Lloyd’s Register has highlighted Port State Control inspections in Asia, which have been raising deficiencies against ships where the escape trunk does not proceed all the way to the lowest level of the engine room. Continue reading “Lloyd’s Register on engine room means of escape arrangements”
P&I Clubs
Structural failure of drain lines in fuel oil tanks
West P&I Club has issued an alert following a pollution incident regarding the issue of structural failure of drain lines passing through fuel oil tanks. The incident occurred during bunkering operations which resulted in a significant oil spill.
While receiving bunkers, fuel oil escaped through an undetected crack in a deck scupper drain lines causing a failure that penetrated through a fuel oil tank. The structural failure was only discovered after oil began leaking from the vessel’s side when the fuel level reached Continue reading “Structural failure of drain lines in fuel oil tanks”
The importance of bulk cargo trimming
In one of its recent Risk Watch bulletins, Britannia P&I Club explained that proper trimming of bulk cargo is essential for ensuring ship stability, regulatory compliance, and efficient loading and discharging operations.
The IMSBC Code provides mandatory guidelines for trimming procedures. Section 5 of the code specifies that all bulk cargoes should be trimmed ‘reasonably level’ to reduce risks such as cargo shifting and instability. For non-cohesive cargoes, trimming standards are determined by the calculated angle of repose. Consideration should also be given to the charter party, as this may stipulate the required method of trimming, especially for cargoes that require specific handling.
Section 5.1.3 of the IMSBC Code states: “The master has the right to require that the cargo be trimmed level, where there is any concern regarding stability based upon the information available, taking into account the characteristics of the ship and the intended voyage.” Continue reading “The importance of bulk cargo trimming”
Special campaign in China on illegal enclosed space entry
P&I club Britannia has highlighted a Huatai Marine circular announcing the start of a special campaign against illegal enclosed space entry onboard ships.
The nine-month campaign, launched by the China Maritime Safety Administration (China MSA), began on 15 January and is intended to run until 14 October 2025. The campaign appears to target areas such as:
• The crew awareness of the dangers of enclosed spaces
• The identification and marking of enclosed spaces onboard
• The efficient and safe control of entry to enclosed spaces by permit Continue reading “Special campaign in China on illegal enclosed space entry”
Proactive measures to mitigate fire hazards including thermal imaging
The American P&I Club urges operators to implement proactive measures such as maintenance and thermal imaging to mitigate fire hazards. Thermal imaging inspections are highlighted as an effective tool by the American Club in identifying early heat signatures caused by electrical faults, which could escalate into a fire if left unchecked. Fires of this nature often stem from one or a combination of three primary causes: electrical system failures, machinery malfunctions, and human error.
Although the likelihood of a fire may be low, specific conditions, such as defective thermal insulation on hot surfaces combined with localized fuel or oil leaks, can create a serious fire risk. Additionally, the complexity and number of electrical connections onboard vessels Continue reading “Proactive measures to mitigate fire hazards including thermal imaging”
Best practices to avoid bunker quantity disputes
Britannia P&I Club has emphasized the importance of understanding the various bunker delivery methods and establishing reliable, transparent relationships with reputable suppliers.
According to Britannia, bunker quantity disputes pose a common challenge in the maritime industry, arising from disagreements between the supplier and the receiver regarding the amount of bunker fuel delivered. These disputes can lead to significant operational and financial consequences for shipowners and operators.
In light of this, Britannia advises that before initiating the bunkering operation, owners/ships should verify and reasonably ensure compliance with the following: Continue reading “Best practices to avoid bunker quantity disputes”
Britannia on safe handling of mono ethylene glycol (MEG) cargo
Britannia P&I club has released guidance highlighting the importance of understanding the intricacies of mono ethylene glycol (MEG) and some of the safety considerations for its transportation.
MEG CARGO OVERVIEW
For reference and as background to understanding the cargo, it’s important to know that MEG is a high specification and particularly sensitive cargo. MEG is a chemically hydrophilic substance, meaning it can easily form hydrogen bonds with solvents such as water or alcohol, it also has a low freezing point. Typically, it is synthesised by reacting ethylene oxide with water and the product is practically colourless, odourless and sweet tasting with a syrupy appearance. Continue reading “Britannia on safe handling of mono ethylene glycol (MEG) cargo”
Tips to transporting rare, valuable and high value cargo
P&I club Britannia has published tips on transporting rare, valuable and high value cargo. As the Club says, transporting rare, valuable and high value cargo demands more than just standard shipping procedures; it requires a heightened level of vigilance and specialised strategies to ensure the safe delivery of these valuable goods.
RARE AND VALUABLE CARGO
The Club’s cargo rule (19.17.8.5) addresses the transport of rare and valuable cargo. This rule states that there will be no recovery for the loss of or damage to the following items, Continue reading “Tips to transporting rare, valuable and high value cargo”
Turkey issues new ballast water requirements
P&I club The American Club has issued an alert to inform members of new ballast water requirements in Turkey.
The club says Turkish authorities have recently issued a notice regarding their efforts to ensure that foreign flagged vessels have met the Regulation D-2 ballast water performance standard as required by the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) that went into force on 8 September this year. Continue reading “Turkey issues new ballast water requirements”
Practical guidance to safe and secure gangway operations
The Britannia P&I Club has published some practical guidance to ensure the safe use and management of gangway operations on board ships, emphasizing both safety and security.
A gangway refers to a platform, a walkway or a ramp connecting the ship to land or other vessels and is used as a means of safe access for the crew (and other personnel). The gangway must be properly rigged and maintained to prevent accidents or injuries and to counter the movement from tidal streams, swell, cargo operations and surge movements caused by ships in the vicinity. Continue reading “Practical guidance to safe and secure gangway operations”
Preventing cargo damage through hatch cover maintenance
According to the American P&I Club, the ingress of seawater through leaking hatch covers remains one of the most significant causes of cargo damage aboard dry cargo vessels. Cargo damaged by water leaking through hatch covers can result in large claims and affect Members’ claims records. Most leakage problems occur because of poor maintenance. Hatch covers will leak if:
– compression surfaces are not aligned correctly due to worn bearing pads, locator and/or stoppers;
– gasket sections are damaged, missing, worn, over compressed or inserted in Continue reading “Preventing cargo damage through hatch cover maintenance”
Managing the growing risk of lithium-ion battery fires
The global energy transition has led to an acceleration of new and innovative technologies designed to support decarbonization efforts across the global supply chain. The maritime industry plays a fundamental part in this effort, not simply by addressing its own impact on global CO2 emissions, but also by facilitating the availability and transportation of new and innovative technologies that are designed to mitigate carbon emissions. Continue reading “Managing the growing risk of lithium-ion battery fires”
