International News

Remotely operated fireboat set to tackle fires in ports

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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

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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”

Teak compliance issues in the UK to be discussed

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Teak compliance issues in the UK to be discussed
Teak compliance issues in the UK to be discussed

British Marine and environmental charity, the Environment Investigation Agency (EIA), are to meet to discuss teak compliance issues.

The EIA alleges that some UK boat builders are using Burmese teak that has been imported illegally in breach of the European Union Timber Regulation.

However Howard Pridding, British Marine CEO says it is a very complex issue and the boatbuilders are not contravening any regulations. In addition, focusing on the boatbuilders is damaging the marine industry.

Continue reading “Teak compliance issues in the UK to be discussed”

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

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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”

The largest ever China (Shanghai) International Boat Show gets ready

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The largest ever China (Shanghai) International Boat Show gets ready
The largest ever China (Shanghai) International Boat Show gets ready

Preparations for the 23rd China (Shanghai) International Boat Show 2018 are well underway for April 2018, with organisers announcing more exhibitors, conferences and initiatives than ever before.

As Asia’s biggest boat show, organisers are expecting over 40,000 visitors to explore all aspects of the boating industry, from yachting culture and maritime lifestyles to water sports, water tourism, accessories, equipment and entertainment.

This year, the show will present more than 550 exhibitors in three key sectors, including Continue reading “The largest ever China (Shanghai) International Boat Show gets ready”

Shocking images as inferno destroys nineteen boats in Malta boatyard

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Photo credit: CPD Deputy Director Peter Paul Coleiro.
Photo credit: CPD Deputy Director Peter Paul Coleiro.

Nineteen boats and yachts were destroyed by a fire which broke out at a private boatyard near Gharghur, Malta in the early hours of Thursday 1st February.

The incident happened in the Tal-Balal area just before 1:00am after a loud explosion was heard, with all 19 boats having been completely destroyed. The Civil Department reported that personnel managed to prevent the fire from spreading further, despite a quantity of tar also believed to have caught fire.

The operation lasted over seven hours and involved Continue reading “Shocking images as inferno destroys nineteen boats in Malta boatyard”

First hydrogen fuelled passenger vessel to be passed by a class society launched

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First hydrogen fuelled passenger vessel to be passed by a class society launched
First hydrogen fuelled passenger vessel to be passed by a class society launched

‘Hydroville’ is a custom designed and built 14m high speed displacement catamaran and, according to its builders, BWSeaCat, is the first vessel in the world to be passed by a class society to operate with passengers using Hydrogen fuel in her propulsion engines. Consequently it produces no CO2, particulate matter or sulphur oxides.

Built in the UK by BWSeaCat Ltd for owners CMB Technologies of Antwerp Belgium, using a Hydrogen system supplied and installed by Revolve of Essex UK and in close collaboration with Lloyds, Belgian Flag, Air Liquide and Naval Architect Steven Lee, the vessel was launched late last year.

Based on a hull form originally designed by BWSeaCat Ltd Managing Director Iain Worrallo, by working closely with Naval Architect Steven Lee, BWSeaCat were able to adapt the hull’s internal layout and structural characteristics to accommodate Continue reading “First hydrogen fuelled passenger vessel to be passed by a class society launched”

Cargo damage caused by leaking hatch covers

Posted on by News Hound
Cargo damage caused by leaking hatch covers
Cargo damage caused by leaking hatch covers

The Swedish P&I Club has described the case of cargo damage on a bulk carrier caused by water ingress, as a result of the poor condition of hatch covers.

The incident
The bulk carrier had seven cargo holds which had been fully loaded with soybeans. The vessel had side rolling cargo hatch covers. For six days, the vessel encountered heavy weather of force 9 on the Beaufort scale, causing the vessel to pitch and roll heavily. The cargo hatch covers were repeatedly washed over by seawater.

All hatch covers were opened when the vessel was at anchor and waiting for an available berth. This was to ensure the vessel was gas free since fumigation had been carried out in all cargo holds at the loading port. When the cargo hatch covers were removed, it was found that Continue reading “Cargo damage caused by leaking hatch covers”

The World LPG Association puts the focus on marine in a new report

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The World LPG Association puts the focus on marine in a new report
The World LPG Association puts the focus on marine in a new report

The World LPG Association (WLPGA), with its continued commitment to cleaner environment, has issued a report “LPG for Marine Engines – The Marine Alternative Fuel”, dedicated to the use of LPG in the marine sector.

With upcoming stricter IMO emission rules, the global 0.5 sulphur cup, ECAS and SECAs emission limits and the requirements for higher quality fuel, it is inevitable that there will be a radical change in shipping fuel options from HFO to cleaner alternatives. Amongst the options, LPG is one of the promising solutions for the reduction of exhaust emissions from marine vessels. LPG as a clean and immediately available energy source, is characterised by low particle emissions, low NOx (nitrogen oxide) and nearly zero SOx (sulphur oxide) emissions, offering significant environmental advantages while meeting all energy and environmental challenges.

The WLPGA report aims to open the doors for LPG as the next marine alternative fuel. The report contains a wealth of information, data and compelling arguments in support of using LPG as the fuel of choice in marine vessels. It also promotes the understanding of Continue reading “The World LPG Association puts the focus on marine in a new report”

Recalls for personal floatation devices sold in Australia and New Zealand issued

Posted on by News Hound
Recalls for personal floatation devices sold in Australia and New Zealand issued
Recalls for personal floatation devices sold in Australia and New Zealand issued

Product safety recalls have been issued for two personal flotation devices sold on the local market due to concerns about their effectiveness in an emergency situation.

Following testing by Maritime Safety Victoria (MSV), Jarvis Walker has issued a voluntary recall of its Adult Block PFD Type 1 which was sold under two brands as three separate codes:

– Single unit code 241050 Platinum brand, sold from July 2011 to December 2015
– Single unit code 56000 JW Brand, sold from January 2012 to December 2015
– Twin pack code 241300 JW Brand, sold from August 2014 to October 2017
Regardless of the brand, all have the single unit marking of “PFD TYPE 1”

According to MSV, it tested a single lifejacket batch and model number and identified a suspected Continue reading “Recalls for personal floatation devices sold in Australia and New Zealand issued”

Boat Safety Scheme certification charges set to rise as part of new four year business and investment plan

Posted on by News Hound
Boat Safety Scheme certification charges set to rise as part of new four year business and investment plan
Boat Safety Scheme certification charges set to rise as part of new four year business and investment plan

The Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Management Committee has agreed a new four-year business plan to resource its work to 2022 and invest in improvements that will have an even longer-term benefit. The plan also includes the first price rise in certification charges for eight years.

BSS Examiners will pay a new price of £36 (excluding VAT) for each certification they issue to a boat, which is a £7 rise that they will likely choose to pass onto customers.

The new price will apply from 1 April 2018 and the Scheme intends holding it for at least the whole of the four-year business plan period, which is designed to coincide with the four-year lifespan of BSS Certification.

The new BSS business plan includes additional support to BSS Examiners, projects to improve the quality of examinations and enhancements to customer service.

The Scheme acknowledges that times are tough and boaters face other price increases associated with their Continue reading “Boat Safety Scheme certification charges set to rise as part of new four year business and investment plan”

Japan’s first certified LNG-fueled tugboat soon to be constructed

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Japan's first certified LNG-fueled tugboat soon to be constructed
Japan’s first certified LNG-fueled tugboat soon to be constructed

Japanese carrier Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), the ninth largest container shipping company in the world, has signed a deal for the construction of what will be Japan’s first certified LNG-fueled tugboat.

The vessel is Japan’s first LNG-fueled tugboat with the LNG fuel tank mounted on the exposed deck at the stern of the ship and conforming to the IGF code, which regulates safety requirements for vessels that run on gas and low-flashpoint fuels.

This enhances convenience in bunkering, maintenance, and inspection.

The construction, carried out by with Kanagawa Dockyard Co starts in Continue reading “Japan’s first certified LNG-fueled tugboat soon to be constructed”

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