Four new White Papers by GMCG Global that look at the maritime world post COVID-19 are freely available
The global maritime world has changed and four new White Papers by GMCG Global outline the realities and new ways of working following the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the world’s shipping industry comes to terms with the issues of post-pandemic operations, new health and safety operational parameters and the realities of the IMO’s global sulphur cap, there are still concerns about how the maritime world will cope with this accumulation of business pressures.
Washington Maritime Blue is leading a joint initiative to develop the Mosquito fleet of fast, fuel efficient ferries
Led by Washington Maritime Blue, a consortium of players in the blue economy has come together to launch a Joint Innovation Project to speed the design of a fast foil ferry, an innovation that promises a leap forward in zero-emissions, high-speed passenger ferry service.
In this unique public-private partnership, three ports in Washington have joined forces to support the effort: Port of Anacortes, Port of Bellingham, and Port of Skagit. The vessel is under design by Glosten, a naval architecture and marine engineering firm, and Bieker Boats, a performance marine craft designer. Kitsap Transit has identified a potential route for its ferry operations and sponsored the team in applying for additional funding to advance the concept. Leading this collaborative joint innovation project effort is Washington Maritime Blue, a strategic alliance formed to foster maritime innovation and sustainability in support of an inclusive blue economy, and DNV GL, a Continue reading “Washington Maritime Blue leads joint innovation project to design innovative Mosquito fleet”
The paddle steamer Waverley following her boiler refit
Paddle steamer Waverley, has made a triumphant return to passenger service on the Clyde with a two-week series of cruises from Glasgow and other piers on the river.
The inaugural cruise of the ship’s 2020 season left the ship’s base at the Glasgow Science Centre for Rothesay and Kilcreggan on Friday 21 August, following the fitting of new boilers and the successful completion of sea trials.
Other cruises will serve destinations such as Lochranza, Loch Fyne and Tighnabruaich. All bookings have to be made in advance, on-line, with a phone system being used for passengers joining for part-day cruises from smaller piers.
Why oh why oh why are deaths still occurring in enclosed spaces?
Yves Vandenborn, of the Standard Club, asks why deaths in enclosed spaces are still happening on a regular basis. This article is reprinted from the July/August edition of Maritime Risk International.
Despite the well-known risks and the numerous publications and articles available on the topic, deaths in enclosed spaces continue to account for a significant proportion of deaths at sea to date. More drastic measures are required if the industry wishes to turn this tide.
The most recent in a long list of such incidents is the death of a chief officer who entered a fumigated hold to inspect the cargo condition. In this case, detailed instructions for the fumigation of the cargo were given to the vessel clearly stating that the fumigant was potentially dangerous. Even though the chief officer checked the hold atmosphere prior to entry, unfortunately, the gas detector he used was not capable of measuring the concentration of toxic phosphine gas. Further, the confined space entry was made using only a mask, absent was the correct self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), leading to fatal consequences. Hence, it is vital to ensure that all possible risks are taken into consideration before one enters an enclosed space. Despite knowing the dangers and risks, and with the importance of taking appropriate precautions continually reiterated to seafarers, there remain incidents where these precautions have not been followed by the crew. A thorough investigation into these incidences, by industry bodies such as Intercargo and P&I Clubs, reveals that it is not always due to carelessness by the seafarer or a blatant disregard of the precautions. Some of these incidents include instances of ill attempted rescues of co-workers, where the crew in their urgent attempt to render aid to their co-worker, rush into enclosed spaces without proper care for themselves. These circumstances are understandably critical, but it is crucial that proper safety procedures are abided by, otherwise there will be multiple lives at risk and lead to more deaths in enclosed spaces. Continue reading “Why oh why oh why are deaths still occurring in enclosed spaces?”
President Geoff Waddington cuts the ribbon at Murrills House official celebrations
As the Institute has finally taken ownership in recent weeks of Murrills House as its new flagship headquarters, President, Geoff Waddington, arrived (pictured right) to perform the ribbon cutting duties and ceremony to officially mark the completion.
The work to restore this magnificent Grade II listed, 500-year-old building to its former glory will begin shortly. Completion on the deal took far longer than was anticipated, but the outcome marks something of a triumph for the Institute. IIMS is soon to make a significant financial investment in essential maintenance and repair work which will only add to the value of this new asset.
Discussions have taken place with a local construction firm and the scope of work has been drawn up and agreed. The building survey threw up some key maintenance work that needs to be done with a degree of urgency, but nothing that was a major surprise to the team. Because the property is a Grade II listed building, it means for some items, such as replacement of the old wooden windows which are rotten, planning permission from the local borough council is required. Currently, IIMS is in discussion with the conservation planning officer at Fareham Council to seek the necessary permissions. Continue reading “President Geoff Waddington cuts the ribbon at Murrills House official celebrations”
The new Carriage of Dangerous Goods on Workboats good practice guide released by the Workboat Association
The Workboat Association has published a good practice guide and it is printed and ready for distribution.
“The Carriage of Dangerous Goods on Workboats good practice guide has been developed between the industry and regulators, providing a zero to hero knowledge on both the regulations and best practice associated with the transport of Dangerous Goods by sea on board Workboats,” said Kerrie Forster, Workboat Association CEO.
Written with Seafarers, the vessel management, stakeholders and end-clients all in mind, this guide is set to be an unmissable tool from the education and training of those wishing to operate, work with or contract workboats of any nature.
Superyacht dispute offers helpful guidance on applicable jurisdiction
In an important decision handed down, the Commercial Court accepted that it had applicable jurisdiction to hear claims arising out of the loss of a superyacht which had fallen from the deck of a transporting vessel in heavy weather conditions.
The Italian owner of the yacht had brought proceedings in Italy, despite having signed a contract containing an exclusive applicable jurisdiction clause in favour of the English courts, asserting that as a consumer he was entitled to sue in the courts of his own domicile. Continue reading “Superyacht dispute offers helpful guidance on applicable jurisdiction”
Tony Goldsmith has been appointed as Head of Marine and Trade at UK headquartered international law firm Hill Dickinson. Tony Goldsmith is a former seagoing master mariner who joined Hill Dickinson in 1993 and became founder and managing partner of the firm’s Singapore office when it opened in 2009. He will succeed the firm’s current Head of Marine, David Wareing, who is due to retire in the autumn having held the position since 2017.
“I am absolutely delighted to be taking over the helm from David, with the full support of the team,” said Goldsmith. “Our Marine Group has benefited hugely from David’s wise stewardship, helping to reinforce our position as an industry leader in the many sectors for which we are known. There are exciting and challenging times ahead as the world emerges from lockdown, and it is a privilege that I have been entrusted to take over the baton.”
Incorrect installation of fixed fin stabilisers can cause serious issues says AMSA
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a safety alert to raise awareness of the risks associated with the use of fixed fin stabilisers on fishing vessels. It is important to note that incorrect use of fixed fin stabilisers can lead to an accident and even cause a vessel to capsize. Fixed fin stabilisers are also sometimes referred to as batwing stabilisers, anti-roll fins, fixed-arm stabilisers, passive-fin stabilisers, and fixed fins. They are designed to dampen, or reduce, the roll of a vessel, giving it a more comfortable ride in rough weather and possibly even making the vessel run truer. Once installed, fixed fin stabilisers are designed to be lifted up at certain times, such as when operating in shallow waters, crossing a bar, and berthing. Failure to do so carries serious risk. While these stabilisers improve comfort by reducing erratic movement and minimising the roll of a vessel in rough seas, it is of paramount importance to note that they do Continue reading “AMSA issues a safety alert on fixed fin stabilisers”
The 2020 Allianz Safety and Shipping Review shows a decrease in shipping losses last year
The 2020 Allianz Safety and Shipping Review has been published and reveals an improving picture. Given the global shipping industry is responsible for transporting as much as 90% of world trade, the safety of its vessels is critical. The sector saw the number of reported total shipping losses of over 100GT decline again during 2019 to 41 – the lowest total this century and a close to 70% fall over 10 years. Improved ship design and technology, stepped-up regulation and risk management advances such as more robust safety management systems and procedures on vessels are some of the factors behind the long-term improvement in losses.
The world’s largest aluminium sailing yacht built by Royal Huisman has been handed to its new owner
The world’s largest aluminium sailing yacht, the truly breathtaking three-masted Royal Huisman schooner SEA EAGLE II, is the largest superyacht to emerge from the company’s facility in Vollenhove.
Earlier this year, SEA EAGLE II, designed by Dykstra Naval Architects and Mark Whiteley, was transferred from the shipyard’s headquarters in Vollenhove and launched in Amsterdam. Her three carbon Rondal masts and booms were installed and tuned at Royal Huisman’s Amsterdam facility. The 81m or 266ft contemporary schooner was perfectly on schedule for her delivery date, but Covid-19 restrictions in the Netherlands prevented the finishing touch from being completed.
Tony Goldsmith has been appointed as Head of Marine and Trade at UK headquartered international law firm 
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is established between the