Ships carrying heavy fuel oil cargoes subject to ongoing condition surveys

Libya releases tanker carrying fuel to rival government
Libya releases tanker carrying fuel to rival government

In order to improve ship standards, the International Group of P&I Clubs has said it will continue to conduct survey triggers for seagoing vessels of 10 years of age or more carrying heavy fuel oil cargoes.

As a result, all sea-going vessels that are 10 years old or more and have carried heavy fuel oil as cargo within the previous 12 months will be subject to condition survey, unless:

– The vessel has undergone a P&I club condition survey during the previous 12 months.
– The vessel has undergone a Special Survey during the previous 6 months.
– The vessel has a valid Condition Assessment Program (CAP) rating of 1 or 2 with a classification society having membership in the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).

Operators should have in mind that a declaration is now required so that Continue reading “Ships carrying heavy fuel oil cargoes subject to ongoing condition surveys”

Liberia Maritime Authority issues an advisory notice for the safe transport of bauxite

Liberia Maritime Authority issues an advisory notice for the safe transport of bauxite
Liberia Maritime Authority issues an advisory notice for the safe transport of bauxite

The Liberia Maritime Authority has released a Marine Advisory notice to provide guidance for the safe transport of bauxite. It also gives the potential risks regarding the carriage of certain Group A bauxite in bulk due to its potential to undergo dynamic separation.

After the investigation into the loss of the M.V. BULK JUPITER in 2015 with a cargo of bauxite, IMO published CCC.1/Circ.2 on Carriage of Bauxite that may liquefy. At the time, bauxite was listed in the IMSBC Code as a Group C cargo (cargoes neither liable to liquefy- Group A or possess chemical hazards Group B).

For a more peer reviewed report on the nature of bauxite cargoes and to develop a globally applicable transportable moisture limit (TML) test for bauxite cargoes, the Global Bauxite Working Group (GBWG) was established in 2016.

GBWG indicated that Bauxite Fines containing more than Continue reading “Liberia Maritime Authority issues an advisory notice for the safe transport of bauxite”

Guidelines for ensuring the safe carriage of cocoa butter in freight containers

Guidelines for ensuring the safe carriage of cocoa butter in freight containers
Guidelines for ensuring the safe carriage of cocoa butter in freight containers

Members of the CINS Organisation (the Cargo Incident Notification System) have issued guidance and guidelines for the carriage of cocoa butter in freight containers, under the principles set out in the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code).

Nature of cocoa nutter cargo

Cocoa butter is derived from whole cocoa beans which are fermented, roasted, and then separated. About 54–58% of the residue is cocoa butter, containing 57-64% of saturated fats and 43-36% unsaturated fats. Cocoa butter becomes soft and malleable at 30-32°C and can melt at 37°C. Having become warm or molten, it can retain the latent heat and remain in such a condition down to as low as 17°C.

Upon heating, cocoa butter expands and may cause it to Continue reading “Guidelines for ensuring the safe carriage of cocoa butter in freight containers”

New class notations aim to improve stern tube bearing performance

A ship tube bearingDNV GL has revised its class rules for single stern tube bearing installations and introduced two new class notations, “Shaft align(1)” and “Shaft align(2)”, to help customers better manage the risk of stern tube bearing failure. The new class notations can be assigned to both newbuilds and vessels in service in conjunction with propeller shaft withdrawal.

The classification rules covering shaft alignment are formulated to achieve an acceptable distribution of loading on the shaft bearings and lubrication of the aft bearing, taking into consideration the bending moment induced by the propeller during operation. However, during turning manoeuvers at higher ship speeds, exaggerated propeller bending moments can occur, potentially resulting in a reduced shaft- Continue reading “New class notations aim to improve stern tube bearing performance”

Operators and surveyors urged to test cargo hold’s bilge system to minimise claims

Operators and surveyors urged to test cargo hold bilge systems to minimise claims
Operators and surveyors urged to test cargo hold bilge systems to minimise claims

The UK P&I Club has reminded those working in the marine industry that significant insurance damage claims can result if a bulk cargo is damaged due to the leakage of the bilge system into a loaded bulk cargo hold.

To reduce the chance of such cargo damage, operators and surveyors are advised to inspect and test the cargo hold bilge system as part of the routine pre-loading checks of the cargo holds.

Inspection and testing of cargo hold bilge system non-return valves should be included in routine pre-loading checks of the holds. These non-return valves may not be seated tightly, because of the Continue reading “Operators and surveyors urged to test cargo hold’s bilge system to minimise claims”

Rolls-Royce to provide tug sector with its first Hybrid System

Boat patrolling the golden gate bridge - Photo credit: Rolls-Royce
Photo credit: Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce will supply the tug boat sector with its first hybrid propulsion arrangement for installation to a multi-purpose tractor tug undergoing construction for Baydelta Maritime LLC. The vessel is being built at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, in Washington State, U.S.A.

The order represents the first hybrid tug using proven Rolls-Royce hybrid technology, the first installation of a hybrid system for Nichols Brothers and the first hybrid tug designed by Jensen Maritime, Crowley Maritime Corp’s Seattle-based naval architecture and engineering firm.

The 100-foot long tug will feature the same ship assist and tanker escort capabilities of existing Delta Class harbour tugs but with greatly improved towing performance. The Rolls-Royce hybrid system enhances the Continue reading “Rolls-Royce to provide tug sector with its first Hybrid System”

Revolutionary ultraviolet light-emitting diodes fouling prevention technology under development

Revolutionary ultraviolet light-emitting diodes fouling prevention technology under development
Revolutionary ultraviolet light-emitting diodes fouling prevention technology under development

AkzoNobel has teamed up with Netherlands based healthcare company Royal Philips to develop ultraviolet light-emitting diodes fouling prevention technology.

The system will use technology developed by Royal Philips with the aim of combining experience from both companies to produce an economically viable solution for underwater fouling prevention.

The system will integrate UV light-emitting diodes in a protective coating, which AkzoNobel says will allow for the UV light to be emitted from the coating surface, preventing biofouling from accumulating.

“In our sustainable fouling control initiative, we actively explore and develop alternatives to Continue reading “Revolutionary ultraviolet light-emitting diodes fouling prevention technology under development”

ILO adopts a new Code of Practice to improve safety and health in shipbuilding and ship repair

ILO adopts a new Code of Practice to improve safety and health in shipbuilding and ship repair
ILO adopts a new Code of Practice to improve safety and health in shipbuilding and ship repair

Representatives of governments and the social partners from around the world gathered at the ILO from 22 to 26 January 2018 to adopt a revised code of practice on safety and health in shipbuilding and ship repair.

The new code reflects the many changes in the industry, including the use of robotic systems, over the last 43 years since an earlier code was adopted by the ILO. It focuses on the need for a preventive approach based on occupational safety and health (OSH) management systems, management of change and safe work plans among others.

Participants emphasized the importance of improving occupational safety and health (OSH) in shipbuilding and ship repair. Improved OSH performance will reduce Continue reading “ILO adopts a new Code of Practice to improve safety and health in shipbuilding and ship repair”

Autonomous vessels – the challenges and opportunities in design

Autonomous vessels – the challenges and opportunities in design
Autonomous vessels – the challenges and opportunities in design

Automation presents a set of unique challenges to designers, insurers and operators of ships. In this article, reprinted from the Shipowners P&I Club website Keir Gravil, a naval architect at Frazer-Nash Consultancy in Bristol, UK discusses some of the key issues that could face automated ships of the future from a design perspective.

It is a truth recognised by many industries that the future of transportation lies with greater automation. Over the last 50 years we have seen huge changes not only in shipping, but in every form of transportation and vehicle. Aircraft now incorporate automation routinely on flights around the world, cars are being developed to drive themselves and many railways have been totally automated for some time. As each step in the evolution of transportation progresses, the human element of control is reduced or eliminated altogether. But what of shipping? Surely an industry the size and scope of international shipping faces unique challenges in the realm of automation?

The background

It is often the job of ship designers, especially those in the naval defence industry, to think ahead and anticipate future technological changes. One could argue that Continue reading “Autonomous vessels – the challenges and opportunities in design”

Remotely operated fireboat set to tackle fires in ports

Remotely operated fireboat set to tackle fires in ports
Remotely operated fireboat set to tackle fires in ports

To address the evolving safety and security needs of modern ports, Vancouver based naval architects and marine engineers Robert Allan Ltd., and international marine technology specialist Kongsberg Maritime are collaborating on the development of a radically new remotely-operated fireboat that will allow first responders to attack dangerous port fires more aggressively and safer than ever before.

The un-crewed RALamander fireboat will offer in-close firefighting and ‘eye in the fire’ capability that keeps marine firefighting professionals out of harm’s way. Fires involving containers, petrochemicals, shore-side structures or vessels can be attacked more quickly Continue reading “Remotely operated fireboat set to tackle fires in ports”

North Sails completes its transformation from 3DL to 3Di

North Sails completes its transformation from 3DL to 3Di
North Sails completes its transformation from 3DL to 3Di

North Sails has ceased production of laminated sails reliant on mylar and has committed to spread filament, prepreg, 3D composite structures, introducing 3Di NORDAC for smaller cruising boats and 3Di RAW 760S for smaller race boats. It has also converted its manufacturing facilities in Minden, Nevada, US and Sri Lanka to increase production capacity.

“The expansion of the Sri Lanka factory is in response to the successful launch of 3Di RAW 760S sails for smaller race boats and 3Di NORDAC for smaller cruising boats,” North Sails CEO Dan Neri stated. “3Di sails continue to meet the requirements of sailors in all classes from the Continue reading “North Sails completes its transformation from 3DL to 3Di”

Improper maintenance could have cost the lives of two surveyors says UK P&I Club case study

Photo credit: UK P&I Club
Photo credit: UK P&I Club

In UK P&I Club’s latest ‘Lessons Learned’ series of case studies, Captain David Nichol presents the case regarding improper ventilation after a maintenance operation, which could have led to the deaths of two surveyors during a third party survey on the emergency fire pump.

About the incident

During a third party survey, the surveyor made a request to test the emergency fire pump, which was arranged with the assistance of the chief engineer. The emergency fire pump was located in a recessed well in the steering gear compartment, approximately 3 metres deep and accessed by an inclined stairway. At the start of the test, the surveyor asked to observe the pump being started locally and operating before proceeding on deck to check the hoses rigged fore and aft.

Shortly after descending into the fire pump well, the chief engineer urgently ordered the surveyors to get out and by the time both men reached the steering compartment deck, they were Continue reading “Improper maintenance could have cost the lives of two surveyors says UK P&I Club case study”

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