10th edition Shipping Law Review 2023 published by HFW

The aim of the tenth edition of this book is to provide those involved in handling shipping disputes with an overview of the key issues relevant to multiple jurisdictions. As with previous editions of The Shipping Law Review, we begin with cross-jurisdictional chapters looking at the latest developments in important areas for the shipping industry, including international trade sanctions, ocean logistics, offshore, piracy, shipbuilding, ports and terminals, marine insurance, environmental and regulatory issues, decommissioning and ship finance.

We have invited contributions on the law of leading maritime nations, including both major flag states and the countries in which most shipping companies are located. Continue reading “10th edition Shipping Law Review 2023 published by HFW”

The issue of cargo fires needs to be tackled further

Cargo fires are a well known challenge amongst shipping industry stakeholders. Fire onboard can result in major casualties, including loss of life. Yet, fire safety remains the most common ship deficiency area.

According to the Allianz Safety Shipping Review 2023, misdiclared cargo as well as new dangerous goods, such as chemicals, lithium-ion batteries and charcoal have become increasingly documented. In addition, colossal container vessels, in which the risk multiplies, are gaining in popularity.

Even though fire is one of the biggest causes of general average claims on container vessels, and one of the main causes of total losses across all vessel types, Continue reading “The issue of cargo fires needs to be tackled further”

BV issues rules for the classification of harbour equipment

This Rule Note gives the requirements for construction and classification of harbour equipment intended to be operated as floating dock, floating bridge, floating door and other storage or working unit floating in smooth stretches of waters. NR612 is to be applied for structural elements of the hull and for components of the machinery and electrical installations of harbour equipment.

Main changes in NR612 – Rules for the classification of Harbour Equipment

In general
1. Harmonisation of Rules’ content, structure, wording and terminology with NR217 Rules for
the classification of inland vessels.
2. Extension of Rules application to hull materials other than steel: aluminium (A), composite
(C), wood (W) and concrete (CR).

Classification and Surveys – PART A
1. Implementation of a new service notation “Floating plant” together with related additional
service features defining the plant type
2. Implementation of new additional service features for units: Continue reading “BV issues rules for the classification of harbour equipment”

How the movement of containers can cause spread of pests

The World Shipping Council has released an informative video on how containers can facilitate the start and spread of pests
The World Shipping Council has released an informative video on how containers can facilitate the start and spread of pests

The World Shipping Council has released an informative video on how containers can facilitate the start and spread of pests to communities around the world, risking agriculture, forestry and natural resources.

The cargo transported in a ship’s hold or in containers can transfer invasive species. Winged insects such as the Flighted Spongy Moth and the Brown Marmorated Stinkbug are seasonal threats, and national regulations mandate treatment by shippers and inspection regimes to prevent their transfer. Being at the frontline of this issue, the industry is actively working with shippers, packers and freight forwarders in establishing and sharing best practice when it comes to prevention, inspection, cleaning and treatment of goods and containers. Continue reading “How the movement of containers can cause spread of pests”

Major shipping carriers set to join forces to tackle safety of cargo

Safetytech Accelerator has launched a collaborative technology acceleration initiative with Evergreen Line, HMM, Lloyd’s Register, Maersk, the Offen Group, ONE (Ocean Network Express) and Seaspan as ‘Anchor Partners’ aiming at reducing cargo fires and losses overboard.

Some of the world’s biggest maritime cargo carriers have joined forces with the world’s first industrial safety technology accelerator to launch a fresh initiative to reduce cargo loss at sea.

The scale and breadth of the challenges facing operators is growing and continues to evolve. These include the increasing carriage of lithium-ion batteries either in containers or within electric vehicles on car-carriers Continue reading “Major shipping carriers set to join forces to tackle safety of cargo”

Safe handling and carriage of scrap metal in bulk

In recent years, Gard P&I Club has handled a number of claims involving the carriage of scrap metal in bulk and, from time to time, they get enquiries from Members for guidance on the handling and carriage of this cargo. Ship operators and masters should be aware of the risks related to scrap metal carriage and take risk mitigation actions accordingly.

There are two main categories of scrap metal covered in the IMSBC Code, namely scrap metal and ferrous materials in the form of iron metal borings, shavings, turnings or cuttings. Described in the IMSBC Code – “Scrap” iron or steel covers an enormous range Continue reading “Safe handling and carriage of scrap metal in bulk”

Great care should be taken when containers are loaded on vessels

container losses are the focus of a recent communiqué from the American Club
Container losses are the focus of a recent communiqué from the American Club

In a recent communiqué from the American Club, it focuses on container losses in general. This is a phenomenon that is much too common the Club says and needs addressing.

Containers are routinely being lost at sea from container ships, from barges, and from non-cellular vessels carrying containers. There are several causes including incorrect container weight declarations by shippers, improper weight distributions in the stow, cargo misdeclarations, inadequate packing of cargo inside the containers, inadequate stowage plans, and inadequate cargo securing. Continue reading “Great care should be taken when containers are loaded on vessels”

Fatality due to cargo hold’s low oxygen concentrations says investigation report

The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau of Singapore (TSIB) has released its accident investigation report on the incident onboard the bulker Nozomi when a seafarer died after entering a cargo hold as a result of an from oxygen deficient atmosphere.

On 19 March 2022, Nozomi arrived and anchored at the Tanjung Api-Api (TAA) anchorage, South Sumatera, Indonesia, to load coal cargo. On 1 April 2022, Nozomi waited at the anchorage for cargo export documents, and the departing pilot to embark at about 1200H. At about 1000H, the Bosun asked three ASD’s (ASD1, ASD2 and ASD3) to assist him in carrying out maintenance work (greasing) of the shipboard cargo cranes on the main deck. Continue reading “Fatality due to cargo hold’s low oxygen concentrations says investigation report”

Securing arrangements on deck in a poor state led to the loss of containers from APL England

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has published its final report into the loss of containers from the vessel APL England off the coast of Sydney in 2020. One of the key findings noted is the importance of vessel fixtures being regularly maintained to ensure they are secure and stable.

On 11 May 2020, the 5,780 TEU fully-cellular container ship APL England departed Ningbo, China, bound for Sydney, New South Wales. The ship was loaded with 3,161 containers (5,048 TEU), with a forward draught of 11.44 m, an aft draught of 13.32 m, and a GM2 of 1.69 m. The Singapore-flagged ship was technically managed by the CMA CGM International Shipping Company Pte. Ltd (CCISC). Continue reading “Securing arrangements on deck in a poor state led to the loss of containers from APL England”

Bulk carrier safety: be aware of vessel structural limitations

Bulk carrier safety: be aware of vessel structural limitations

Not long ago, a Gard member’s vessel was detained at the load port because the density of the solid bulk cargo being loaded exceeded the maximum allowable cargo density for that particular vessel. Recently, Gard was also approached by another member because the master of a capsize bulk carrier had refused the charterer’s request for alternative hold loading due to serious concerns about the ship’s safety.

The above instances appear to have come about due to a lack of knowledge of the CSR-BC Class Notations. Continue reading “Bulk carrier safety: be aware of vessel structural limitations”

Guidance published for hold cleaning of bulk vessels

The Swedish Club in association with CWA International has produced a practical guide to help operators with the hold cleaning of bulk vessels. According to the guide, the preparation and cleaning of a vessel’s cargo holds for the next intended cargo is a vital part of bulk carrier operations. Hold cleaning requires clear planning, preparation and efficient execution.

Failure to carry out the proper hold preparation prior to loading can lead to cargo claims relating to cargo contamination, overflowing bilges, as well as contractual claims relating to delay, failed surveys, loss of hire and further charterparty disputes. Continue reading “Guidance published for hold cleaning of bulk vessels”

Loss prevention measures for the carriage of electrically powered refrigerated containers in cargo holds

The writer of this article is a Master Mariner, with extensive experience as a Senior Surveyor/Consultant and Manager. He has extensively dealt with numerous cargo claim cases and carried out plentiful investigations.
The writer of this article is a Master Mariner, with extensive experience as a Senior Surveyor/Consultant and Manager.

This article has been written by Capt. Jatinder Singh Chada (Jatin) MIIMS as a brief introductory guide to loss prevention, specifically for carriage of electrically powered refrigerated containers inside cargo holds (under deck). With the increase in transportation of refrigerated commodities and containerization, container vessels are being designed to accommodate more and more refrigerated containers under deck, in addition to the customary practice of loading reefer containers on deck, as operators want to cash in the extra freight.

Based on statistics of incidents handled by the author, it has been noted that most of the incidents involving high temperatures (and related malfunctions) on containers loaded Continue reading “Loss prevention measures for the carriage of electrically powered refrigerated containers in cargo holds”

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