fuel conversions and shipyard engine retrofits capabilities since 2023, the adoption of alternative fuels faces a significant hurdle. Continue reading “Lack of green fuels questions engine retrofits says new study”
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”
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”
New analysis by the Maritime Emissions Reduction Centre (MERC) has found that silicone-based hull coatings could deliver significant emissions reductions, but challenges around application and mechanical strength remain.
Silicone coatings, with their very low surface energies and smooth surfaces, result in self-cleaning properties that release microfouling, preventing the development of macrofouling. The resulting reduction in drag can lead to significant fuel savings and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While manufacturers claim potential fuel savings of up to 10%, the analysis by MERC of actual vessel performance reported by its members provides a more nuanced picture of the technology’s benefits. Coating performance is highly dependent on factors such as vessel type, age and operating profile. While substantial savings are possible, precise performance measurement remains challenging due to variables such as engine condition and weather. Continue reading “Silicone-based hull coatings to deliver significant emissions reduction according to Maritime Emissions Reduction Centre analysis”
Danish Shipping has adopted a new policy on biofouling management, where it recommends that its members follow IMO guidelines, which are currently not mandatory.
So-called biofouling on the hulls of ships is not only a potential threat to vulnerable marine ecosystems, but it also causes increased fuel consumption, when there are things stuck to the hull (due to the increased friction).
Proper biofouling management reduces fouling, bio-security risks and fuel consumption. Danish Shipping recommends its members follow IMO guidelines and keep records of their adherence to the guidelines. Continue reading “Danish Shipping adopts biofouling management policy”
Ten oil spills of more than seven tonnes were recorded from tanker incidents in 2024, the same number as in 2023.
This brings the decade average to 7.4 tanker spills per year, which is a dramatic reduction from the numbers reported in earlier decades but currently slightly higher than the average for the 2010s (6.3 spills per year).
The total volume of oil lost to the environment from tanker spills in 2024 was approximately 10,000 tonnes.
Most oil spills (>7 tonnes) recorded between 1970 and 2024 were caused by allisions/collisions and groundings.
ITOPF maintains a database of oil spills from tank vessels, including combined carriers, FPSOs and barges. This contains Continue reading “ITOPF oil tanker spill statistics 2024 report”
OCIMF has issued an interim information paper to provide minimum functional requirements for the safe application of barge-based Emission Capture and Control (ECC) to oil, chemical and oil product tankers operating at onshore conventional berths, such as piers, jetties and quays.
According to OCIMF, the adoption of Emission Capture and Control (ECC) can bring environmental advantages to maritime operations in ports and terminals. By using ECC while at berth, ships can reduce their emissions, contributing to improved local air quality and aiding in compliance with environmental regulations. Continue reading “Safety recommendations for Emission Capture and Control”
The Water Revolution Foundation has issued an open letter outlining four recommendations to help foster more sustainable practices in the superyacht sector. These recommendations – billed as ‘yachting resolutions’ for 2025 – are aimed at yacht owners and family offices.
The Water Revolution Foundation was started from within the superyacht industry to help the industry reduce its footprint. It is an independent Dutch legal entity called a ‘stichting’, which is “an institution aiming to achieve a certain goal”. The foundation’s recommendations are as follows: Continue reading “Water Revolution Foundation issues open letter urging superyacht owners to act on sustainability”
The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) published a new Unified Interpretation UI SC307 on hydrocarbon gas detection and bilge high level alarms in cargo pump-rooms. The UI is set to be implemented by IACS societies on ships contracted to be built on or after 1 January 2026.
The interpretation says:
1. Characteristics of the cargoes and their vapors (flammability, density, etc.) should be taken into consideration to determine the type and arrangement of detectors. Continue reading “IACS interpretation on hydrocarbon gas detection and bilge high level alarms”
India is determined to join the world’s top shipbuilding and shipping nations. In DNV’s latest article, Pioneering high-tech, green shipbuilding in India, the classification society shares how DNV provides expertise and services to support India and Cochin Shipyard’s ambitious shipbuilding programme.
Cochin Shipyard in southern India is at the forefront of India’s maritime industry development programme, enjoying a reputation as a specialist in high-quality, high-tech, green shipbuilding. From sophisticated hybrid offshore support vessels to modern multipurpose ships and zero-emission ferries for European and Indian owners, the yard Continue reading “DNV on green shipbuilding in India”
Several ships in Singapore and Rotterdam have recently reported issues after using cashew nutshell marine biofuel.
Reported operational problems included fuel sludging, injector failure, filter clogging, system deposits and corrosion of turbocharger nozzle rings. CTI-Maritec carried out extended gas chromatography mass spectrometry testing for very low sulphur fuel oil samples from the vessels. The results showed the fuel was blended with Cashew Nutshell Liquid (CNSL) from undeclared source materials or production processes.
CNSL, a non-FAME biofuel, is a naturally occurring byproduct of the cashew nut industry and acts as a low-cost alternative renewable fuel. Continue reading “Cashew nutshell marine biofuel warning sent out”
To reduce emissions from oceangoing vessels while in port, DNV have expanded emissions regulations. The 2020 CARB At-Berth Regulation will require tanker and Ro-Ro vessels to use a CARB Approved Emission Control Strategy (CAECS) while at berth in California ports starting from 1 January 2025.
And classification society DNV has released details on the forthcoming next phase of the regulation.
The 2020 At-Berth Regulation requires all oceangoing vessel operators and terminal operators to report each visit made to any California marine terminal. However, only container, refrigerated cargo and cruise vessels have emissions control requirements. Continue reading “DNV on upcoming expanded emissions regulations in Californian ports”
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