Using an ambitious but feasible set of actions, a new report concludes that ammonia-powered vessels will not only be commercially viable but with an aggressive path and broad use of subsidies could be possible as early as 2026. The new analysis from the Global Maritime Forum is the second phase of a project focusing on a first-of-its-kind ammonia-powered gas carrier and reiterates the research’s strong support for ammonia saying they believe the cost gap between operating ships on zero-emission ammonia and conventional fuel could be closed before 2030. Continue reading “Ammonia powered vessels could be economical as early as 2026 concludes new report”
International News
NTSB renews call for US Coast Guard to require an SMS policy for passenger vessels
Four years after the fire aboard the Conception dive boat claimed 34 lives, the National Transportation Safety Board renewed its call for the US Coast Guard to require safety management systems (SMS) for passenger vessels.
The recommendation, which the NTSB reissued following its investigation of 2 September 2019 into the fire aboard the Conception, remains open. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy sent a letter to the Coast Guard Commandant emphasizing the need to issue the regulations within 30 days. Continue reading “NTSB renews call for US Coast Guard to require an SMS policy for passenger vessels”
Maltese authorities issue commercial yacht manning advisory
A commercial yachting notice has been issued by the Maltese Merchant Shipping Directorate (MMSD) to remind all yacht owners about manning responsibilities.
Under Section 17 of the Malta Commercial Yacht Code (CYC), all yachts of 24m and above in length have to carry a valid Minimum Safe Manning Certificate, while yachts uner 24m must follow the minimum safe manning requirements as detailed in Section 17.
The Minimum Safe Manning Certificate (for yachts > 24m) and the Safe Manning Scales (for yachts < 24m) are applicable for all international and domestic voyages. As detailed in Section 17 of the CYC, the number of crew may be reduced when a yacht is not operational and is laid-up and/or wintering at berth. Continue reading “Maltese authorities issue commercial yacht manning advisory”
International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Handbook 2023/24 published
International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation handbook has been published.
The new edition of the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF) Handbook 2023/24 is a valuable source of information for professionals involved in oil, chemical and cargo spills from ships and features updated oil spill statistics amongst other things. Continue reading “International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Handbook 2023/24 published”
Revised Port State Control procedures effective from January 2024
The Sub-Committee on the Implementation of IMO Instruments (III) 9th session took place 31 July to 04 August 2023 where, among other things, the draft amendments to the Procedures for Port State Control were finalised.The Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III) brings together flag, port and coastal States to consider implementation issues, including the analysis of consolidated audit summary reports from the mandatory IMO Member state Audit Scheme. Lloyd’s Register has helpfully has provided the following summary and overview highlighting key outcomes from the session:
Continue reading “Revised Port State Control procedures effective from January 2024”
US Coast Guard issues final report on fatal liftboat capsizing
The US Coast Guard Office of Investigations and Casualty Analysis has published an investigation report about the capsizing of the liftboat Seacor Power in the Gulf of Mexico. The accident claimed the lives of 13 people.
On April 13, 2021, the liftboat made its way into the Gulf of Mexico from Port Fourchon destined for an offshore rig. On its journey, the boat encountered a severe storm and Seacor Power capsized. Just 6 of the 19 onboard the vessel owned by Seacor Marine were rescued. Among the dead was the boat’s captain, David Ledet. Continue reading “US Coast Guard issues final report on fatal liftboat capsizing”
Boosting cybersecurity awareness in inland navigation and especially for ports
The European Committee for drawing up Standards in the field of Inland Navigation (CESNI) has published a good practice guide on cybersecurity in inland navigation, focusing on ports. The good practice guide was developed in partnership with the European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP) and aims to be an accessible framework for all inland ports, regardless of their size or location in Europe. Here is an insight into the new publication and its key takeaways.
As the world continues to become more interconnected and more reliant on digital services, cybersecurity attacks are continually increasing. Several ports have been victims of cyberattacks in the past few years, Continue reading “Boosting cybersecurity awareness in inland navigation and especially for ports”
Black Sea MoU Port State Control Annual Report 2022
The Black Sea MoU has published its Annual Report on Port State Control in the Black Sea region, covering the period between 1st January and 31st December 2022.
Over the course of the 2022 calendar year, 4,972 inspections, involving 3,501 individual ships, were carried out on ships registered by 77 Flag Administrations in the Black Sea Region. The war in Ukraine has heavily affected shipping in the Black Sea Region, including Ukrainian ports. In early 2022, before the onset of the war on 24 February, the number of inspections (958) returned to the pre-Covid and was slightly more than the total number of inspections in this period of 2019 (848). Continue reading “Black Sea MoU Port State Control Annual Report 2022”
2022 Paris MoU Annual Report published
The Paris MoU has published its 2022 Annual Report, which provides an overview of its activities and statistics for last year. According to the report ship inspections have normalised compared to the two previous years. Inspections could be carried out again at a level that is customary for the Paris MoU.
COVID-19 was no longer a major concerns on imposing restrictions. However, the information on inspection results from 2022 was difficult to compare with the two previous years because of the different circumstances regarding numbers of inspections and deficiencies due to the pandemic. Continue reading “2022 Paris MoU Annual Report published”
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has released its annual report for the fiscal year 2022-23
This article has been extracted from the much longer main report and covers specific aspects of marine transportation safety.
The TSB received 1209 reports of marine transportation occurrences in 2022 (241 accidents and 968 incidents), including seven fatalities.
The total of 241 marine transportation accidents represents an increase from the 220 accidents in 2021 but is lower than the 10-year average of 276. In 2022, 82% of accidents were shipping accidents (when a ship, for example, sinks, founders, or capsizes), the same as the previous 10-year average (82%). The remaining 18% of accidents in 2022 were aboard a ship (when a person was killed or seriously injured when, for example, boarding a ship or by falling overboard), also the same as the previous 10-year average (18%). Continue reading “The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has released its annual report for the fiscal year 2022-23”
Engine Room Safety Alert: Pipe Compression fittings and Fire Prevention
Lloyd’s Register has released an Engine Room Safety Alert following the conclusions of a recent maritime safety report by Federal Bureau. It has again highlighted the need for constant vigilance, maintenance and safety procedures. In particular, care is required when positioning and fitting compression fittings involving possible flammable liquids and oils that can impinge on nearby hot surfaces, which then combine to ignite, causing a serious fire in the engine room/machinery space.
Having investigated the fire in the main engine room of the German flagged ferry, Continue reading “Engine Room Safety Alert: Pipe Compression fittings and Fire Prevention”
Canada introduces mandatory wastewater regulations for cruise ships with immediate effect
Citing the importance of strengthening Canada’s environmental standards, government officials have announced that effective immediately they have moved from voluntary to mandatory measures governing cruise ship wastewater discharges. Having previously been criticized for lax standards and enforcement, they highlighted that the new measures align with or exceed standards set out by the International Maritime Organization.
“We need to ensure they are doing so in a more sustainable manner moving forward,” Omar Alghabra, Canada’s Minister of Transport said while recognizing the contribution of cruise tourism to Canada’s economy. Continue reading “Canada introduces mandatory wastewater regulations for cruise ships with immediate effect”