Ship News

NTSB accident report concludes that incomplete safety procedures led to barge explosion

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NTSB: incomplete safety procedures led to barge explosion
NTSB: incomplete safety procedures led to barge explosion

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has published Marine Accident Report 20-34 detailing the findings of its investigation involving the explosion of a barge at the Illinois Marine Towing Heritage Slip on the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal, Illinois on the 4 November 2019.

The barge explosion occurred when the IB1940 was being prepared for cleaning after its cargo of acetone had been unloaded. No injuries or pollution were reported in connection with the explosion. The barge, however, was declared a total constructive loss, valued at $1.75M. Continue reading “NTSB accident report concludes that incomplete safety procedures led to barge explosion”

IMSBC Code amendments come into force from 1 January 2021

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IMSBC Code amendments come into force from 1 January 2021
IMSBC Code amendments come into force from 1 January 2021

As Amendment 05-19 of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code comes into force on 1 January 2021, here are some of the changes outlined in more detail. The IMSBC Code amendments happen every two years to reflect the changes in the nature and variety of solid bulk cargoes presented for shipment. In June 2019, IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee adopted Resolution MSC.462 (101) specifying forthcoming IMSBC Code amendments (05-19).

Bauxite cargoes are subject to change with and the new criteria distinguishing a bauxite cargo that may liquefy (Group A) from one that will not (Group C). Continue reading “IMSBC Code amendments come into force from 1 January 2021”

Machinery failure caused by lubrication contamination case study

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Machinery failure caused by lubrication contamination
Machinery failure caused by lubrication contamination

The Swedish Club has described an incident of machinery failure onboard due to lubrication contamination in their system. An investigation showed that the engine had been operated on a high thermal load for a long time and the turbocharger’s efficiency had been affected by fouling, while the lubrication oil had been contaminated for some time.

The vessel concerned was at anchor, in ballast, awaiting further instructions. The weather deteriorated after seven days and the vessel’s anchor dragged. The anchor was heaved up and the vessel started to slow steam in the area. After about 24 hours, the differential pressure alarm of the main engine duplex lubrication oil filter sounded in the ECR. The crew found aluminium and other Continue reading “Machinery failure caused by lubrication contamination case study”

Varkan Ege: COLREGs implementation called into question after vessels collide reveals MCIB investigation

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MCIB report on 'Varkan Ege'
MCIB report on ‘Varkan Ege’

Ireland’s MCIB has published an investigation report on the collision between the tanker ‘Varkan Ege’ and the sailing vessel ‘Medi Mode’ in Irish waters during August 2019. The investigation attributed the incident to a mix of misunderstanding, inefficient lookout and poor knowledge of COLREGs.

On Saturday, 22 August 2019 at 10.45 hrs, the sailing vessel ‘Medi Mode’ departed from Arklow and was on route to Kilmore Quay. A decision was made to change the destination from Kilmore Quay to Howth as the weather had deteriorated, and due to an impending night arrival in Kilmore Quay.

At 17.45 hrs on 22 August, abeam of Rosslare, a course was set for the home port of Howth. The vessel Continue reading “Varkan Ege: COLREGs implementation called into question after vessels collide reveals MCIB investigation”

MCA: Bilge water alarms consultation under way

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MCA: Bilge water alarms consultation under way
MCA: Bilge water alarms consultation under way

The Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) have released information about their new proposed regulation for Bilge Water Alarms.

Consultation is due to begin on draft legislation that intends to reduce the risk of an accident arising as a result of water coming into a vessel without the crew knowing it is happening.

The new regulations would mean that all vessels greater than 24 metres in length but less than 500 gross tonnage would have to be fitted with bilge alarms.
Owners of vessels less than 500 gross tonnage would still have to formally assess the risks to crew Continue reading “MCA: Bilge water alarms consultation under way”

Baltic countries to look at new evidence on 1994 roll-on roll-off ferry Estonia sinking

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Photo credit: REUTERS/Ints Kalnins/File Photo reuters_tickers
Photo credit: REUTERS/Ints Kalnins/File Photo reuters_tickers

The roll-on roll-off ferry Estonia, carrying 803 passengers and 186 crew, sank on a stormy Baltic Sea shortly after midnight on September 28, 1994. The official investigation in 1997 concluded that the bow shield had failed, damaging the bow ramp and flooding the car deck. However, Sweden said that a Discovery Network documentary about the disaster included new underwater video images from the wreck site showing damage on the starboard side of the wreck.

“Estonia, Finland and Sweden have agreed that verification of the new information presented in the documentary will be made,” the foreign ministers of the three countries said in a joint statement on Monday. Continue reading “Baltic countries to look at new evidence on 1994 roll-on roll-off ferry Estonia sinking”

Pilot reveals final moments of car carrier Golden Ray to Coast Guard investigation panel

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Pilot reveals final moments of car carrier Golden Ray
Pilot reveals final moments of car carrier Golden Ray

In testimony Monday before a U.S. Coast Guard investigation panel, the pilot on the last voyage of the car carrier Golden Ray described the vessel’s final moments – an account never before released to the public.

Capt. Jonathan Tennant, an experienced pilot with the Brunswick Bar Pilots Association, brought the car carrier Golden Ray into port on September 7, 2019. The transit proceeded in a typical manner and she handled as normal, he testified.

In the early hours of September 8, he boarded the vessel to take her out again. Though she had conducted cargo operations, her draft remained the same, and the master told him that the vessel was Continue reading “Pilot reveals final moments of car carrier Golden Ray to Coast Guard investigation panel”

USCG: Work instruction from USCG for laid up inspected and/or examined vessels

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The USCG Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance published Work Instruction CVC-WI-018(1), “Laid up Inspected/Examined Vessels”, outlining the process of laying up inspected/examined vessels (commercial) to provide greater consistency and continuity between Captain of the Port Zones.

The purpose of this work instruction (WI) is to establish guidance for Captains of the Port (COTP), Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI), Marine Inspectors (MI) and Port State Control Officers (PSCO) placing a vessel into a laid up or inactive status, and returning those vessels back to service.

Entering laid up status
a. In accordance with 46 CFR § 2.01-3, if an owner or managing operator wants to enter a domestic Continue reading “USCG: Work instruction from USCG for laid up inspected and/or examined vessels”

IUMI: Global marine insurance results indicate a modest recovery but COVID-19 adds uncertainty for the future

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IUMI has presented its analysis of the latest marine insurance market trends
IUMI has presented its analysis of the latest marine insurance market trends

The International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) has presented its analysis of the latest marine insurance market trends during its annual conference which this year is being held online. Marine underwriting premiums for 2019 were estimated to be USD 28.7 billion which represents a 0.9% reduction from 2018.

The USD 28.7 billion global income was split between these geographic regions: Europe 46.3%, Asia/Pacific 31.8%, Latin America 10.3%, North America 5.3%, Other 6.3%.

2019 saw Europe’s global share reduce slightly from 46.4% (2018) to 46.3% and Asia’s share increase modestly from 30.7% (2018) to 31.8%.

For global marine premium by line of business, cargo continued to represent the largest share with Continue reading “IUMI: Global marine insurance results indicate a modest recovery but COVID-19 adds uncertainty for the future”

Netherlands set to ban degassing of ships in transit

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Netherlands set to ban degassing of ships in transit
Netherlands set to ban degassing of ships in transit

As there is more focus on the environmental impact and all forms of emissions in the shipping sector, the practice known as degassing is coming under scrutiny. In particular, the Netherlands looks set to ban degassing of ships in transit.

The concerns focus on the potential for the release of harmful gasses with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the process known in the industry as degassing. Environmentalists contend that the process creates health risks for crew, workers in the port, and surrounding communities. They believe it is hazardous to the environment and creates safety risks in the port.

After unloading a liquid cargo, and before they can take on new shipments, ships need to vent their Continue reading “Netherlands set to ban degassing of ships in transit”

UK to accept CE-certified products with Recreational Craft Directive until end of 2021

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UK to accept CE-certified products with Recreational Craft Directive until end of 2021
UK to accept CE-certified products with Recreational Craft Directive until end of 2021

IMCI, the Brussels-based International Marine Certification Institute, has issued a statement to say that all products that are certified under the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) by IMCI will be able to be placed on the UK market with the CE mark until 1 January 2022.

According to new guidance released by the UK government, industry will be able to use the CE marking until 31 December 2021 if any of the following apply:

– CE marking is applied to goods on the basis of self-declaration
– a mandatory third-party conformity assessment was carried out by an EU-recognised Notified Body Continue reading “UK to accept CE-certified products with Recreational Craft Directive until end of 2021”

Delegation from Panama Maritime Authority investigates the Wakashio accident

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The Panama Maritime Authority continues its investigation into the Wakashio accident. Photo courtesy of Mobilisation Nationale Wakashio
The Panama Maritime Authority continues its investigation into the Wakashio accident. Photo courtesy of Mobilisation Nationale Wakashio

The Panama Maritime Authority has given a report on the progress of the safety investigation into the Wakashio accident at the Mauritius Islands when the vessel Wakashio ran aground and subsequently broke up.

A delegation of experts in maritime accidents has arrived in Mauritius and is currently gathering information through face-to-face interviews with members of the ship’s crew.

The Panama Maritime Authority delegation has been able to gather evidence and confirm that on July 25 2020, while the vessel Wakashio was sailing en route to Brazil, its crew celebrated the birthday of one of the crew members; furthermore, the ship deviated from its approved navigation plan at the Continue reading “Delegation from Panama Maritime Authority investigates the Wakashio accident”

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