Boyan Slat is one to watch in the 2020s as his Interceptor vessel and ambitious project to clean the rivers takes shape

Boyan Slat, CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, the Dutch non-profit organization developing advanced technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic, late last year unveiled his invention to prevent the unrelenting flow of plastic pollution into the world’s oceans. The Interceptor™, under development by Boyan Slat’s The Ocean Cleanup since 2015, complements the organization’s founding mission by attacking the flow of plastic garbage at its source, the world’s vast network of rivers.

“To truly rid the oceans of plastic, we need to both clean up the legacy and close the tap, preventing more plastic from reaching the oceans in the first place. Combining our ocean cleanup technology with the Interceptor™, the solutions now exist to address both sides of the Continue reading “Boyan Slat is one to watch in the 2020s as his Interceptor vessel and ambitious project to clean the rivers takes shape”

Changes to SOLAS and MARPOL shipping and maritime regulations from January 2020

The new and far reaching IMO Sulphur Cap regulations have captured media attention in recent months for obvious reasons, but as well as this significant change, January 2020 beckons in with it a raft of new regulations and amendments too – in total more than 30. Additionally, other new regulations are set to come into force later in the year. But for now, here is what you need to know about the new regulations and amendment effective 1 January 2020.

SOLAS amendments

• Protection against noise (Amendments to SOLAS II-1/3-12)
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Hire Boat Code consultation opened

British Marine and the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities (AINA) have launched the much-anticipated consultation on the proposed changes to the existing Code for the design, construction and operation of hire boats, better known as the Hire Boat Code.

The proposal of changes to the Code considers the many advances in boat design, regulation and operation which have occurred since the first Code was published back in 2008, ensuring the licensing framework is fit for the future.

This includes changes to the responsibilities for hire boat operators, hirers and hire boat licensing authorities of sailing boats over 6m LOA Continue reading “Hire Boat Code consultation opened”

Maritime NZ issues a safety update on the risks of fixed gas fire extinguishing systems on vessels

Photo credit: Maritime NZ
Photo credit: Maritime NZ

Maritime NZ (New Zealand) has produced a safety update to advise of the potential problems and risks that can occur from fixed gas fire extinguishing systems on vessels, focusing on CO2 systems.

A fixed gas fire-extinguishing system is a gaseous substance (often CO2) in a cylinder separate from, but connected to, a protected space and is used to fight a fire. Commonly fixed systems are installed for engine rooms and pump rooms. After air vents are closed and the area sealed, the gas is released in bulk quantity to flood Continue reading “Maritime NZ issues a safety update on the risks of fixed gas fire extinguishing systems on vessels”

Marshall Islands Registry to launch Inventory of Hazardous Materials verification service

From 31 December 2020 non-EU vessels calling at EU ports must carry an authorized Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) and Statement of Compliance (SoC). The European Union (EU) Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR) is aimed at ensuring that ships, when being recycled, do not pose any unnecessary risk to human health and safety, or to the environment, and to ensure the proper management of hazardous materials on board ships throughout their lifecycle. The EUSRR is an early implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (the “Hong Kong Convention”), which has yet to meet the criteria for its entry into force.

To support shipowners in meeting the EUSRR requirements, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry has launched a new Continue reading “Marshall Islands Registry to launch Inventory of Hazardous Materials verification service”

MAIB makes urgent call for information on styrene monomer near misses or accidents

Fireball viewed from the Ulsan Bridge
Fireball viewed from the Ulsan Bridge

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released an interim report into the explosion and fire on board the chemical tanker Stolt Groenland, but before concluding its investigation, MAIB is calling for information regarding any accidents or near-misses involving the carriage of styrene monomer, including any actions subsequently taken.

The fire on Stolt Groenland occurred in Ulsan, South Korea, on September 28, 2019. The Cayman Islands registered vessel had sailed from Houston on August 17 carrying 20 different chemical cargoes in 37 of her 39 cargo tanks. At about 0600 on September 28, the Singapore registered chemical/product tanker Bow Dalian secured alongside Stolt Groenland’s port side. The purging of Bow Dalian’s cargo tanks Continue reading “MAIB makes urgent call for information on styrene monomer near misses or accidents”

‘Tis the season to be jolly

The QE2 as you have never seen her before
The QE2 as you have never seen her before

Indeed it is the season to be jolly and if you are reading this blog as we approach the festive period, may I wish you a very Happy Christmas (if you celebrate the festivities) and best wishes for a progressive 2020.

Somebody recently asked me to tell them what were my personal highlights for 2019 and my reply was simply – too many to recount. It has been a momentous and memorable year, and one that will live long in the memory for many reasons. So, I will just focus on some recent events. But in essence, the run down towards the end of 2019 in readiness for a new decade has been anything but quiet and rather productive!

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Hell on Water: Container fires on ships are becoming increasingly common and dangerous

Fire engulfs the KMTC
Fire engulfs the KMTC

In the early hours of the morning on May 24, an explosion was heard and a fire identified on the South Korean-flagged, 1,585-TEU KMTC Hong Kong as she sat quayside in Laem Chabang, Thailand. The fire spread throughout containers understood to be carrying noxious substances.

From across the river, a video was recorded and uploaded to YouTube showing a thick column of smoke becoming a sequence of plumes as devastating explosions occurred – apparently the result of tank containers carrying paraffin. Soon locals were reporting a burning sensation on their skin and breathing difficulties. A few hours later, 37 had been admitted to the hospital, poisoned or with fire or chemical Continue reading “Hell on Water: Container fires on ships are becoming increasingly common and dangerous”

New IMO procedures for maintenance and inspection of lifeboats from January 2020

The IMO is amending the requirements for carrying out the periodic servicing of life-saving appliances, and is also amending the requirements for authorisation of service suppliers/providers carrying out the periodic servicing.

IMO Resolution MSC.404(96) amends SOLAS Regulation III/20.11, which contains requirements for periodic servicing of launching appliances and release gear, to mandate the requirements included in Resolution MSC.402(96) ‘Requirements for Maintenance, Thorough Examination, Operational Testing, Overhaul and Repair of Lifeboats and Rescue Boats, Launching Appliances and Release Gear’.

Continue reading “New IMO procedures for maintenance and inspection of lifeboats from January 2020”

Combustible furnishings contributed to extent of fire on Grand Sun says accident brief

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a Marine Accident Brief about the fire on the offshore supply vessel Grand Sun, noting that substantial use of combustible wood paneling and drapery contributed to the extent of the fire.

The vessel was transiting the Chandeleur Sound in the Gulf of Mexico, about 15 miles from the Chandeleur Islands, Louisiana, on October 8, 2018, when she caught on fire. The four crewmembers aboard attempted to fight the fire but were unsuccessful. They remained on the stern of the vessel until they were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. The fire burned itself out, and the vessel was later towed to port. No pollution or injuries were reported. The vessel, valued at $1.6 million, was deemed a constructive total loss.

Continue reading “Combustible furnishings contributed to extent of fire on Grand Sun says accident brief”

USCG warns of potential crushing hazard underneath retractable pilothouses

The U.S. Coast Guard has issued an alert to towboat operators about safety hazards associated with retractable pilothouses. These specialized hydraulic systems are sometimes used on towing vessels designed for low air draft restrictions.

Retractable pilothouses give towboat operators on waterways with fixed bridges the ability to lower the house and pass underneath, then raise the house to get a clearer view over their barge tows. While useful, when a pilothouse is being lowered, it presents a crushing hazard to personnel below. Some retractable pilothouses may also be operated in an “emergency mode” that increases the rate of descent and provides less time for workers to recognize the situation and get clear of the danger zone.

At present, there is no explicit requirement for the hydraulics systems operating these retractable pilothouses to be fitted with fail-safe Continue reading “USCG warns of potential crushing hazard underneath retractable pilothouses”

Canal & River Trust increases annual boat licence fee by 2.5% with widebeams set to pay more

The annual increase in boat licence fees for 2020 has been set by the Canal & River Trust at 2.5 percent, but other changes implemented at the same time will include the first stage of a phased introduction of higher charges for wider craft.

The increase, based on a standard inflation index, will see the cost of an annual canals and rivers licence for a typical ‘go anywhere’ 57ft narrowboat rise on 1 April 2020 from £985.79 to £1,010.43. But at the same time, the first of a series of extra increases for widebeam craft (announced following the 2017 licensing review) means owners of craft more than 2.16m (7ft 1in) wide face an additional increase of 5%, bringing the price for a 57ft widebeam up to £1,060.96.

Continue reading “Canal & River Trust increases annual boat licence fee by 2.5% with widebeams set to pay more”

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