International News

IACS highlights the need of guidance for remote audits and surveys

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IACS says it will actively participate in the forthcoming 8th session of the Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III 8), which will meet remotely from 25 to 29 July 2022, suggesting amendments to IMO resolutions to provide guidance on the use of remote audits and surveys.

Noting the work IACS Members undertake as Recognized Organizations of IMO Member States, verifying compliance of ships with IMO agreed requirements, and with a view to achieve clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted paper III 8/INF.19 and co-sponsored paper III 8/12/1. Continue reading “IACS highlights the need of guidance for remote audits and surveys”

Singapore ranked number one shipping centre for ninth year running

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Singapore has secured the top spot once again in the Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index Report. It is the ninth consecutive year that the report, published jointly by Chinese state news agency, Xinhua, and global maritime data provider, the Baltic Exchange, has ranked Singapore as the leading global maritime centre.

The city state scored 94.88 out of a possible 100 points, whilst second on the list was maritime professional services stronghold, London, with 83.04 points. Meanwhile, Shanghai, home to the world’s largest port, takes third place with 82.79 points. Continue reading “Singapore ranked number one shipping centre for ninth year running”

Keel failure results in capsize

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keel failure results in capsize during an overnight offshore qualifier
keel failure results in capsize during an overnight offshore qualifier

The crew of the first Farr X2 have been rescued after the boat lost its keel on an overnight offshore qualifier. Nexba Racing, a new 30ft grand prix racer aimed at the short-handed market, was sailing in a 100nm qualifier off the coast of New South Wales, Australia in a light to moderate breeze and 1-2m seas when the keel attachment failed resulting in the boat capsizing. The two female crew were rescued after spending 15 hours drifting. The 9.2-metre boat is the latest project from Farr Yacht Design. She was built in Singapore by XSP and launched in May.

“We are very thankful that the two crew were safely recovered and for the swift action of the Royal Australian Navy Destroyer Continue reading “Keel failure results in capsize”

The German Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation annual report published

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The German Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation annual report published
The German Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation annual report published

The German Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation (BSU) has published its 67 page annual report and it doing so it has noted that the total number of notifications is significantly higher than in 2020.

There were 659 incidents reported in 2021 in comparison with 602 the previous year – an increase of almost 20%. The number of reports outside the statutory responsibility of the BSU is almost identical in terms of actual figures (249 in 2020 versus 247 today), but has fallen in percentage terms from 42% to 38%.

In particular, marine casualties according to the IMO Code have increased from 109 to 132, representing an increase of more than 20%. The number of incidents has also increased by almost 15% from 244 to 280. Continue reading “The German Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation annual report published”

Master unaware of bow thruster’s problems due to lack of mitigating measures reveals TSB report

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Master unaware of bow thruster’s problems due to lack of mitigating measures reveals TSB report
Master unaware of bow thruster’s problems due to lack of mitigating measures reveals TSB report

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has released its investigation report on a March 2019 berthing incident involving the roll-on/roll-off ferry Apollo in Matane, Quebec.

On 16 March 2019, the crew was preparing the Apollo for the return trip from Godbout to Matane. In response to a request by the master, the chief engineer went to the starboard bridge wing console to look into replacing the button that was used to activate control of the bow thruster at that console. The plan was to replace the existing button in the next few days with one that would illuminate to indicate the operational status of the bow thruster. Continue reading “Master unaware of bow thruster’s problems due to lack of mitigating measures reveals TSB report”

Swedish Club guidelines for bills of lading published

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The Swedish Club has released a set of guidelines covering the most common issues with bills of lading. The guidelines have been written in response to requests from operators asking for further support in dealing with some of the practical and theoretical aspects of bills of lading.

Despite their seeming simplicity, a bill of lading is still a contract, and the reality is that whilst there is a lot of information available, it is not always easy to find. Part of the issue is that much of the available advice is found in legal textbooks, which may reach a restricted audience the Club said. Continue reading “Swedish Club guidelines for bills of lading published”

Improperly maintained fluids in well control equipment systems

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Improperly maintained fluids in well control equipment systems
Improperly maintained fluids in well control equipment systems

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has informed the industry about several recent offshore incidences where fluids used in well control equipment systems have been improperly maintained.

According to BSEE, two identified fluid contamination issues include the following:
– Nickel leaching into demineralized water in well control equipment, fluid systems.
– Calcium soap build-up in some control fluid systems, potentially caused by mixing the liquid concentrate with a chemical Continue reading “Improperly maintained fluids in well control equipment systems”

Reported injuries due to stored energy in slings

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Reported injuries due to stored energy in slings
Reported injuries due to stored energy in slings

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has issued advice and lessons learnt following injuries sustained by offshore crew working with slings. By issuing this information, BSEE hopes to prevent similar incidents in the future.

There have been multiple instances across the Gulf of Mexico in which offshore personnel have sustained injuries to the face while working with slings. These incidents resulted from stored energy in the slings. Recent incidents include the following:
– December 2021: A contract roustabout slid a sling off a joint of drill pipe, which left a double loop in the sling. While unhooking the shackle Continue reading “Reported injuries due to stored energy in slings”

What’s new with SOLAS 2024?

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A set of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the associated Codes enter into force on 1 January 2024. This statutory news from DNV highlights the changes that have been adopted for the 2024 update of SOLAS and its associated Codes.

The SOLAS Convention is regarded as the most important of all international treaties concerning the safety of merchant ships. Amendments to the technical provisions generally follow a four-year cycle of entry into force. This news highlights Continue reading “What’s new with SOLAS 2024?”

World’s largest containership this week in Shanghai

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A subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) is reported to have delivered the world’s largest containership in Shanghai. Named Ever Alot, the vessel has a carrying capacity of a massive 24,004 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), which gives her the unofficial world record-holder title. The vessel measures 400 meters long by 61.5 meters wide and a draft of 17 meters.

Ever Alot was delivered by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of CSSC, to a subsidiary of Taiwanese shipping company Evergreen Marine Corporation. Continue reading “World’s largest containership this week in Shanghai”

Marshall Islands investigation into cargo fumigation incidents launched

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Marshall Islands lauches investigation into cargo fumigation incidents
Marshall Islands lauches investigation into cargo fumigation incidents

The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator is conducting marine safety investigations following two different incidents involving in transit cargo fumigation.

One of these incidents resulted in the death of a crewmember soon after removing fumigant from the cargo holds prior to arrival at the discharge port. The other resulted in the hospitalization of a stevedore after being exposed to fumigant that had been applied by the crew prior to departure from the loading port. Continue reading “Marshall Islands investigation into cargo fumigation incidents launched”

Another serious lifeboat accident illustrates continued risk in drills

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serious lifeboat accident illustrates continued risk in drills
Serious lifeboat accident illustrates continued risk in drills

Canada’s Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has released a report on yet another serious lifeboat-drill accident, illustrating the continuing hazards of this routine SOLAS safety exercise. A failure of a lifeboat launch system on a merchant vessel can result in a fall from height, ending in injuries or fatalities.

On December 1, 2020, the crew of the bulk carrier Blue Bosporus were carrying out a free-fall lifeboat drill at anchor in English Bay, British Columbia. After the four wire rope slings for lowering away the free-fall lifeboat were attached, the third mate and an AB went aboard the boat to conduct a test launch. Continue reading “Another serious lifeboat accident illustrates continued risk in drills”

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