Proper stowage of mixed cargoes on bulk carriers

Shipowners have the responsibility to ensure that the vessel is suitable and fit for purpose to carry break-bulk cargo, containers, and project cargoes
Shipowners have the responsibility to ensure that the vessel is suitable and fit for purpose to carry break-bulk cargo, containers, and project cargoes

The American P&I Club has raised concerns that have arisen regarding the loading of finished and unfinished steel products alongside break-bulk, containerized, and project cargoes in the same cargo hold of bulk carriers.

Examples of break-bulk, containerized, and project cargoes include large, heavy, oversized items, machinery parts, crates, and heavy-duty wheeled items such as trucks, cranes, or pay loaders. Unlike vessels dedicated to carrying break-bulk, containerized, or project cargoes, bulk carriers are not fitted with suitable lashing and securing arrangements.

The irregular sizes, shapes, and weights of such non-pure-bulk cargoes are challenging to safely lash and secure, and typically require makeshift arrangements. Continue reading “Proper stowage of mixed cargoes on bulk carriers”

DNV on energy efficiency compliance after alterations or conversions

The EEXI requirement came into effect on 1 January 2023
The EEXI requirement came into effect on 1 January 2023

The EEXI requirement came into effect on 1 January 2023, and all affected ships should now comply. To maintain compliance, any ship undergoing changes that affect its EEXI and/or EEDI may need to recalculate these.
What is a “major conversion”?
Under MARPOL Annex VI (Regulation 5.4), the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and, if relevant, the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), must be recalculated and surveyed on board in the event of a major conversion, as defined in Regulation 2.2.17. Continue reading “DNV on energy efficiency compliance after alterations or conversions”

RightShip releases revised vessel inspection age trigger timeline

RightShip has announced a revised timeline for implementing its vessel inspection age trigger
RightShip has announced a revised timeline for implementing its vessel inspection age trigger

RightShip has announced a revised timeline for implementing its vessel inspection age trigger, reducing the inspection threshold from 14 to 10 years through a four-phased approach.
The initial announcement of the inspection age trigger in October 2024 garnered valuable feedback from stakeholders. Constructive dialogue with RightShip’s customers and respected industry associations – including INTERCARGO, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and the Union of Greek Shipowners whose membership represents a substantial portion of the global dry bulk and general cargo fleet – has been instrumental in refining the approach to align with operational realities while reinforcing our shared commitment to safety. Continue reading “RightShip releases revised vessel inspection age trigger timeline”

Best practices to avoid bunker quantity disputes

According to Britannia, bunker quantity disputes pose a common challenge in the maritime industry
According to Britannia, bunker quantity disputes pose a common challenge in the maritime industry

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”

Cashew nutshell marine biofuel warning sent out

ships in Singapore and Rotterdam have recently reported issues after using cashew nutshell marine biofuel.
Ships in Singapore and Rotterdam have recently reported issues after using cashew nutshell marine biofuel.

Several ships in Singapore and Rotterdam have recently reported issues after using cashew nutshell marine biofuel.

Reported operational problems included fuel sludging, injector failure, filter clogging, system deposits and corrosion of turbocharger nozzle rings. CTI-Maritec carried out extended gas chromatography mass spectrometry testing for very low sulphur fuel oil samples from the vessels. The results showed the fuel was blended with Cashew Nutshell Liquid (CNSL) from undeclared source materials or production processes.

CNSL, a non-FAME biofuel, is a naturally occurring byproduct of the cashew nut industry and acts as a low-cost alternative renewable fuel. Continue reading “Cashew nutshell marine biofuel warning sent out”

Tips to transporting rare, valuable and high value cargo

Risk Watch focuses on transporting rare cargo
Risk Watch focuses on transporting rare 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”

Isle of Man advisory on enclosed space entry and CO2 hazards issued

Advisory on enclosed space entry and CO2 hazards issued
Advisory on enclosed space entry and CO2 hazards issued

The Isle of Man Ship Registry has published Technical Advisory Notice 005-24 regarding enclosed space entry, gas detection, and CO2 hazards. The advisory primarily targets dry cargo operators, as they experience the highest incidence of enclosed space accidents. It emphasizes the need to assess hazards from cargoes before loading, particularly those that emit CO2, such as organic cargoes like coal. A recent incident resulted in the deaths of three stevedores, highlighting the risks of oxygen depletion and CO2 toxicity from organic materials.

This advisory serves as a supplement to previous Technical Advisory Notices (007-19 and 008-19), which also addressed issues related to enclosed space safety. Continue reading “Isle of Man advisory on enclosed space entry and CO2 hazards issued”

Transport Canada launches national trial for remote vessel inspections

Ship Safety Bulletin No. 23/2024 regarding the launch of a national trial for remote remote vessel inspections
Ship Safety Bulletin No. 23/2024 regarding the launch of a national trial for remote vessel inspections

Transport Canada has issued Ship Safety Bulletin No. 23/2024 regarding the launch of a national trial for remote vessel inspections of grain and concentrates in bulk.

This trial will run from September 2024 to September 2025 and is part of Transport Canada’s broader efforts to modernize the marine inspection process. The primary goal is to determine whether remote inspections can be as effective as physical, in-person inspections in ensuring compliance with the Cargo, Fumigation, and Tackle Regulations (CFTR), which are key to safeguarding maritime safety. Continue reading “Transport Canada launches national trial for remote vessel inspections”

IMO CCC 10 key outcomes

IMO CCC 10 key outcomes
IMO CCC 10 key outcomes

The sub-committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (IMO CCC) met in September to review or update relevant codes including the IMSBC, IMDG, IGF and IGC Codes.
This sub-committee is where all matters related to the carriage of packaged dangerous goods, solid bulk cargoes, bulk gas cargoes, containers, and zero and low carbon fuels are discussed. Lloyd’s Register has published the following summary of the meeting:

Continue reading “IMO CCC 10 key outcomes”

CINS releases Comprehensive Guidelines for Carriage of Charcoal in Containers

The carriage of charcoal in containers poses significant fire risks due to the potential for self-heating and spontaneous ignition.
The carriage of charcoal in containers poses significant fire risks due to the potential for self-heating and spontaneous ignition.

The Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS) explains that charcoal is a widely used material for various purposes, including cooking, heating, and industrial processes and it is often transported in shipping containers. The carriage of charcoal in containers poses significant fire risks due to the potential for self-heating and spontaneous ignition.

Charcoal is described in the IMDG Code as “Black material originating from organic sources. Particularly includes carbon blacks, of animal or vegetable origin other non-activated carbon materials and Continue reading “CINS releases Comprehensive Guidelines for Carriage of Charcoal in Containers”

IMO amendments to the ESP Code: Certification by hull inspection firms

amendments to the ESP Code: Certification by hull inspection firms
Amendments to the ESP Code: Certification by hull inspection firms

The International Maritime Organization has issued resolution MSC.553(108) with amendments to the 2011 ESP Code: Certification by hull inspection firms. The amendments will come into force on January 1, 2026.

These changes specifically focus on the approval and certification processes for firms that conduct thickness measurements of hull structures. Hull thickness measurements are essential for determining the structural integrity of ships and ensuring their safe operation. The amendments apply to different types of bulk carriers and oil tankers, and aim to ensure that the firms responsible for these Continue reading “IMO amendments to the ESP Code: Certification by hull inspection firms”

Preventing cargo damage through hatch cover maintenance

hatch cover maintenance can prevent cargo damage
hatch cover maintenance can prevent cargo damage

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”

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