Salvage companies make contribution to the marine environment and the shipping industry

Salvage companies faces numerous challenges. Image courtesy of Tsavliris Salvage Group
Salvage companies faces numerous challenges. Image courtesy of Tsavliris Salvage Group

The salvage industry faces numerous challenges nowadays. Salvage cases tend to be more complicated technically and expensive. This is, in large measure, due to the increased size of vessels, increased values of their cargo and external influences such as demanding requirements from governmental organisations and the shore-based authorities. There are fewer cases for salvage companies and yet society’s expectations about protection of the environment have increased.

It is clear that salvage Salvage companies have much to contemplate. However, salvors are problem solvers, they will continue to stand ready to assist casualties all around the world. Salvors will always respond to a casualty no matter the Continue reading “Salvage companies make contribution to the marine environment and the shipping industry”

Liftboat overturns due to inadequate information about seafloor composition reveals report

Liftboat, Ram XVIII, overturned in the Gulf of Mexico
Liftboat, Ram XVIII, overturned in the Gulf of Mexico

The US National Transportation Safety Board published its report on the liftboat Ram XVIII, that overturned in the Gulf of Mexico, on November 18. Due to the incident, three personnel suffered minor injuries, while about 1,000 gallons of hydraulic oil were released. The vessel was declared a constructive total loss at an estimated $1,140,000.

The Ram XVIII started from Houma, Louisiana, on Friday, November 16, after taking on a Fugro Chance surveyor and survey equipment, to service the WD-68-U platform. The vessel was carrying 190 tons cargo, and the voyage lasted 2.5 hours. Continue reading “Liftboat overturns due to inadequate information about seafloor composition reveals report”

UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2019 reveals a fall in maritime trade growth

UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2019
UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2019

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has published the Review of Maritime Transport 2019 study, presenting in it a fall in maritime trade growth. The report highlights trade policy crosscurrents, geopolitics and sanctions, environmental worries, fuel economics and tensions regarding the Strait of Hormuz, all of which have contributed to slower growth in merchandise trade.

World maritime trade lost its momentum in 2018 due to increased uncertainty, rising tariff tensions between the US and China, as well as concerns regarding other trade policy and political crosscurrents. These relate to a no-deal Brexit, which sent waves through global markets, according to UNCTAD’s Review of Maritime Continue reading “UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2019 reveals a fall in maritime trade growth”

UK Chamber of Shipping calls for more hybrid ferries

UK Chamber of Shipping calls for more hybrid ferries
UK Chamber of Shipping calls for more hybrid ferries

Tackling climate change is the number one priority for the UK Chamber of Shipping and Chief Executive, Bob Sanguinetti, recently visited Wightlink in Portsmouth where he was shown their state-of-the-art hybrid ferry.

Victoria of Wight, which takes passengers all year round to the Isle of Wight, entered service in August 2018 and was the first hybrid ferry in England. The ship uses a hybrid energy system, which works much like a hybrid energy car, allowing her to run partly on electricity when required. At the time of launching the Victoria Continue reading “UK Chamber of Shipping calls for more hybrid ferries”

Nanotechnology Marine Applications looks at a fix for corrosion and biofouling

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is located in Braga, north Portugal.
The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is located in Braga, north Portugal.

Leading European scientists have released details of a study on the potential of ‘Nanotechnology Marine Applications’ as part of the two-year KETmaritime project.

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is the lead partner in the €1million initiative backed by the European Regional Development Fund.

Project coordinator Ana Vila said, “Humidity and salinity levels at sea cause around 30% of all vessel failures, repair needs and equipment malfunctions. Corrosion and biofouling are two major by-products impacting vessel materials, durability and performance.”

While traditional solutions including protective coatings and paints partially offset Continue reading “Nanotechnology Marine Applications looks at a fix for corrosion and biofouling”

Heritage report for 2017-19 published by Canal & River Trust

Heritage report for 2017-19
Heritage report for 2017-19

The Trust formally checks for changes in condition, defects or hazards along each stretch of canal at least once every two months. These inspections show that incidents affecting waterways heritage stood at 626 in 2017/18 and 635 in 2018/19, down from 800 recorded incidents in 2016/17. The most common cause of damage was vandalism (42% and 41% in 2017/18 and 2018/19, with half involving graffiti).

Less frequent, but significant, are incidents of damage caused by impact from vehicles or boats. In 2017/18 40% of all such incidents were caused by boats, reducing to 19% in 2018/19. Vehicle collisions typically damage canal bridges, and in 2017/18 there were 63 reported incidents, rising to 85 incidents in 2018/19. Continue reading “Heritage report for 2017-19 published by Canal & River Trust”

Corrosion nightmare in tanks, and how to mitigate

Corrosion is a concern for tank container owners and operators
Corrosion is a concern for tank container owners and operators

Corrosion is a perennial concern for tank container owners and operators. The stainless steel construction is resistant to staining and corrosion, but may be vulnerable to pitting from certain cargoes or certain cleaning and maintenance operations. Visually minor pitting may conceal development of substantial or even catastrophic corrosion below the surface.

It may be expected that UN Class 8 dangerous cargoes (Corrosive Substances) are the predominant challenge where corrosion of UN portable tanks (tank containers) is concerned, although such commodities are not alone in presenting risk. In terms Continue reading “Corrosion nightmare in tanks, and how to mitigate”

IBM backs new autonomous research vessel for historic transatlantic voyage

IBM joins effort to build an autonomous research vessel
IBM joins effort to build an autonomous research vessel

IBM has announced that it is joining an effort to build an autonomous research vessel for an historic transatlantic crossing. In honour of the fourth centennial of the famous voyage of settlers from England to the Americas, it will be named the Mayflower.

The five-ton, wing sail/solar/diesel powered Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS) is designed to make 20 knots on its eastbound voyage. Over the course of the 12-day crossing, it will take water samples for research on ocean microplastics, and its sensors will return data on water temperature and nutrient levels. For navigation Continue reading “IBM backs new autonomous research vessel for historic transatlantic voyage”

Environmental Report for 2019 published by European Sea Ports Organisation

European Sea Ports Organisation publishes its annual Environmental Report
European Sea Ports Organisation publishes its annual Environmental Report

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) has released its annual Environmental Report for 2019 indicating that air quality continues to be the top environmental priority of member ports.

The Environmental Report includes over 60 environmental performance benchmarks including figures on green services to shipping (shore-side electricity, LNG and environmentally differentiated port dues) as well as the top 10 environmental priorities of the European ports.

Air quality was followed by energy consumption as priority number two as it is seen Continue reading “Environmental Report for 2019 published by European Sea Ports Organisation”

IUMI says Time to take action on container ship fires

IUMI speaks out about container ship fires
IUMI speaks out about container ship fires

The shipping industry has witnessed many fire incidents on container ships this year, some of which have resulted in fatalities and others in significant economic losses. At a recent conference, IUMI took the chance to alert and feedback on the situation and call the shipping industry to improve its onboard firefighting systems and seafarers’ training.

Gard P&I Club organised a conference in Arendal, Norway on 17-18 October 2019. The event attracted many shipping stakeholders, including IMO, flags states, shipowners and insurers. Their aim? To push for more discussions on preventing Continue reading “IUMI says Time to take action on container ship fires”

Duckweed explosion puts UK waterways diversity under threat

Explosion in duckweed is threatening marine life
Explosion in duckweed is threatening marine life

Waterways maintenance company The Rothen Group has warned that the explosion in duckweed is threatening marine life and is calling for a sustainable solution.

Duckweed causes damage by preventing sunlight from hitting the water and reducing oxygen levels.

According to The Rothen Group, this has damaging consequences for the biodiversity of our waterways, and significantly impacts on their long-term health. To prevent the uncontrolled growth of this invasive species, those tasked with clearing weeds should turn to specialist marine equipment to combat the issue. Continue reading “Duckweed explosion puts UK waterways diversity under threat”

Hybrid SES: First hybrid powered Surface Effect Ship to be used for crew transfer

Hybrid SES
Hybrid SES

CWind has announced a long-term charter contract agreement with Ørsted, delivering by mid 2020, the world’s first hybrid powered Surface Effect Ship (SES) to Borssele 1 and 2 offshore wind farms. The agreement between the world’s leading windfarm operator Ørsted and CWind, part of the Global Marine Group, covers an initial three-year firm charter with options available for a further two years. The Hybrid SES crew transfer vessel will be operating from the Dutch port of Vlissingen, to Borssele 1 and 2, located 23km from the Dutch coast in the North Sea.

The development of the Hybrid SES for use as a crew transfer vessel is in response to an industry-wide push to develop and deploy innovative technologies that reduce Continue reading “Hybrid SES: First hybrid powered Surface Effect Ship to be used for crew transfer”

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