ATSB says ambiguous procedures led to vessel steering failure

CMA CGM is revising its steering guidance across the fleet after ambiguous procedures contributed to one of its ships colliding with a navigational beacon in the Yarra River, according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).

Photo credit: ATSB
Photo Credit: ATSB

Departing the Port of Melbourne on 25 May 2023 under the conduct of a harbour pilot, containership CMA CGM Puccini contacted the navigational beacon after swinging wide in a turn when its rudder began responding erratically to helm orders. The ship was slowed and returned towards the middle of the channel, before being stabilised with tug assistance and then conducted to nearby Webb Dock. While the ship sustained minor hull paint damage, the beacon was significantly damaged. Continue reading “ATSB says ambiguous procedures led to vessel steering failure”

Liberian Registry issues notice on recall of rocket parachute flares

The Liberia Maritime Authority has published marine advisory 04/2025 on the Voluntary replacement and recall of rocket parachute flares Kokusai Kakoh Co., Ltd / Type: KP-16.
Kokusai Kakoh Co., Ltd recalled the flare due to concerns regarding the specified altitude and burning time when fired.

The item in question:
• Product name/type: Kokusai Kakoh Co., Ltd. Rocket parachute flares Type: KP-16 ➢ Date of manufacture: From February 2021 to July 2024. The Liberian Maritime Authority recommends replacing these flares in accordance with information provided by the manufacturer, “Instructions (for outside of Japan)”. Continue reading “Liberian Registry issues notice on recall of rocket parachute flares”

MAIB safety bulletin into safety issues on Red Sea liveaboard dive boats

Image courtesy of Ali Aref, President of Dive Pro Liveaboard. Source: MAIB
Image courtesy of Ali Aref, President of Dive Pro Liveaboard. Source: MAIB

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch is aware that 16 Red Sea liveaboard dive boats have been lost over the last 5 years. Seven of these losses happened in the last 21 months, and three of these resulted in numerous fatalities including UK nationals.

In line with the principles of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Casualty Investigation Code, the UK has been registered as a substantially interested state in the Egyptian safety investigations into these accidents. Continue reading “MAIB safety bulletin into safety issues on Red Sea liveaboard dive boats”

Scrap metal fires and the IMSBC Code

Photo credit: Gard P&I club
Photo credit: Gard P&I Club

Gard P&I Club has highlighted the issue of serious scrap metal fires and questions if the IMSBC Code is adequately addressing the risks. According to Gard, most of its cases and those reported in accident investigations appear to concern scrap metal declared by shippers as Group C, which under the IMSBC Code is cargo which is neither liable to liquefy (Group A) nor to possess chemical hazards (Group B).

Images and accounts of scrap metal fires associated with such non-hazardous declarations paint a more concerning risk picture. Accident investigation reports speak of rapidly developing fires with intense heat and heavy smoke threatening harm to the crew, shore fire fighters as well as local residents. Continue reading “Scrap metal fires and the IMSBC Code”

IACS publishes new recommendation on onshore power supply systems

IACS Logo

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has released recommendation, Rec. 182 to support onshore power supply systems (OPS).
The new recommendation provides detailed guidance on integrating OPS systems into both newbuilds and retrofits, while addressing the technical and operational challenges associated with its implementation. Continue reading “IACS publishes new recommendation on onshore power supply systems”

Transport Malta: crewmember death after steam valve failure onboard Chemical Hunter

An able bodied seafarer (AB) on board Chemical Hunter was severely scalded by steam
An able bodied seafarer (AB) on board Chemical Hunter was severely scalded by steam

On 28 January 2024, an able bodied seafarer (AB) on board Chemical Hunter was severely scalded by steam. The accident happened during cargo tank washing and steaming operations. Chemical Hunter had just left the port of Altamira, Mexico when the accident occurred. The vessel returned to port where the injured crew member was transferred to a hospital. Despite the first aid given on board, and the more specialised treatment in hospital, the injured crew member succumbed to his injuries about two weeks after the accident.
The safety investigation determined that the failure mechanism of the steam inlet valve to the cargo tank cleaning water heater was most Continue reading “Transport Malta: crewmember death after steam valve failure onboard Chemical Hunter”

IACS releases new guidelines on safety standards for surveyors

IACS has introduced new recommendations to enhance safety standards for surveyors.
IACS has introduced new recommendations to enhance safety standards for surveyors.

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has introduced new recommendations to enhance safety standards for surveyors.
The new guidelines, Rec. 184, recognise that surveyors continue to face significant occupational health and safety (OHS) risks at work.
There is growing recognition that some of the safety challenges that surveyors’ face would benefit from improved collaboration and sharing of experience to establish a more consistent approach.
Designed to creating safer working conditions for surveyors and all personnel engaged in maritime operations, these guidelines outline critical measures to mitigate risks and addresses key areas such as risk assessments and situational awareness, ensuring that they are equipped to handle the hazards they may encounter. Continue reading “IACS releases new guidelines on safety standards for surveyors”

Volvo Penta launches all-inclusive global 3-year marine warranty

Volvo Penta launches all-inclusive global 3-year marine warrantyPhoto credit: Volvo Penta
Volvo Penta launches all-inclusive global 3-year marine warranty Photo credit: Volvo Penta

This new comprehensive marine warranty applies to products delivered from 2025 and onwards and underscores our commitment to premium protection, ease of ownership, and support. The 3-year marine warranty covers Volvo Penta branded transmissions, engines, control systems, and accessories – ensuring seamless protection throughout the entire ownership journey.

The new 3-year standard warranty replaces previous offerings, providing a unified and expanded solution. This warranty reflects Volvo Penta’s commitment to delivering premium protection and support for both marine leisure and commercial customers. It includes global Continue reading “Volvo Penta launches all-inclusive global 3-year marine warranty”

Allianz Risk Barometer 2025: Cyber risk climbs to the top by largest margin ever

Cyber incidents are the top global risk for 2025 and by a higher margin than ever before – making it the fourth year in a row that cyber is ranked as the number one risk across industries, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer 2025.

Top global risks overview
Cyber incidents consolidate their position as the most important risk – with 38% of responses, a record 7% points ahead. Notably, the risk impact of new technologies and developments in artificial intelligence (AI) is a new entrant in the top 10 global risks at #10. Closely interlinked to cyber, business interruption is ranked #2 (31%), just ahead of another related risk, natural catastrophes at #3 (29%). Continue reading “Allianz Risk Barometer 2025: Cyber risk climbs to the top by largest margin ever”

New IACS requirement on monitoring and safety functions for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (M86)

IACS has released a new unified requirement for monitoring and safety functions for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (M86).
IACS has released a new unified requirement for monitoring and safety functions for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (M86).

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has released a new unified requirement for monitoring and safety functions for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (M86).

Marine air pollution regulations typically require the use of low-sulfur fuel to reduce SOx gaseous emissions. The use of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) technology is generally permitted as an alternative means of compliance.

EGCS – SOx Scrubbers can be effective in complying with regulations that require the use of 0.5 percent sulfur fuel globally and 0.1 percent in Emission Control Areas (ECA). The following requirements apply to the arrangements intended for the safeguard of the ship in case of malfunction of the EGCS. Continue reading “New IACS requirement on monitoring and safety functions for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (M86)”

Lloyd’s Register: New water on deck damage stability requirements for ro-ro passenger ships

The European Union has adopted Directive 2023/946
The European Union has adopted Directive 2023/946

The European Union has adopted Directive 2023/946, which amends the “water on deck” damage stability requirements for ro-ro passenger ships in Directive 2003/25/EC.

This new directive is intended to align the EU’s stability requirements with the enhanced standards established by SOLAS 2020.

Since 5 December 2024, the new directive 2023/946 is applicable for new and existing ro-ro passenger ships engaged on international voyages that operate regularly to or from a port of an EU Member State, and which have never been certified in accordance with this directive or the previous Directive Continue reading “Lloyd’s Register: New water on deck damage stability requirements for ro-ro passenger ships”

Liberia: Carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers

Recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers has been issued by LMA
Recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers has been issued by LMA

The Liberia Maritime Authority has sent out recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers. These recommendations are the first step in a two-stage approach aimed at reducing the environmental risks associated with the carriage of plastic pellets in packaged form by sea, pending IMO’s consideration of future mandatory measures for their carriage.

Summary of the Recommendations
1. Plastic pellets should be packed in good quality packaging which should be strong enough to withstand the shocks and loading normally encountered during transport. Packaging should be constructed and closed to prevent any loss of content which may be caused under transport normal conditions.
2. Transport information should clearly identify those freight containers containing plastic pellets. Additionally, the shipper should supplement the cargo information with a special stowage request requiring stowage as outlined in item 3 below. Continue reading “Liberia: Carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers”

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