AMSA to develop new safety standards for shipping liquid hydrogen

A Liquified Hydrogen Flammable Gas holding container
Photo credits: NASA/Kim Shiflett

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between Australia and Japan at the headquarters of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) in Canberra which will allow liquid hydrogen to be shipped in bulk for the first time.

Ship containment systems are being developed in Japan that will be capable of safely transporting liquid hydrogen in bulk from Australia to Japan as part of a pilot project scheduled to commence in 2020.

Bulk gas cargoes are carried under the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) which is a mandatory code under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention.

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IMO Polar Code comes into force from 1 January 2017

The IMO Polar Code regulations come into force in January 2017
The IMO Polar Code regulations come into force in January 2017

As the potential for marine traffic in Polar regions increases, there is a clear need for modern and effective regulation. With this in mind, a significant step towards that goal was achieved in May 2015 when the International Maritime Organization (IMO) formally adopted the remaining parts of the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters – known colloquially as the “Polar Code.” The IMO Polar Code will come into force on 1 January 2017.

As part of the new directive, the IMO Polar Code is mandatory for all ships certificated under Chapter 1 of SOLAS, both new and existing, operating on international or domestic voyages within the IMO defined boundaries of Arctic waters and the Antarctic area. Polar waters generally cover the areas north of 60°N or south of 60°S, although there are slight deviations for Arctic waters intended to include the Continue reading “IMO Polar Code comes into force from 1 January 2017”

Isle of Man Registry launches blueprint for the future

Isle of man flagThe Isle of Man Ship registry has announced a new consultation and a timescale for delivery of major changes to the structure of its operating models and fees. The proposed changes are expected to exceed current and predicted expectations for a modern, progressive registry operation.

The proposed changes will provide full delegation of statutory surveys and inspections to Classification Societies as well as providing a new programme of Flag State Inspections to satisfy international Flag State obligations to the International Maritime Organisation. The Registry will also simplify its fees to provide a more competitive and predictable fee structure.

Dick Welsh, Director of the Isle of Man Ship Registry, commented:
“This is a change we have been planning for some time. It is the game changing final step in the delegation to Recognised Organisations which will place the Isle of Man in a more competitive position whilst improving the service levels for which it is renowned.”

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The shipping and maritime sector is absolutely central to the UK government’s future strategy

Transport Minister, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon addressed the UK Chamber’s inaugural UK Shipping Summit, where leaders from across industry gathered to examine and discuss key issues facing the sector in the years ahead. In his keynote address the Minister called on the shipping and maritime sector to play it’s role in shaping the discussions ahead in light of the decision to leave the European Union;

“As we leave the European Union we will forge a bold and positive new role for ourselves in the world. We must look to economic and industrial strategy, global trade and social reform to ensure Britain’s place in the world and a strong future for its citizens.

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AMSA notifies changes in its certification and accreditation services from 2017

AMSA has issued new edition of its publication ‘ Working Boats’ including information regarding changes in its certification and accreditation services.

Currently, even though AMSA is responsible for regulating domestic commercial vessels (DCVs) across Australia, the way you get your services — such as certificates and vessel IDs, undertaking surveys and the fees associated with these services — is not the same around the country. Those services are currently delivered by each state and territory, which sets its own procedures and fees for these services.

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Danish ships to be issued with digital certificates

The Danish FlagDenmark is set to become an international frontrunner as ships flying the Danish flag are to be fitted with digital certificates. As one of the first countries in the world to make this move, Denmark has put an end to the 100 years old tradition of certifying ships by means of old-fashioned certificates on paper.

Until now, the certification has been carried out by printing, stamping and signing paper certificates and subsequently sending them around the world to be kept on board ships.Digital certification or electronic certification which is the term used internationally – will put an end to these cumbersome procedures, reduce administrative workloads and pave the way for further maritime digitalisation.

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MED directive for domestic passenger ships and vessels consultation open

Will these life jackets meet the MED Directive? The consultation is open
Will these life jackets meet the MED Directive? The consultation is open

Marine equipment of a safety, or anti-pollution nature (such as lifejackets, fire extinguishers, oily water separators and ships’ radios and radars) installed onboard UK vessels must meet performance and testing standards to ensure it functions as required. Equipment required according to International Maritime Organisation (IMO) conventions is to be of an approved type and in the European Union (EU), this is achieved through Council Directive 96/98/EC2, otherwise known as the Marine Equipment Directive (MED).

Difficulties have been observed in implementing the MED Directive, particularly regarding protection of the EU market against non-compliant and fraudulent equipment and the communication of the applicable testing standards for equipment within the scope of the MED.

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Canadian Government set to commit 289m to small craft harbours

A Canadian fishing portThe Canadian Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Hunter Tootoo has announced an investment of C$289m ($219m) in small craft harbours across the country from 2016 to 2017.

The recent announcement adds an investment of C$32m ($24m) to an already committed value of C$149m ($113m), to be applied on small craft harbours (SCH) in the Canadian budget of this year.

SCH is a programme launched by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans across the nation to operate and maintain a national system of harbours offering safe and reliable access to coastal communities.

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AMSA issues marine notice on international delivery of domestic commercial vessels

AMSA LogoThe Australian Maritime Safety Authority has issued a marine notice about the international delivery of domestic commercial vessels and near coastal vessels operating overseas in order to provide general guidance to owners and/or operators of domestic commercial vessels.

All Australian commercial vessels 24 metres or more in tonnage length, and any Australian vessel (including domestic commercial vessels and recreational craft) in international waters are required to be registered in accordance with the Shipping Registration Act 1981 (unless a specific exemption applies). All Australian vessels which operate in international waters fall within the definition of a Regulated Australian Vessel (RAV) as a result of s15 of the Navigation Act 2012 (Navigation Act).

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Jordan is the latest to ratify MLC 2006

Containership The Government of Jordan deposited with the International Labour Office the instrument of ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). Jordan’s decision to join up makes them the 73rd member State to have ratified this landmark Convention. Now over 80 per cent of the world gross tonnage of ships have signed up to MLC 2006.

Jordan, the first Middle East Arab country to have the ratified this landmark Convention, has a merchant fleet totalling 109,602 gross tonnage.The MLC, 2006 entered into force on 20 August 2013 for the first 30 member States that had registered their ratification by 20 August 2012. The Convention will enter into force for Jordan on 27 of April 2017, that is, one year after its ratification.

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Korean Register agrees to provide statutory services for India

Korean Register is to provide services to the India flag administration
Korean Register is to provide services to the India flag administration

Korean Register has issued an announced to say it has signed an agreement with the Directorate General of Shipping to deliver services on behalf of the Indian flag administration, carrying out vessel surveys and issuing certificates according to international conventions.

Korean Register is now able to conduct relevant surveys and audits and to issue certificates to Indian flagged ships for SOLAS, MARPOL, ITC, ICLL, and MLC.

India’s maritime industry has strong potential for growth because of its geographical location between Asia and Africa and its 7,000km long coastline. India’s recent economic growth has dramatically increased the value of its import and export trade.

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Green shipping project set to be launched in Norway

Norwegian Government and DNVGL join to launch a new green shipping project
Norwegian Government and DNVGL join to launch a new green shipping project

The shipping industry is in a state of transition as it adjusts to increasingly strict emissions standards set forth by regulators in a new green shipping project. The European Parliament recently stated its aim to reduce emissions by more than 40 percent by 2030. The International Transportation Forum has also proposed reducing emissions by more than 50 percent by 2080, as well as taxes on those who exceed regulations.

And with the U.N. Climate Change Conference on the horizon, it is possible that emissions regulations will only get more stringent. Government officials and industry leaders are scrambling to innovate to stay ahead of new rules.

In a joint program with the Norwegian government, Oslo-based DNV GL recently launched the Green Coastal Shipping Programme which aims to create the most environmentally-friendly vessels in the world.

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