Lessons Learned from El Faro on main propulsion published by USCG

Lessons Learned from El Faro on main propulsion published by USCG
Lessons Learned from El Faro on main propulsion published by USCG

The US Coast Guard has published a safety alert to inform operators and other interested parties of the role that the main propulsion lube oil system was found to have played in the El Faro incident. They have recommended that operators, especially ships’ engineers, review the operational procedures and limitations of vital propulsion machinery and verify compliance with SOLAS, Classification Societies and regulatory standards.

The El Faro sank along with its 33 crew onboard in October 2015, marking one of the worst maritime disasters in US history. The USCG official report on the sinking of the El Faro revealed that loss of propulsion during heavy weather was contributing to the sinking. The exact operational status of all vital El Faro engineering equipment prior to the casualty could not be determined, but bridge audio recordings indicate that the vessel lost lube oil pressure to the main propulsion turbine and reduction gear bearings, resulting in loss of propulsion.

Continue reading “Lessons Learned from El Faro on main propulsion published by USCG”

Trimble launches marine positioning GNSS receiver

Trimble launches marine positioning GNSS receiver
Trimble launches marine positioning GNSS receiver

Trimble has announced the MPS865 marine positioning system multi-frequency and multi-application GNSS receiver.

The Trimble MPS865 is a versatile and rugged GNSS positioning and heading solution for a wide variety of real-time and post-processing applications for marine survey.

It features integrated communications options such as Wi-Fi, UHF radio, cellular modem for internet connectivity, Bluetooth and MSS satellite-based correction channels.

The patented GNSS-centric technology uses all available GNSS signals to deliver reliable positions in real time. The GNSS receiver provides for the connection of two GNSS antennas for precise heading.

With a modular form factor, the MPS865 is flexible and can be used as an integrated on-board rover receiver, a base station, or a continuously operating reference station. The built-in precise heading feature ensures the receiver is of minimal size, consumes less power, and has less cabling which are all benefits when on-board space it at a premium.

The MPS865 adds new features to improve usability in a Continue reading “Trimble launches marine positioning GNSS receiver”

ABS launches digital e-certificates

ABS launches digital e-certificates
ABS launches digital e-certificates

ABS launches e-Certificates. Continuously available, tamper-proof, independently verifiable and secure digital equivalents of traditional ABS paper certificates, e-Certificates are now available to ABS’ entire classed-fleet, subject to individual Flag Administrations’ authorisation. Traditional paper certificates are always still available.

“E-Certificates are the latest product from ABS’ FutureClassTM program. Defining the future of class focuses on the utilization of data and digital technology to deliver benefits for our clients,” said ABS Chairman, President and CEO, Christopher J. Wiernicki. “ABS’ e-Certificates are a perfect example of how we strive to add value and operating efficiencies for our customers.”

Uniquely, ABS’ e-Certificate system allows a simultaneous, vessel-wide view of all applicable certificates, rather than requiring the user to look up each certificate individually.

Fully compliant with IMO Guidelines, ABS e-Certificates will reduce Continue reading “ABS launches digital e-certificates”

OCIMF releases new information paper about the preparation of a safety management system

OCIMF releases new information paper about the preparation of a safety management system
OCIMF releases new information paper about the preparation of a safety management system

Addressing the need for clear and consistently applied definitions of ‘critical spares’ and ‘critical equipment’ across the industry, this information paper provides guidance on the identification of safety critical spare parts for companies to consider when preparing a Safety Management System (SMS).

The paper, released on 29 March 2018, introduces some boundary conditions to consider and walks through several steps that may be required to identify safety critical spare parts. It is equally applicable to companies managing any type of vessel.

“The identification of safety critical equipment and the need for safety critical spare parts is a complicated subject”, says OCIMF Director Andrew Cassels. “This paper provides guidance on the challenges that may be encountered when considering safety critical spare parts so that a ship owner can strive to efficiently manage their risks.”

Continue reading “OCIMF releases new information paper about the preparation of a safety management system”

First ever luxury cruise ship lengthening undertaken by Fincantieri

First ever luxury cruise ship lengthening undertaken by Fincantieri
First ever luxury cruise ship lengthening undertaken by Fincantieri

Fincantieri’s Palermo shipyard is carrying out the world’s first luxury cruise ship lengthening. Lengthening is not unheard of for merchant vessels, but it has never before been attempted for a vessel of this type as far as is known.

On March 10, workers cut the 36,000 tonne Silver Spirit in half with torches and began the process of pulling her bow and stern in opposite directions. Once they had enough space, they used self-propelled modular transporters to move a new, prefabricated 50-foot section into place. Reconnecting the hull, fitting out wiring and piping and installing interior fittings will take workers about Continue reading “First ever luxury cruise ship lengthening undertaken by Fincantieri”

Possible new cure for diesel bug

Possible new cure for diesel bug
Possible new cure for diesel bug

A new product that removes water from the bottom of diesel tanks is expected to end all diesel bug problems.

The Diesel Dipper is a self-contained system independent of the engine. Fitted with a 12-volt pump, it is designed to suck water from the floor/bottom of a fuel tank below the fuel suction and by doing so, makers Marine 16 say it eliminates or prevents diesel bug and engine failures.

Marine 16 said: “Water and sludge lying on the bottom of the tank is drawn up into a ‘tank separator’ where it separates from the diesel and collects on the bottom. This accumulated water and sludge is then periodically drained off into a container.”

The clean diesel exits the top of the separator and flows through a Continue reading “Possible new cure for diesel bug”

Partnership formed to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping

Partnership formed to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping
Partnership formed to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping

DNV GL has announced a joint partnership to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping. The class society’s partners in the effort include flag states, research institutions, battery and propulsion suppliers, fire system manufacturers, shipowners, vessel operators and yards. DNV GL says that the hope is to identify improvements not just for the batteries themselves, but for the associated systems, procedures, and approval processes.

“We put a great deal of effort into ensuring the safety of these new alternative systems, but the cost of the present safety and approval methodology is cumbersome. This collaborative effort gives a chance for an even greater level of safety,” said Rasmus Nielsen, a naval architect and officer at project partner Scandlines.

The project’s deliverable’s are focused on safety. Tasks include the development of Continue reading “Partnership formed to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping”

Deck water spray failure highlighted as one of the main deficiencies on LNG carriers

Deck water spray failure highlighted as one of the main deficiencies on LNG carriers
Deck water spray failure highlighted as one of the main deficiencies on LNG carriers

The US Coast Guard has published an information bulletin about the ongoing issue regarding inadequate deck water spray systems on LNG carriers. US Coast Guard has noted that inadequate coverage of the required areas by a deck water spray system is one of the main deficiencies identified when certificate of compliance inspections are undertaken on these vessels.

The Deck Water Spray system is required by the IGC Code 1993, Regulation 11.3. This requirement text has remained nearly identical back through the GC Code 1983 and to the EGC Code. The new 2016 edition of the IGC Code incorporates the amendments adopted by the IMO MSC at its ninety-third session (May 2014) by resolution MSC.370(93).

These amendments, which entered into force on 1 Jan 2016, consist of a complete replacement text of the IGC Code and will apply to ships whose keels are laid or are at a similar stage of construction, on or after 1 July 2016.

Across the industry, vessel operators and crews have struggled to keep these simple systems operating properly. Ineffective operation of the deck water spray appears easily managed by periodic removal of the Continue reading “Deck water spray failure highlighted as one of the main deficiencies on LNG carriers”

Revolutionary design of harbour escort tug launched

Revolutionary design of harbour escort tug launched
Revolutionary design of harbour escort tug launched

Dutch towing group, Muller Maritime, has taken delivery of the harbour escort tug Multratug 32. Despite the high number in its name, it is both the first in its class and the first vessel of its kind.

Designer Robert Allan Ltd. calls it a “Carrousel RAVE Tug,” or CRT, and it integrates two features into a novel new package. First, it has two Voith cycloidial drives arranged fore and aft (the Robert Allan-Voith RAVE design). Second, its towing winch is mounted on a giant circular bearing – the “Carrousel Towing System” – which sits around the entire wheelhouse. With these design elements the tug can rotate with a load on its line, without fouling the towline on its own superstructure or girting. It is designed to pivot relative to its direction of travel, creating drag with the width of its hull.

Robert Allan says that it is the tug’s relative heading that determines the magnitude of the towline force. At speed, large forces can be generated by applying a small amount of thrust to change the tug’s orientation to the escorted vessel. The propulsion system is primarily used to control the tug’s heading, position and speed – not to generate bollard pull. Continue reading “Revolutionary design of harbour escort tug launched”

MARPOL amendments for ship fuel oil reporting requirements, garbage classification and IOPP certificate now in force

MARPOL amendments for ship fuel oil reporting requirements, garbage classification and IOPP certificate now in force
MARPOL amendments for ship fuel oil reporting requirements, garbage classification and IOPP certificate now in force

Requirements for ships to collect data on their fuel oil consumption entered into force on 1 March. Other important amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) have also entered into force, covering the classification of garbage, including the addition of a new category of “e-waste”, and amendments to the International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate.

Ship fuel oil consumption data reporting requirements
The ship fuel oil consumption data reporting requirements are the latest mandatory requirements aimed at enhancing the energy efficiency of international shipping.

The data collection will begin on 1 January 2019 with data reported at the end of each calendar year to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations agency with responsibility for regulating the safety, security and efficiency of shipping and preventing marine and atmospheric pollution from ships.

Continue reading “MARPOL amendments for ship fuel oil reporting requirements, garbage classification and IOPP certificate now in force”

Fire extinguishing systems recalled by Kidde

Fire extinguishing systems recalled by Kidde
Fire extinguishing systems recalled by Kidde

Kidde Fire Protection has issued a Product Management Bulletin 171b in which it is recalling the hardware replacement of cylinders used in its HFC227 and NOVEC 1230 fire extinguishing systems. All ECS 2-inch Cylinder-Valve assemblies complete with Clean Agent that were shipped for marine applications during the period 16 January 2015 until 31 December 2016 are to be replaced.

The 2-inch valve used on the Kidde Chemical Agent Cylinder-Valve assemblies has four retainer screws in its piston design. Kidde Fire Protection realized that some valves, with one or more of these retainer screws not tightened to the required torque specification, may have escaped the production and inspection process into shipping.

The 2-inch valve operates on a differential pressure design and the loss of any of the screws from its set position could result in Continue reading “Fire extinguishing systems recalled by Kidde”

Ships carrying heavy fuel oil cargoes subject to ongoing condition surveys

Libya releases tanker carrying fuel to rival government
Libya releases tanker carrying fuel to rival government

In order to improve ship standards, the International Group of P&I Clubs has said it will continue to conduct survey triggers for seagoing vessels of 10 years of age or more carrying heavy fuel oil cargoes.

As a result, all sea-going vessels that are 10 years old or more and have carried heavy fuel oil as cargo within the previous 12 months will be subject to condition survey, unless:

– The vessel has undergone a P&I club condition survey during the previous 12 months.
– The vessel has undergone a Special Survey during the previous 6 months.
– The vessel has a valid Condition Assessment Program (CAP) rating of 1 or 2 with a classification society having membership in the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).

Operators should have in mind that a declaration is now required so that Continue reading “Ships carrying heavy fuel oil cargoes subject to ongoing condition surveys”

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