Offshore

UK offshore wind targets at risk from UK Implementation of Industrial Personnel Regulations

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The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has expressed serious concerns over the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) proposed implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Industrial Personnel Code which could impact UK offshore wind targets.

In its response to the MCA’s consultation on the Merchant Shipping (Safety Measures for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel and Special Personnel) Regulations 2025, IMCA warned that the changes could disrupt offshore operations, attract legal challenges, and make the UK a less attractive market for marine contractors. Continue reading “UK offshore wind targets at risk from UK Implementation of Industrial Personnel Regulations”

ABS: new offshore rules 2025

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ABS announced major changes to its 2025 Survey After Construction of Offshore Rules that became effective 30 January this year.
ABS announced major changes to its 2025 Survey After Construction of Offshore Rules that became effective 30 January this year.

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) announced major changes to its 2025 Survey After Construction of Offshore Rules that became effective 30 January this year.
The new Offshore Rules 2025 consolidated and replaced the MOU, FPI and OI Rules and incorporated mandatory requirements from Facilities Rules.
Survey requirements for Offshore Units can be found in these parts of the OR:
• Part 7A Mobile Offshore Units – Surveys (old MOU Part 7)
• Part 7B Site Specific Units – Ship Type and Other Floating Installations – Surveys (old FPI Part 7) Continue reading “ABS: new offshore rules 2025”

Counterfeit pilot ladders lead to USCG warning

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Fraudulent certification placard for counterfeit pilot ladder. Source: USCG
Fraudulent certification placard for counterfeit pilot ladder. Source: USCG

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued a safety alert after discovering counterfeit pilot ladders during a Port State Control examination at the Port of Baltimore. The identification plate on the ladder contained several errors, including referencing ISO 779-1 instead of the correct standard, ISO 799-1, and lacking the ISO 799-1 designation type.

Additionally, while the serial number on the ladder matched the accompanying certificate, the number of steps and the length of the ladder did not align with the specifications listed on the certificate. The plate and certificate indicated that the ladder was produced by Continue reading “Counterfeit pilot ladders lead to USCG warning”

White paper highlights urgent need for data standardisation in offshore sector

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There is urgent need for data standardisation in offshore sector
There is urgent need for data standardisation in offshore sector

Opsealog has published a new white paper that underscores the urgent need for data standardisation in offshore sector.

Analysing ongoing industry initiatives in the marine offshore sector, the report found that data standards can play a central role beyond reporting requirements under IMO and EU regulations and will be essential to maximise the value delivered by onboard digitalisation to boost operational and environmental performance. Continue reading “White paper highlights urgent need for data standardisation in offshore sector”

IMPA and NCEMP to assess the impact of remote pilotage

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IMPA is collaborating with the NCEMP and the Canadian Coast Guard to assess the feasibility, readiness, and impact of remote pilotage.
IMPA is collaborating with the NCEMP and the Canadian Coast Guard to assess the feasibility, readiness, and impact of remote pilotage.

The International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) is collaborating with the Canadian National Centre of Expertise on Maritime Pilotage (NCEMP) and the Canadian Coast Guard to assess the feasibility, readiness, and impact of remote pilotage. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive insights into the current and future use of remote pilotage, particularly for conventional ships and those potentially navigated by autonomous systems. Recognizing the crucial role of qualified maritime pilots, the International Maritime Organization emphasizes their importance in ensuring safe navigation in challenging conditions, such as ports. Continue reading “IMPA and NCEMP to assess the impact of remote pilotage”

Always inspect all pilot and embarkation ladders to ensure they are genuine

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LISCR has published a notice to ensure people are checking pilot ladders are genuine
LISCR has published a notice to ensure people are checking pilot and embarkation ladders are genuine

The Liberia Maritime Authority (LISCR) has published a notice to provide guidance to vessel owners, operators and managers on compliance and maintenance of pilot and embarkation ladders, including notification on counterfeit products and the latest developments from IMO.

The Flag Administration says that several advisories have been issued recently concerning counterfeit pilot and embarkation ladders. In one case, a company copied a certified product and created their own counterfeit certificate for their pilot ladder and then sold the counterfeit product to customers who thought they were purchasing the genuine item. Continue reading “Always inspect all pilot and embarkation ladders to ensure they are genuine”

DNV updates its rules for ships and offshore structures

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DNV has unveiled updated rules governing the classification of ships and offshore structures
DNV has unveiled updated rules governing the classification of ships and offshore structures

DNV has unveiled updated rules governing the classification of ships and offshore structures, emphasizing support for decarbonization technologies and operational clarity through new in-operation class notations.

According to Margrethe Andersen, Head of External Communications, Maritime, with the in-operation notations, DNV has developed the first classification framework with dedicated Fleet in service notations that enables owners and operators to showcase how they are differentiating themselves in the market by deploying advanced procedures Continue reading “DNV updates its rules for ships and offshore structures”

New sensors could make stress monitoring cheaper and more efficient

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Ships, bridges and wind turbines can all be made safe using sensors that are just a few millimeters across. Researchers have borrowed the principle behind the technology from a vibrating guitar string.

Research scientist Guido Sordo compares the technology with a guitar string. But whereas the string has to vibrate at a given frequency to give precisely the right tone, oscillations in the sensor will vary depending on the behavior of the structure to which it is attached. These variations can provide warnings that something is wrong.

In this way it is possible for the sensor to identify Continue reading “New sensors could make stress monitoring cheaper and more efficient”

New International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel

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New International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel
New International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel

The IMO has adopted a new mandatory International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (IP Code), anchored in a new SOLAS Chapter XV. The code enters into force on 1 July 2024 and enables cargo ships and high-speed cargo craft to transport and accommodate industrial personnel working offshore. A growing offshore energy sector, including renewable energy construction projects, has triggered the need for clear requirements to facilitate the safe and efficient transfer of technicians serving offshore installations. Continue reading “New International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel”

Geo Therm Ltd surveyor company celebrates 20 years in business

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Established in 2002, Geo Therm Ltd celebrates its 20th year in business this August. The company is renowned for performing condition monitoring Thermographic and Ultrasonic inspections onboard offshore jack-up rigs, semi-submersibles, drillship units, including fixed platforms.

The company has an impressive track record serving the majority of the world’s largest offshore energy operators – a testament to their experience, safe system of work, interpersonal manner, and business MO excellence. Their surveyors have frequented over 40 countries since its start up, supporting rig preventative maintenance programs, Classification audits, and the occasional emergency call-out, yet chiefly tasked to identify the early signs of electrical failure and flashpoint ignition sources in engine rooms. Continue reading “Geo Therm Ltd surveyor company celebrates 20 years in business”

Improperly maintained fluids in well control equipment systems

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Improperly maintained fluids in well control equipment systems
Improperly maintained fluids in well control equipment systems

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has informed the industry about several recent offshore incidences where fluids used in well control equipment systems have been improperly maintained.

According to BSEE, two identified fluid contamination issues include the following:
– Nickel leaching into demineralized water in well control equipment, fluid systems.
– Calcium soap build-up in some control fluid systems, potentially caused by mixing the liquid concentrate with a chemical Continue reading “Improperly maintained fluids in well control equipment systems”

MCA approves the safe carriage of a greater number of workers in the offshore wind farm sector

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New rules proposed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to support the UK offshore wind farm industry are coming into force. The change will mean that vessels transporting those who work on offshore wind farms will be able to carry greater numbers of workers while still meeting safety standards.

The legislative changes followed discussions between the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the industry looking at how to solve the logistical problems of transporting workers. Vessels that transport workers to offshore wind farms are currently not legally allowed to carry more than 12 people, no matter the size of vessel. Continue reading “MCA approves the safe carriage of a greater number of workers in the offshore wind farm sector”

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