The sub-committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (IMO CCC) met in September to review or update relevant codes including the IMSBC, IMDG, IGF and IGC Codes.
This sub-committee is where all matters related to the carriage of packaged dangerous goods, solid bulk cargoes, bulk gas cargoes, containers, and zero and low carbon fuels are discussed. Lloyd’s Register has published the following summary of the meeting:
The Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS) explains that charcoal is a widely used material for various purposes, including cooking, heating, and industrial processes and it is often transported in shipping containers. The carriage of charcoal in containers poses significant fire risks due to the potential for self-heating and spontaneous ignition.
Charcoal is described in the IMDG Code as “Black material originating from organic sources. Particularly includes carbon blacks, of animal or vegetable origin other non-activated carbon materials and Continue reading “CINS releases Comprehensive Guidelines for Carriage of Charcoal in Containers”
It seems we have gone full circle. Cargo ships powered by sail were lost to us a century or more ago, and to the current generation such vessels are regarded as outmoded transportation from a bygone era. But now they are back, more sophisticated and sustainable than ever. Recently I read about the Anemos, which has claimed the title of the world’s largest sailing cargo ship as she made her inaugural voyage from Concarneau, South Brittany, France. Continue reading “What caught my eye: September 2024”
The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has issued an update for transporting biological liquid cargo following explosion after hot work was carried out near a vent from a tank containing fish silage.
Fish silage is fresh fish residue and formic acid. The acid conserves the residue and delays the process of decomposition. When organic material decomposes in environments where there is little air, hazardous gases may form. Continue reading “Hazards when transporting biological liquid cargo”
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has released investigation report M22P0259 into the capsizing and subsequent sinking of the passenger vessel Island Bay in Carpenter Bay, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia (BC).
On September 10, 2022, the Island Bay was proceeding towards sheltered waters within Carpenter Bay to avoid heavy weather when a combination of forces from wind, waves, and the tide caused the vessel to heel Continue reading “TSB releases investigation report into capsizing and sinking of passenger vessel Island Bay”
The International Maritime Organization has issued resolution MSC.553(108) with amendments to the 2011 ESP Code: Certification by hull inspection firms. The amendments will come into force on January 1, 2026.
These changes specifically focus on the approval and certification processes for firms that conduct thickness measurements of hull structures. Hull thickness measurements are essential for determining the structural integrity of ships and ensuring their safe operation. The amendments apply to different types of bulk carriers and oil tankers, and aim to ensure that the firms responsible for these Continue reading “IMO amendments to the ESP Code: Certification by hull inspection firms”
The International Maritime Organization has issued resolutions MSC.549(108) and MSC.550(108), which amend the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention.
Resolution MSC.549(108) amends SOLAS Chapter II-1, with the changes set to take effect on January 1, 2028. This resolution introduces a new section to Regulation 3-4 that addresses emergency towing arrangements for ships other than tankers. Specifically, ships of 20,000 gross tonnage or more, built on or after January 1, 2028, must have emergency towing arrangements. These arrangements need to be capable of quick deployment even without main power and should easily connect to a towing ship. They must also be strong enough to handle adverse weather conditions, with their design and testing approved by the relevant authorities according to IMO guidelines. Continue reading “SOLAS updates announced by IMO: New amendments on emergency towing, fire safety, and container reporting”
Appalled that deaths in enclosed spaces continue to be all too frequent occurrences in the shipping industry, the Maritime Professional Council of the United Kingdom (MPC) has announced its support for fundamental changes to ship operation and design.
MPC member InterManager has been at the forefront of raising this issue where, it says, seemingly innocuous compartments, cargo holds and fuel tanks, vital for storage and operation on board any vessel, have become graveyards for far too many seafarers due to a lack of attention, regulation, and understanding. Continue reading “Enclosed space deaths spark calls for change”
Saudi Red Sea Authority yachting regulations have been written and published for the first time by the authorities.
The new Saudi Red Sea Authority yachting regulations outline the necessary requirements and conditions for the use of yachts in Red Sea waters, as well as overseeing the issuance of tourism and leisure licenses and permits, the Saudi Press Agency reported. They outline the conditions and procedures for issuing technical licenses for leisure tourism, and the required criteria for yacht owners or authorized tourism maritime agents. Continue reading “First Saudi Red Sea Authority yachting regulations released”
The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator has observed a troubling rise in International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) related detentions due to recurring non-compliance issues.
Specifically, deficiencies relating to control of ship access, log keeping, and frequency of security drills have been noted. These deficiencies have led to ships being detained within different Port State Control (PSC) Memoranda of Understanding. Most of these detentions were easily preventable by proper and effective implementation of the Ship Security Plan (SSP). Continue reading “Increase in deficiencies related to ISPS Code noted by Marshall Islands”
Has your chosen education provider achieved an internationally recognised standard? Today, it seems easy to get duped by seductive marketing and one International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) member is urging others to do their due diligence when signing up for a marine surveying professional development course.
A few years ago, the member in question decided to add another specialisation to their skillset at significant expense. Once they had Continue reading “How to choose the right marine surveying professional development course for you (and guidance on what to watch out for)”
In response to the increasing concerns over the number of containers lost at sea in recent years, IACS has adopted two new Unified Requirements, UR C6 and UR C7, to enhance the cargo securing arrangements of container ships.
Container ships play a vital role in global trade, facilitating the transportation of goods across vast distances. However, the safe transport of this cargo type poses unique challenges, particularly with regards to stowage and securing of containers on onboard vessels. By Continue reading “IACS adopts two new unified requirements on cargo securing arrangements”
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