BP Energy Outlook 2022 published

BP Energy Outlook 2022 is available
BP Energy Outlook 2022 is available

Recently published the BP Energy Outlook 2022 explores the key uncertainties surrounding the energy transition and is focussed on three main scenarios: Accelerated, Net Zero and New Momentum. The Outlook sets out to identify aspects of the energy transition that are common across the main scenarios and provide a guide as to how the energy system may evolve over the next 30 years.

Some of the key points from the BP Energy Outlook 2022 are:

1 The carbon budget is running out: CO2 emissions have increased in every year since the Paris COP in 2015, except in 2020. Delaying Continue reading “BP Energy Outlook 2022 published”

Effective lube oil analysis crucial for vessels’ machinery systems

The American Club has analysed the importance of regularly performing lube oil analysis for shipboard machinery, and has provided measures to prevent potential problems in a useful guidance document.

Oil analysis is important as it can help identify problems in the machinery such as abnormal wear, lube oil degradation, contamination of harmful agents, etc. all of which can lead to the potential failure of the machinery and its components. Failures can lead to a loss of propulsion and/or blackouts that can cause consequential incidents such as groundings, collisions, or damage to third party property. Periodic oil analysis can help maintain a proactive maintenance strategy, thus maintaining component life, mitigation of premature component failure and improved Mean Time Between Overhauls (MTBO). Continue reading “Effective lube oil analysis crucial for vessels’ machinery systems”

2012 Cape Town Agreement must be ratified as soon as possible

Image credit: IMO
Image credit: IMO

The 11th October 2022 marked the 10th anniversary since the adoption of the 2012 Cape Town Agreement, the key international treaty applicable to large industrial fishing vessels aimed at providing safety standards. IMO Secretary-General, Kitack Lim, has urged for it to be ratified by Member States.

Despite extensive efforts by IMO Member States, other UN agencies, observers and the IMO Secretariat, the Agreement is not yet in force. As a result, there are, as yet, no globally mandatory requirements for the design, construction and equipment of fishing vessels, including life-saving, fire protection and radio-communications equipment to be carried on board. Continue reading “2012 Cape Town Agreement must be ratified as soon as possible”

New proposed Workboat 3 code from the Maritime & Coast Guard Agency is open for consultation

Rules governing workboats, pilot boats and remotely operated vessels have been revised and remade to support innovation in industry. The revised Merchant Shipping (Workboats, Pilot Boats and Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels) Regulations 2022 and accompanying Code is now going out for consultation across the marine industry.

It is felt the new version of the Code will help clarify the survey and inspection requirements and also addresses the growing autonomous Continue reading “New proposed Workboat 3 code from the Maritime & Coast Guard Agency is open for consultation”

Electrical failure leading to loss of steering on bulk carrier

Background image: J Claverie
Background image: J Claverie

An electrical failure caused a bulk carrier to lose steering and crash into a barge near New Orleans last year, resulting in an estimated $6 million in damages, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report reveals.

The bulk carrier Jalma Topic was transiting upriver on the Lower Mississippi River on July 12, 2021, when it lost steering and struck a stationary barge that was being used for office space. No injuries were reported.

During the voyage, the rudder became stuck at port 10 degrees. According to the report, when the pilot noticed the rudder was not responding he took immediate Continue reading “Electrical failure leading to loss of steering on bulk carrier”

Registered Marine Coatings Inspector standard and qualification set for major relaunch

The past couple of years have presented challenges for the resilient global superyacht industry, not least for those whose role it is to inspect and report on the complex coatings systems. The pandemic and other factors beyond the Registered Marine Coatings Inspector (RMCI) team’s control brought the successful programme to a temporary halt.

The RMCI standard, introduced in late 2014, was set up in response to pressure from the industry because there was no standard and no specific qualifications for marine coatings inspectors in the superyacht sector. Since launch, nearly 150 industry professionals have achieved the qualification. The RMCI certification of suitably experienced coatings inspectors has been welcomed and supported by many Continue reading “Registered Marine Coatings Inspector standard and qualification set for major relaunch”

Hull and machinery underwriters have significant challenges ahead

 Rama Chandran expressed concern over the sustainability of the hull and machinery insurance sector.
Rama Chandran expressed concern over the sustainability of the hull and machinery insurance sector.

Speaking recently at the IUMI (International Union of Marine Insurance) conference from Chicago, Rama Chandran, chairperson on the Ocean Hull Committee, expressed concern over the long-term sustainability of the hull and machinery insurance sector.

He said: “Whilst it is encouraging to see the 2021 premium base growing from the previous year we face deteriorating loss ratios, albeit from a low 2020 base. Premium base has only recently begun to creep upwards following a sustained decline since 2012. The increase of 4.1% is lower than the 6% seen last year and the reducing quantum is a worrying trend. Continue reading “Hull and machinery underwriters have significant challenges ahead”

Carnage at sea in August. What’s happened and why?

Superyacht Hooligan pictured. Photo credit - Nomme Rescue Unit, Tallin
Superyacht Hooligan pictured. Photo credit – Nomme Rescue Unit, Tallin

We hear all the time about exciting breakthroughs in new technology and enhanced safety management systems designed to keep lives and assets safe at sea. We read in various reports that, in general, the number of serious incidents and accidents is falling year on year. So, what on earth went wrong in August? If you can help me to make sense of it all, please do so!

The number of incidents, mishaps, and accidents last month all over the world at sea and in ports is eyewatering – beyond belief – and frankly, more than anyone would agree is acceptable. In many instances, the cause and recommendations that come from the incidents, Continue reading “Carnage at sea in August. What’s happened and why?”

Hidden corrosion can cause dangerous failures

The US Coast Guard (USCG) has shared lessons learned from a recent marine casualty that resulted in a severe injury to a crewmember onboard a cargo vessel. The incident brought to light a dangerous and potentially fatal situation involving hidden corrosion involving D-ring lifting points.

While positioning a removable hatch cover on the vessel, three of the four D-ring securing straps failed, causing an uncontrolled snap-back of the lifting sling assembly that struck the crewmember in the head. The three fractured securing straps showed similar failures with a significant amount of corrosion beneath the paint and on the underside of the straps. It is likely that just one D-ring failed initially, which Continue reading “Hidden corrosion can cause dangerous failures”

New policy for assessment and certification of novel vessels issued by AMSA

New policy for assessment and certification of novel vessels issued by AMSA
New policy for assessment and certification of novel vessels issued by AMSA

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has set out a new policy statement for the assessment and certification of what it terms ‘novel’ vessels. If operators are planning to build or buy a vessel within one of the vessel types set out in the policy, they should contact AMSA for advice on whether it is considered novel and the best certification pathway for the vessel.

Vessel types AMSA consider to be ‘novel’:

– Submarines
– Passenger-carrying submersibles
– Dynamically supported vessels (including fully foil-born, and vessels that are partially foil supported)
– Wing-in-ground effect (WIG) vessels Continue reading “New policy for assessment and certification of novel vessels issued by AMSA”

Marine surveyor handed a jail sentence over bunker theft scheme

Image used for illustrative purposes only. Image credit: Port of Zeebrugge
Image used for illustrative purposes only. Image credit: Port of Zeebrugge

An Indian marine surveyor has been sentenced to more than three months in jail for his role in a long-running bunker theft ring in Singapore, the world’s largest bunkering hub. Kumunan Rethana Kumaran, 40, was one of 12 surveyors charged with taking bribes from former Shell Bukom employees who ran an illegal scheme to siphon off fuel oil from Shell’s physical bunker operations in Singapore.

The surveyors were third-party contractors, hired by Shell to inspect vessels during legitimate bunker deliveries. They allegedly took bribes to look the other way and falsify the amount of the delivery as the conspirators loaded more than the contracted amount aboard the Continue reading “Marine surveyor handed a jail sentence over bunker theft scheme”

Marine Casualty Investigation Board call for applications for appointment as an Expert Marine Consultant

The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) of Ireland invites applications from suitably qualified marine consultants to enhance the technical skills within the MCIB Secretariat, support investigations and investigators, and provide technical advice to the Board as required.

As an Expert Marine Consultant to the Board, you will be required to:

• Provide expert technical advice to the Board on a broad range of diverse Marine Casualties.
• Co-ordinate a panel of investigators ensuring that marine casualties are investigated in accordance with the relevant legislation. Continue reading “Marine Casualty Investigation Board call for applications for appointment as an Expert Marine Consultant”

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