Following recent fires onboard boxships, IUMI urges improved firefighting systems

A combination of ever larger container vessels, coupled with a number of recent fires onboard boxships has caused the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) to call for better firefighting systems. IUMI is concerned that current provisions are inadequate. Consequently it and has published a paper calling for better onboard firefighting systems specifically for container vessels.

Whilst IUMI expressly welcomes the 2014 amendment to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) to increase the effectiveness of firefighting, the association believes more should be done to prevent fires onboard boxships.

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IMO highlights hazard of bauxite ship cargo

Picture credit IMO
Picture credit IMO

According to a new warning issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), it says that bauxite could become unstable when carried in bulk onboard a ship, potentially resulting in the vessel capsizing.

Bauxite is one of the world’s major sources of aluminium with around 100 million tonnes transported annually by sea. In 2015, a bulk carrier sank while transporting, with the loss of 18 seafarers. Research presented this week to an IMO Sub-Committee found that certain forms of bauxite with a large proportion of smaller particles could be subject to a newly-identified phenomenon of “dynamic separation” when there is excess moisture in the cargo.

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Havyard designs a purpose built vessel for ESVAGT to meet the needs of the wind energy sector

There is an expected NOK 1000 billion investment within offshore wind energy in Europe alone. In addition, there is an increasing number of ocean windfarms around the globe. Farms are also increasingly further away from shore compared to previously. As a result, purpose-built vessels are needed. The equipment package includes DE propulsion system from Norwegian Electric Systems AS.

“We have developed a vessel that has met requirements from both shipowner and the operator of the vessel. We have balanced technical aspects with commercial requirements, and as such, we have been able to win this contract in a tough and competitive market. The vessel is due to be delivered to ESVAGT in August 2019, and will enter a contract with the Danish wind power company MHI Vestas and serve in the OWF Deutsche Bucht field”, says Sales Director Gisle Vinjevoll Thrane of Havyard Design & Solutions.

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IMO updates guidelines for abandon ship drills using lifeboats

Photo credit: Riley Huntley/wikipedia.org
Photo credit: Riley Huntley/wikipedia.org

At the 98th Session of its Maritime Safety Committee earlier this year, IMO plans to enshrine a range of amendments in to the guidelines relating to abandon ship drills using lifeboats with the aim of reducing related accidents.

The Committee approved the Guidelines on safety during abandon ship drills using lifeboats, following the amalgamation of annex 1 to the Measures to prevent accidents with lifeboats and the Interim Recommendation on conditions for authorization of service providers for lifeboats, launching appliances and on-load release gear in the Requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear.

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Guidance on the use of LPG installations on merchant vessels, fishing vessels, pleasure and other craft issued

The Irish Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport issued a marine notice, providing guidance on the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) installations on merchant vessels, fishing vessels, pleasure craft and other marine craft.

When handled incorrectly, the dangers associated with LPG systems include fire, explosion, burns and asphyxiation due to gas leakage from the system or accumulation of gas following flame failure in an appliance. Such incidents have caused loss of life and material damage.

The scope of recommendations includes:
Installation and Testing: To help prevent accidents with LPG installations, such systems should be installed at least in accordance with the International Standard ISO 10239:2014 (Small craft – Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems). It is recommended that an inspection and test of such systems and associated alarm systems be carried out at least monthly to ensure correct operation. Continue reading “Guidance on the use of LPG installations on merchant vessels, fishing vessels, pleasure and other craft issued”

Ecospeed hard coating stands up to polar research conditions

Subsea Industries’ Ecospeed hull protection system will be applied to the hull of the 15,000 gt RRS Sir David Attenborough, the polar research ship under construction at the Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead, Liverpool for British Antarctic Survey (BAS).

The decision to apply the Ecospeed hard coating to the hull of the new polar ship has been validated by the recent drydocking of sister vessel RRS Ernest Shackleton. The 80 m long vessel, coated with Ecospeed in 2009, drydocked last month at the Orskov shipyard, in Frederikshavn, Denmark, where the hull was found to be in “very good condition.”

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Iconic Shipping Forecast celebrates its 150th birthday

The Shipping Forecast has provided uninterrupted service to the shipping world for 150 years
The Shipping Forecast has provided uninterrupted service to the shipping world for 150 years

Issued uninterrupted since 1867, the Shipping Forecast has become an iconic symbol recognised by people from all over the world. This most venerable of institutions celebrates 150 years of service. Yet still today, despite new pretenders on the block, it provides a vital role with information about impending warnings and sea area forecasts four times a day. What’s more, delightful names such as German Bight, Rockall, Lundy and Forties have become household names for many because of it.

The history of the Shipping Forecast
On the night of 25-26 October 1859 the British Isles were struck by a severe storm which subsequently became known as the Royal Charter Storm. The Royal Charter sank off Anglesey in a storm. Of 500 souls aboard only 29 survived. It was the largest loss at sea of the year and provoked a significant reaction about the need to try and predict storms to prevent ships from leaving port and heading into appalling weather conditions.

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The process for reactivating vessels after a period of lay-up guidance issued

The Shipowners’ Club has issued a guidance note, regarding the reactivation process for a vessel following a period of lay-up. In the guidance note, Shipowners recognises no matter if it be an offshore or any other type of support vessel, reactivation and bringing back into service requires careful management in assessing the risks following a period of lay-up.

As explained, the vessel reactivation specifications should be defined based upon the following elements:
– Lay-up Preservation Plan framework in place and Lay-up logbook records. Lay-up plan to be preferably approved by class.
– Last classification society survey report, docking report or any other survey report as applicable.
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Lessons learnt from bunker fuel contamination incident highlighted by UK P&I Club

The UK P&I Club has issued guidance about a bunker fuel contamination incident which occurred onboard a general cargo ship during loading a bulk cargo. The Club has, provided details of what happened and highlights the important lessons learned.

This vessel was loading a bulk cargo in two of the vessel’s lower holds. During the loading operation, the vessel bunkered 500 MT of HFO into no.’s 2 port and starboard fuel oil side tanks. Shortly after the completion of bunkering operations, the Chief Engineer (C/E) noticed the level of no.2 port fuel oil tank was decreasing from observation of the remote gauging system.

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ABS report reveals key insights into ballast water management systems

Example of a ballast water management system
Example of a ballast water management system

ABS, a leading provider of classification and technical services to the marine and offshore industries, has published a report providing insights into how industry is progressing with ballast water management systems. Based on input provided by owners and operators with ballast water management systems on board their vessels, the report covers a range of topics, including installation, commissioning and operations of ballast water management systems.

“It is important to share with all stakeholders the outcome of the ABS organized workshop on the issues and best practices with ballast water management systems,” says ABS Executive Vice President for Global Marine Dr. Kirsi Tikka. “When we hear directly from owners and operators, we are better able to understand the challenges in the operation of the systems, and for those systems which are operational, what practices are being followed.”

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The Quadriga set to become the world’s biggest sailing cargo ship

As innovators look for ways to further reduce the carbon footprint and create greener vessels using renewable technology in the future, it has been announced that Quadriga, an innovative sustainable shipping project from Hamburg based Sailing Cargo, aims to become the world’s biggest sailing cargo ship. It seems as if time goes in a full circle as developers look to significantly harness wind power once again and match it with ships.

The project outlines a plan to build a 170 metre car carrier, capable of carrying between 1,700 and 2,000 cars, which will be equipped with four DynaRig masts and will operate on hybrid propulsion with sails and diesel-electric engines, and an optional battery system for peak loads. The vessel will be capable of sailing at 10-12 knots with the aim of reaching 14-16 knots in the next few years through combined expertise.

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Dangers of carrying nickel ore cargo from Indonesia and the Philippines highlighted

Risks of carrying nickel ore cargo from Indonesia and the Philippines highlighted by West P&I Club
Risks of carrying nickel ore cargo from Indonesia and the Philippines highlighted by West P&I Club

The West of England P&I Club has highlighted the mandatory notification requirements surrounding the perils of carrying nickel ore cargo from both Indonesia and the Philippines, ensuring that the necessary related safety measures are in place to comply with the IMSBC Code requirements. The Club explains the implications and advises all operators to take the necessary measures to mitigate these risks where possible. The Club says this may necessitate the appointment of a local surveyor to assist the Master.

“In accordance with the Club’s bye-laws, Members are required to notify the Managers before agreeing to carry a nickel ore cargo to ensure that they are fully acquainted with the risks beforehand and so that any concerns regarding the contractual terms of carriage may be addressed. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Managers, Members are also required to appoint a surveyor at the load port to provide assistance to the Master. Failure to fulfil these requirements may prejudice cover.” The Club says in a statement.

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