New diesel injector set to change fuel systems and reduce emissions

The new RK Lab diesel injector is set to change the fuel system  landscape and reduce emissions
The new RK Lab diesel injector is set to change the fuel system landscape and reduce emissions

A new type of diesel injector developed by a Swiss company, RK Lab AG, is claimed to be about to change the face of diesel engine fuel systems and at the same time to reduce emissions.

Not only is this new injector claimed to increase the efficiency of diesel engines, but it is also claimed to greatly simplify the fuel system, removing the need for complex common rail fuel systems.

At the heart of this new fuel system is the self-pressurised RK Injector which utilises the pressure from the piston compression in the Continue reading “New diesel injector set to change fuel systems and reduce emissions”

BMA issues safety alert about wire gripe line of travel following disengagement of a lifeboat

Wire Gripe LineThe Bahamas Maritime Authority issued a safety alert to inform about the sudden disengagement of a lifeboat during a ship inspection onboard a tanker. The safety alert includes a description of the incident and lessons learnt to try and prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.

The incident
Whilst alongside the loading port, a Aframax tanker conducted a Port State Control (PSC) inspection during which the testing of the lifeboat engine and rudder was required. While swinging out the starboard lifeboat, the lifeboat disengaged from the aft fall hook without any warning. The lifeboat hook did not open, instead the master link pulled clear through the gate on the on-load release gear resulting in the lifeboat falling heavily. The aft end of the boat hit the fish plate on the main deck and slid over the side resulting in the boat hanging from the forward hook. No personnel were in the lifeboat and no injuries were sustained.

Continue reading “BMA issues safety alert about wire gripe line of travel following disengagement of a lifeboat”

Port of Rotterdam set to build a bespoke centre for the offshore sector

Port of Rotterdam 3d visualisation The Port of Rotterdam is creating a new 70-hectare space for a specialist offshore centre for wind energy at sea, decommissioning oil and gas platforms and the oil and gas market.

Offshore Centre Maasvlakte 2 (OCMV2) will be located in Princess Alexiahaven against the seawall, near the berth of the heavy lift vessel Pioneering Spirit. The Port Authority will initially reclaim the first 30 hectares and install a heavy load deep sea quay, initially of 600 meters, with the necessary infrastructure. The plan is that the first businesses will become operational on OCMV2 in the course of 2019. The centre could potentially be extended by a further 40 hectares and 1,000 meters of quay wall.

Continue reading “Port of Rotterdam set to build a bespoke centre for the offshore sector”

More herrings than you can throw a fish at

Sometimes in my role as CEO, I find myself in the unlikeliest of places doing the strangest things. This was true just a couple of week ago and I am grateful to IIMS member, Jacek Goszczynski, who is based in Poland for inviting me to visit Szczecin to participate in the annual ‘Herring Gathering’. This event attracts over 2,000 people for an evening of celebration in the city of Szczecin in the north of the country. I found myself interacting with shipowners, hull insurance brokers, underwriters, educationalists and London P&I Club representatives. What a night and of course all in celebration of the humble herring – indeed I have never seen so many herrings in one place before, but I have acquired the taste.

Planning has been the name of the game recently at IIMS. We have a Large Yacht & Small Craft Super Training day coming up in November and the final finishing touches are being put to that. But more of that in the coming weeks. I am thrilled to announce that we have arranged a three day seminar in Singapore and I very much look forward to welcoming members, eCMID accredited vessel inspectors and anyone involved in the marine sector who would like to participate from 31 July to 2 August. We have a cracking couple of days lined up. For full details click here.

Continue reading “More herrings than you can throw a fish at”

Transport Malta publishes its investigation report into an engine explosion on-board a passenger vessel

The Blue Lagoon yachtTransport Malta has issued an investigation report about an engine explosion on-board a passenger vessel, which caused severe burn injuries to two people back in May 2016. The report sets out to determine the circumstances of the accident as a basis for making recommendations in order to prevent further and similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The incident
Two motor mechanics from the Company’s workshop were sent on board MV Delfini to investigate an engine problem reported by the vessel’s skipper and engine driver. Work was necessary on the port main engine to identify and eliminate the exhaust white smoke, which was being emitted by the engine under load conditions.

Continue reading “Transport Malta publishes its investigation report into an engine explosion on-board a passenger vessel”

Bahamas Maritime Authority issues a warnings about Alcares lifejacket light battery failure

Corroded and exploded batteryThe Bahamas Maritime Authority has issued a technical alert to bring to operators’ and inspectors’ attention that deficiencies have been found in lifejacket lights manufactured by Alcares in particular types Jack A1-Alk and Jack ARH-Alk, distributed by Datrex. A number of ships have reported issues relating to these defective lifejacket lights.

The notice highlights the following:
– Examination of the lights revealed that the batteries had leaked, resulting in contamination on the main board and resulting in the lights being considered unfit for further use.
Continue reading “Bahamas Maritime Authority issues a warnings about Alcares lifejacket light battery failure”

The world’s first class approved 3D printed propeller WAAMpeller is on the horizon

The WAAMpeller propeller will be based on a Promarin design that is typically found on a Damen Stan Tug 1606
The WAAMpeller propeller will be based on a Promarin design that is typically found on a Damen Stan Tug 1606

Marking a major step forward in the application of 3D printing techniques in the maritime sector, Damen Shipyards Group has entered a cooperative consortium with RAMLAB, Promarin, Autodesk and Bureau Veritas. The goal of this group of forward-looking companies is to develop the world’s first class approved 3D printed ship’s propeller, to be called the WAAMpeller.

Damen’s involvement in the project began just over a year ago as a result of one of its in-house student research programmes. Continue reading “The world’s first class approved 3D printed propeller WAAMpeller is on the horizon”

UK P&I Club issues advice on cargo cold treatment failure

A collection of fruitUK P&I Club says that it has seen an increase in refrigerated cargo claims for fresh fruit being shipped from South America to the United States due to cargo cold treatment failure. George Radu, Claims Executive at Thomas Miller Americas, comments on this increase and offers prevention solutions.

The process of cargo cold treatment is a more efficient way to exterminate fruit insects than fumigation, as it maintains a sufficient low temperature for a pre-determined period, in order to exterminate insects and larvae in perishable cargo. The period and temperature required are defined in protocols established by the relevant authorities of the importing countries.

Continue reading “UK P&I Club issues advice on cargo cold treatment failure”

Baltic Yachts announces the launch of the world’s largest carbon-fibre sloop

The world’s largest carbon-fibre sloop has been launched by Baltic Yachts
The world’s largest carbon-fibre sloop has been launched by Baltic Yachts

The Baltic Yachts 175 Pink Gin VI, the world’s largest carbon-fibre sloop, embarked on an unusual maiden voyage recently – by road. She was safely transported over a distance of 21km by a specialist low-loader from Baltic Yachts’ inland manufacturing site at Bosund to their waterfront yard in Jakobstad in preparation for final fit out and imminent launch next month.

The all carbon composite 160-ton, silver sloop might be impressively light for a yacht of her size, but she proved quite a challenge for the local road system. She travelled at an average speed of about 10km/hr during the journey during which roundabouts, a railroad crossing and other obstacles had to be negotiated. Baltic Yachts had permission to widen the road and temporarily removed traffic signs so that the unusual load could travel safely along her way.

Continue reading “Baltic Yachts announces the launch of the world’s largest carbon-fibre sloop”

Marshall Islands Registry issues advisory note following an explosion on a coal laden carrier

Photo not the vessel involved in the Marshall Islands Registry flagged incident
Photo not the vessel involved in the Marshall Islands Registry flagged incident

The Registry has issued an advisory note to alert the wider shipping community to the fact it is currently conducting a serious marine casualty investigation into the fatality of two seafarers, which occurred recently onboard a Marshall Islands Registry flagged vessel. Marshall Islands Registry has published its preliminary findings into the incident, which is still ongoing, so that it might help to identify potential risks and preventing similar incidents from taking place.

The vessel involved was a bulk carrier laden with coal. Marshall Islands Registry regrets that two seafarers died and two others were severely burned following the explosion and fire, which took place in the Bosun’s Store Room.

Continue reading “Marshall Islands Registry issues advisory note following an explosion on a coal laden carrier”

Spinlock extends the use of ceramic coated parts

Ceramic coated parts for jaws and bases are now included in Spinlock products
Ceramic coated parts for jaws and bases are now included in Spinlock products

The movement to smaller diameters of rope on board, increased loads and more powerful sails continues is putting increased demands on rope holding products.

To counteract this issue, Spinlock has now extended the use of ceramic coated parts to jaws and bases across its XX0812, XCS and XTS clutches.

“Confidence in the product is very high,” explained Doug Vincett, Spinlock technical sales and support. “Ceramic coated parts are being used in a lot more products, they give a better grip when using modern lines.”

And he explained how the ceramic coating parts allow the cam or jaws to engage quicker on a loaded line, taking up the load faster and with less creep.

Continue reading “Spinlock extends the use of ceramic coated parts”

Game Changer, completes sea trials

The Ship, Game ChnagerDamen has reported its 69m superyacht support vessel, Game Changer, has completed her sea trials in the North Sea, with an 11.3m tender, 10.5m RIB and U-Boat submersible on her aft deck throughout.

The second hull in this particular range by Damen, Game Changer was designed in-house and constructed from a steel hull and aluminium superstructure.

She follows on from support vessel 6911 Intrepid, and is now the 11th superyacht support vessel to have been built by Damen.

Continue reading “Game Changer, completes sea trials”

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