International News

New method to assess structure durability of aged ships announced by Ship Structure Committee

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The method developed utilizes a ship specific 3-D hydrodynamic model to simulate the ship’s rigid body dynamic response to wave conditions, measuring the resulting ship motions and pressure distribution on the hull.
The method developed utilizes a ship specific 3-D hydrodynamic model to simulate the ship’s rigid body dynamic response to wave conditions, measuring the resulting ship motions and pressure distribution on the hull.

The Ship Structure Committee is pleased to announce the publication of a new report, SSC-474, titled Structural Assessment of Aged Ships, authored by Mr. Gregory Walker, Mr. Brendan Connell and Mr. Sean Kery of CSRA. The detailed 75 page report is available for free using the link at the end of the article below.

The report describes the development of an assessment process to accurately predict the survivability of a corrosion-degraded ship in specific wave conditions. The method developed utilizes a ship specific 3-D hydrodynamic model to simulate the ship’s rigid body dynamic response to wave conditions, measuring the resulting ship motions and pressure distribution on the hull. Pressure and acceleration data from the hydrodynamic model is then input into a Continue reading “New method to assess structure durability of aged ships announced by Ship Structure Committee”

Broken valve causes oil spill while bunkering

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The Swedish P&I Club has described a case of an oil spill during a vessel's bunkering operations which led to an oil spill, the cause of which was a broken valve.
The Swedish P&I Club has described a case of an oil spill during a vessel’s bunkering operations which led to an oil spill, the cause of which was a broken valve.

The Swedish P&I Club has described a case of an oil spill during a vessel’s bunkering operations which led to an oil spill, the cause of which was a broken valve. Following investigation, the Club recommended that all involved parties should be informed when tanks are switched and that the crew must always ensure the valves are completely shut and working.

The incident

The vessel was loading in port and had also planned to bunker fuel using shore trucks. The plan was to load the fuel into port tank 2 and fill it 96%, but the chief engineer changed this just before loading and instead wanted to load port and starboard 3 tanks. The plan was to fill these tanks 90%. The number 3 tanks were half the size of the port and starboard 2 tanks.

The bunker system was lined up to bunker the port 3 tank. Deck scuppers were put in place on deck. The chief engineer then met the truck driver to agree on basic hand signals before connecting the Continue reading “Broken valve causes oil spill while bunkering”

Shipowners P&I Club issues loss prevention and fishing vessel safety publication

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There have been many studies carried out over the years showing that fatalities on fishing vessels remain a real threat.
There have been many studies carried out over the years showing that fatalities on fishing vessels remain a real threat.

On the occasion of the launch of Maritime Safety Week by the UK government running this week, the Shipowners Club issued its fishing vessel safety booklet, summarizing key safety tips for one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. There have been many studies carried out over the years showing that fatalities on fishing vessels remain a real threat.

It is essential that the vessel’s skipper and all crew are fully familiarised with the vessel and its equipment, including any vessel-specific quirks, prior to departing a berth. A pre-sailing checklist should be completed, including:

– The operation and maintenance of the fishing equipment.
– The location and operation of safety equipment, ensuring it is free from obstruction
– The onboard layout of the spaces such as void spaces, engine room and cargo spaces.
– The location and operation of key Continue reading “Shipowners P&I Club issues loss prevention and fishing vessel safety publication”

NDT increasingly used to detect cracks in large masts in a changing insurance environment

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A collaboration with rope supplier Marlow shares data about safe working loads of sheet and halyard systems, using Marine Results’ specialist destructive testing facility to evaluate the breaking loads.
A collaboration with rope supplier Marlow shares data about safe working loads of sheet and halyard systems, using Marine Results’ specialist destructive testing facility to evaluate the breaking loads.

Already well known in the market for rig management and survey projects on the world’s largest and most advanced sailing yachts, Marine Results is now using non-destructive testing to detect cracks and flaws in masts.

This testing uses non-invasive ultra-sonic screening with the company supporting the Grand Prix circuit, Americas Cup, GC32, TP52s and Open 60s.

“We frequently work as part of a larger team with other suppliers on major rig projects,” explained director Jon Morris.

“The data that we produce from the megayachts in collaboration with our regular partners trickles right down to the mass market enabling design standards to advance across the industry.”

A collaboration with rope supplier Marlow shares data about Continue reading “NDT increasingly used to detect cracks in large masts in a changing insurance environment”

ClassNK publishes its annual report on port state control with illustrated deficiencies found

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PSC inspections ensure that vessels departing the port meet international standards and have proved to be highly effective in eliminating substandard ships that are in operation.
PSC inspections ensure that vessels departing the port meet international standards and have proved to be highly effective in eliminating substandard ships that are in operation.

Leading classification society, ClassNK, has released its 2018 annual report on Port State Control (PSC). The report aims to assist ship operators and management companies in maintaining compliant operations by providing information about ships detained by PSC as well as deficiencies that were found on board from many port states in 2017. However, surveyors will find the examples and images of the deficiencies illustrated in the report of key interest too.

In line with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, PSC inspections ensure that vessels departing the port meet international standards and have proved to be highly effective in eliminating substandard ships that are in operation. They oversee not only the Continue reading “ClassNK publishes its annual report on port state control with illustrated deficiencies found”

Fatal inland accidents in Russia and Indonesia were avoidable claims ITF

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ITF is repeating its call for ILO and other international maritime bodies and authorities to take steps to move towards a modern set of standards for the inland navigation industry.
ITF is repeating its call for ILO and other international maritime bodies and authorities to take steps to move towards a modern set of standards for the inland navigation industry.

Following two deadly and harrowing incidents involving inland navigation vessels in Russia and Indonesia in recent weeks that have claimed the lives of almost 200 people, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has expressed its deep concern regarding the industry’s procedural and safety compliance, noting that these accidents could have been prevented.

In the first accident, a catamaran, carrying passengers over its capacity, capsized in the Volga River after colliding with another boat, killing 11 people. Russia’s Investigative Committee said the boat’s captain, who was also the owner of the vessel, was drunk and likely to blame for the crash.

The second incident involved the capsizing of a ferry carrying three times its passenger capacity on Lake Toba, Indonesia, leaving over 190 people dead or missing. The vessel was reportedly operating illegally with Continue reading “Fatal inland accidents in Russia and Indonesia were avoidable claims ITF”

Low speed diesel engines save on claims is the finding of a recent Swedish Club study

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Statistically, a vessel will suffer between one and two incidences of main engine damage during its life time, according to the club
Statistically, a vessel will suffer between one and two incidences of main engine damage during its life time, according to the club

In a recent study the Swedish Club has warned that vessels propelled by medium or high speed diesel engines have a claims frequency two and a half times higher than slow speed engines with an average claims cost of about $650,000.

Statistically, a vessel will suffer between one and two incidences of main engine damage during its life time, according to the club. However, the incidence rate varies by vessel class (and engine type).

“Our research shows that bulkers and tankers are the best performers for claims cost,” said senior technical advisor Peter Stalberg. “Most of these vessels have slow speed engines. Conversely passenger vessels/ferries have the highest frequency of main engine claims – 0.066 claims per vessel and year. Often these vessels have multiple medium speed engine installations.”

Stalberg advises that when shipowners have Continue reading “Low speed diesel engines save on claims is the finding of a recent Swedish Club study”

Capt Zarir Irani takes over as President of the International Institute of Marine Surveying

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IIMS would like to express their thanks to Adam, who travelled to the event in London especially from Australia, for his sterling work over the past two years.
IIMS would like to express their thanks to Adam, who travelled to the event in London especially from Australia, for his sterling work over the past two years.

Capt Zarir Irani (pictured right) took over the role of IIMS President from Adam Brancher (pictured left) in a simple ceremony at the Annual General Meeting on 26th June held at Heathrow Airport, London, UK.

IIMS would like to express their thanks to Adam, who travelled to the event in London especially from Australia, for his sterling work over the past two years. He was presented with a miniature President’s medal as a memento and a tippling stick in recognition of his service.

In his final address as President, Adam reflected on how proud he was to have held the position for the past two years and as he looked Continue reading “Capt Zarir Irani takes over as President of the International Institute of Marine Surveying”

Fire safety on ferries guide issued by the Standard P&I Club

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To raise awareness, the Standard P&I Club has published a 36 page guide about fire risks on ferries.
To raise awareness, the Standard P&I Club has published a 36 page guide about fire risks on ferries.

To raise awareness, the Standard P&I Club has published a 36 page guide about fire risks on ferries. This type of ship presents particular risks due to the cargo onboard, including cars, lorries and refrigerated containers. All of these have combustible material and are fire hazards in their own right.

There are numerous causes of fire but the most relevant ones to ferries are:

– Electrical defects, such as overloaded electrical equipment, damaged cables and poorly formed connections. – Electrical faults in vehicles, especially when engines are hot/running. Reefer containers are major sources of fire.
– Mechanical failure, such as ignition from overheated bearings or a catastrophic engine failure.
– Uncontrolled release of oil or flammable liquid coming into contact with a hot surface, or the release of a low flashpoint fuel, such as petrol vapour, coming into contact with a source of ignition.
– Dry, readily combustible materials (such as wood, paper, textiles) coming into contact with an ignition source, – such as a lighted cigarette, sparks or conducted heat from burning or cutting, highintensity lights or defective electrical equipment.

Things to do Continue reading “Fire safety on ferries guide issued by the Standard P&I Club”

Flexible mobdock repair method for underwater shaft seal repairs developed by Hydrex

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Diver/technician re-welding the rope guard after shaft seal replacement
Diver/technician re-welding the rope guard after shaft seal replacement

Hydrex has developed a flexible mobdock repair method that enables the underwater replacement of all types and sizes of shaft seals. This technology has been successfully used by Hydrex diver/technicians for over a decade. It allows ship owners to keep their vessel sailing, saving precious time and money.

Damaged stern tube seals will cause an increasing amount of oil leaking or water ingress as the damage worsens. By replacing the seals when the damage is first discovered, Hydrex keeps the down time low. The ship can keep its schedule as seal repairs can be performed during cargo operations. This is done by creating a dry underwater working environment around the shaft.

It is not always straightforward to replace seals, because there can be quite a bit of variation in the configurations of the stern tube itself. There can also be complications with the liners, which can be worn down and show ruts. All this is routinely handled by Hydrex teams on the jobs.

In this article you can find a short summary of some of the recent Continue reading “Flexible mobdock repair method for underwater shaft seal repairs developed by Hydrex”

Major survey regime change and shake-up announced as AMSA takes control of domestic commercial vessels in Australia

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All domestic commercial vessels are required to have a national law certificate of survey unless an exemption applies.
All domestic commercial vessels are required to have a national law certificate of survey unless an exemption applies.

AMSA, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and regulator, has announced that from 1 July 2018 all domestic commercial vessels that are required to have a certificate of survey will need to be surveyed in accordance with the frequency and requirements in the new marine order 503, and Part 2 of the Marine Surveyor Manual. This includes ‘grandfathered’ vessels, which to date have been surveyed in accordance with the National Standards for the Administration of Marine Safety (NSAMS) 4, the USL Code, or other survey processes.

So what does this mean in practice?

These changes implement the outcomes of the Decision Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) under the National System for Domestic Continue reading “Major survey regime change and shake-up announced as AMSA takes control of domestic commercial vessels in Australia”

The appointment of a suitably experienced surveyor is vital to avoid steel cargo damage says North P&I

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North of England P&I Club has elected to publish a briefing document providing best advice leading to the minimisation of the risk of cargo damage
North of England P&I Club has elected to publish a briefing document providing best advice leading to the minimisation of the risk of cargo damage

Several problems can arise when transporting steel cargoes by sea reports North P&I. The more common issues can be broadly categorised as mechanical damage, or rust-related problems. Indeed, in many cases the damage occurs before it is even loaded onto the carrying vessel. North of England P&I Club has elected to publish a briefing document providing best advice leading to the minimisation of the risk of cargo damage.

Common issues that can result in damage to the cargo include poor handling, substandard stowage and securing, water ingress into the hold and improper hold ventilation.

Key issues

Pre-shipment condition: It is not uncommon for steel cargoes to Continue reading “The appointment of a suitably experienced surveyor is vital to avoid steel cargo damage says North P&I”

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