EU assesses potential inclusion of small ships under EU MRV

The European Commission has published a report assessing the potential inclusion of small ships between 400 and 5000 gross tonnage under the scope of the EU regulation for the Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of maritime greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The analysis identifies that over 5300 smaller vessels, which are emitting around 11 million tonnes of CO2 every year, are currently not covered by the legislation.

“Including these ships could increase the amount of emissions covered by the legislation by around 9%, while expanding the number of regulated ships by around 42%,” the Commission stated. Continue reading “EU assesses potential inclusion of small ships under EU MRV”

New loading conditions for transporting grain in bulk

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has released guidance on an update to International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk, which is set to take effect on 1 January 2026.

The IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) adopted resolution MSC.552(108) at its 108th session in May 2024, which includes amendments to the Grain Code. Continue reading “New loading conditions for transporting grain in bulk”

MPA Singapore releases guidance on bunker use of biofuel

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA Singapore) has published guidance on transporting biofuel blends by conventional bunker ships.

With effect from 7th March this year, Singapore-registered conventional bunker ships may transport blends of up to 30% by volume of biofuel (≤B30).

In a circular, the Authority highlighted the draft Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) interim guidance on the carriage of blends of biofuels by conventional bunker ships agreed by 12th Session of the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 12). Continue reading “MPA Singapore releases guidance on bunker use of biofuel”

Shipping Industry Flag State Performance Table 2024/2025

The 2024/2025 Shipping Industry Flag State Performance, published by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), indicates that flag administrations continue to demonstrate high levels of performance with respect to enforcement of global shipping regulations.

Using a wide range of objective performance indicators, the ICS Shipping Industry Flag State Performance Table provides an analysis of the extent to which flag State administrations adhere to their responsibilities to follow global standards and regulations governing safety, environmental protection and the employment conditions of seafarers. Continue reading “Shipping Industry Flag State Performance Table 2024/2025”

Key considerations for safety inspections of ships

Safety inspections of ships are a crucial and mandatory part of maritime operations, ensuring compliance with international regulations and safeguarding crew, cargo, vessels and the environment. Understanding how the process of safety inspections of ships is undertaken and maintaining readiness is essential to avoid deficiencies and ensure smooth operations. A well-prepared master plays a vital role in ensuring successful safety inspections. Masters should conduct regular self-inspections to identify and rectify potential deficiencies, maintain an updated checklist covering all inspection areas, and train crew members on emergency procedures and regulatory Continue reading “Key considerations for safety inspections of ships”

IACS publishes new recommendation on onshore power supply systems

IACS Logo

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has released recommendation, Rec. 182 to support onshore power supply systems (OPS).
The new recommendation provides detailed guidance on integrating OPS systems into both newbuilds and retrofits, while addressing the technical and operational challenges associated with its implementation. Continue reading “IACS publishes new recommendation on onshore power supply systems”

ABS: new offshore rules 2025

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”

Bureau Veritas guidance on IACS CIC on emergency power supply testing

Bureau Veritas says that IACS has decided to launch its own CIC
Bureau Veritas says that IACS has decided to launch its own CIC

IACS has decided to launch its own CIC to record results of testing of emergency power supply on individual ships, according to Bureau Veritas.
With the release of a bulletin on the subject, the Tokyo MoU has informed ship operators, shipmasters, classification societies, maritime administrations, their officers, investigators and technical advisors of the potential risk of testing of automatic start of emergency source of electrical power and connection to the emergency switchboard (SOLAS Ch. II-1 Regulation 42 / 43) using simulated Continue reading “Bureau Veritas guidance on IACS CIC on emergency power supply testing”

IACS 2025 Blue Book is available to download

The International Association of Classification Societies has issued the IACS 2025 Blue Book, further enhancing its technical support for the shipping industry through investments in technology, innovation, and research and development at both the classification and statutory levels.

The IACS 202 Blue Book is a comprehensive electronic library of technical resolutions adopted by IACS as part of its ongoing technical work. It serves as the Association’s primary reference, containing historical data and all previous revisions of IACS publications. Published and updated annually, the Blue Book demonstrates how IACS fulfils its mission to benefit international shipping. It includes: Continue reading “IACS 2025 Blue Book is available to download”

WSC: Shipping carriers move to prevent deadly charcoal fires

The shipping industry is improving safety measures for transporting charcoal
The shipping industry is improving safety measures for transporting charcoal

The shipping industry is taking proactive steps to implement improved safety measures for transporting charcoal, ahead of mandatory IMO regulations in 2026, according to a press release from the World Shipping Council (WSC).

In response to a series of devastating fires caused by improperly handled charcoal, shippers should be ready to see carriers phase in new tighter regulations this year.

“We’ve seen too many preventable fires onboard vessels caused by improper handling of charcoal,” said Joe Kramek, WSC President and CEO. Continue reading “WSC: Shipping carriers move to prevent deadly charcoal fires”

New wreck removal certificates for Norwegian ships

Håkon Kjøllmoen, fotokonkurransen for sjøfolk 2019. Source: NMA
Håkon Kjøllmoen, fotokonkurransen for sjøfolk 2019. Source: NMA

All Norwegian ships of 300 gross tonnage and above will soon have to have a Wreck Removal Certificate (WRC).

A Wreck Removal Certificate is a certificate for ships of 300 gross tonnage and above. It confirms that the ship has approved insurance or other security covering the costs of locating, marking and removing wrecks pursuant to the rules of the Nairobi Convention. It applies both for ships engaged on domestic and international voyages.

The Norwegian Maritime Authority is now processing applications and encourages those required to obtain a Wreck Removal Certificate to apply promptly, no later than 11 February. Continue reading “New wreck removal certificates for Norwegian ships”

IIMS Safety & Loss Prevention Briefings Compendium 2024

Edition IV of the IIMS Safety & Loss Prevention Briefings Compendium has been published and is available for download. This is an essential addition to every marine surveyor’s online library. As you read and browse the 172-page publication you will discover:

– A wealth of safety briefing information.

– Detail of incident and accident reports from last year.

– Vital loss prevention guidance and advice from leading P&I Clubs. Continue reading “IIMS Safety & Loss Prevention Briefings Compendium 2024”

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