The effects of Covid-19 on European shipping are revealed in a new report

A new report reveals the effect of Covid-19 on European shipping
A new report reveals the effect of Covid-19 on European shipping

Using data mainly from the Union Maritime Information and Exchange System (SafeSeaNet) and, in certain cases, combined with LRIT and MARINFO data, EMSA has been able to compile and publish a report providing figures on the impact of Covid-19 on European shipping traffic.

By analysing ship calls at EU ports it was found that the number declined by 10% in 2020 compared to 2019. When comparing 2021 with 2019, it was observed the number of ships calls at EU ports increased by 3%. The number of ship calls in June 2022 increased by 13% compared with the same month in 2019. The most significant decrease in the number of ship calls was detected for containerships, refrigerated cargo ships and vehicle carriers. Continue reading “The effects of Covid-19 on European shipping are revealed in a new report”

Singapore ranked number one shipping centre for ninth year running

Singapore has secured the top spot once again in the Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index Report. It is the ninth consecutive year that the report, published jointly by Chinese state news agency, Xinhua, and global maritime data provider, the Baltic Exchange, has ranked Singapore as the leading global maritime centre.

The city state scored 94.88 out of a possible 100 points, whilst second on the list was maritime professional services stronghold, London, with 83.04 points. Meanwhile, Shanghai, home to the world’s largest port, takes third place with 82.79 points. Continue reading “Singapore ranked number one shipping centre for ninth year running”

TT Club urges IMO Member States to increase container and cargo inspections and submit reports urgently

A group of firemen are in the background, while blue plastic debris from the blast is in the foreground Photo credit: AFP
The blast at Chittagong left dozens dead. Photo credit: AFP

Past reporting of inspections carried out has been sparse. In welcoming the IMO’s revised guidelines for inspections, the international freight transport insurer TT Club exhorts governments to report findings to IMO on 2021 inspections, as well as to increase the volume of inspections carried out. This would helpfully inform the international maritime regulator and support industry players who are striving to ensure safety and reduce dangerous incidents.

Revised Guidelines for the Implementation of the Inspection of Cargo Transport Units (CTUs) issued last month by the IMO are aimed at helping governments to implement a uniform and safe inspection programme. The IMO Circular (MSC.1/Circ.1649) seeks to broaden the inspections undertaken and Continue reading “TT Club urges IMO Member States to increase container and cargo inspections and submit reports urgently”

West P&I has noticed an increase in fire incidents to containers containing charcoal and carbon

The West P&I Club has noted a number of recent container fire incidents related to containers which were declared as miscellaneous items but actually contained charcoal/carbon. This is a commodity liable to spontaneous combustion. These containers were below deck and when fires broke out there was considerable damage caused to the vessel and other cargo by the fire and the water used to extinguish the fire.

The vessels’ CO2 system assisted in putting the fires out. Fire experts have also advised that they are aware of numerous other fires in containers of charcoal tablets in recent months. Continue reading “West P&I has noticed an increase in fire incidents to containers containing charcoal and carbon”

World’s largest containership this week in Shanghai

A subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) is reported to have delivered the world’s largest containership in Shanghai. Named Ever Alot, the vessel has a carrying capacity of a massive 24,004 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), which gives her the unofficial world record-holder title. The vessel measures 400 meters long by 61.5 meters wide and a draft of 17 meters.

Ever Alot was delivered by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of CSSC, to a subsidiary of Taiwanese shipping company Evergreen Marine Corporation. Continue reading “World’s largest containership this week in Shanghai”

Paris MoU 2021 performance lists adopted

At its 55th meeting, the Paris MoU Committee approved the 2021 inspection results and adopted new performance lists for flag States and Recognized Organizations (ROs). The White, Grey and Black List will take effect from the 1st of July 2022. The “White, Grey and Black List” presents the full spectrum, from quality flags to flags with a poor performance that are considered high, or very high risk. It is based Continue reading “Paris MoU 2021 performance lists adopted”

Annual Digest of reports and insight articles 2021 published by CHIRP

CHIRP Maritime has published its seventh annual Digest of CHIRP Maritime reports, covering all the cases it published during 2021 as well as several in-depth articles specially commissioned to highlight important safety topics.

CHIRP has divided the Digest into themed sections to assist readers to find the topics which most interest them. Commenting on the report, Captain Alan Loynd, FNI FITA MCIArb BA (Hons), said that he is not sure “whether this means incidents are becoming more Continue reading “Annual Digest of reports and insight articles 2021 published by CHIRP”

Lack of training and inadequate PPE leads to fumigant poisoning reveals MAIB report

The UK MAIB has published its preliminary report on a fumigant poisoning.
The UK MAIB has published its preliminary report on a fumigant poisoning.

The UK MAIB has published its preliminary report on a fumigant poisoning that took place on the general cargo vessel Thorco Angela, with one person injured as a consequence. A stevedore suffered sickness and disorientation after handling cans containing fumigant while discharging cargo from the general cargo vessel Thorco Angela.

In July 2021, 8000t of bagged sweet potato product was loaded into the cargo holds of Thorco Angela in Rizhao, China. While loading, shore stevedores and, at a later time during the load, Thorco Angela’s crew, placed cans and pouches of aluminium phosphide fumigant between the bags of cargo. On 19 July, Thorco Angela departed Rizhao for northern Europe, and carried out scheduled crew changes during the voyage that included the master, chief officer, second officer and third officer. Continue reading “Lack of training and inadequate PPE leads to fumigant poisoning reveals MAIB report”

Visually inspecting lifeboat prior to testing crucial

The US Coast Guard (USCG) has published a safety alert addressing the importance of visually inspecting lifeboat and davit installations prior to testing with crewmembers onboard, and ensuring crew familiarity with company policy related to lifesaving equipment testing. As USCG said, the remote control wire may be overlooked, yet weaknesses within the linkages or poor spooling of the wire itself can lead to catastrophic failures in the lifeboat launching systems. Continue reading “Visually inspecting lifeboat prior to testing crucial”

Allianz Safety and Shipping Review 2022 published

Allianz have released their 2022 Safety and Shipping Review
Allianz have released their 2022 Safety and Shipping Review

Shipping continued its long-term positive safety trend over the past year but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the growing number of costly issues involving larger vessels, crew and port congestion challenges resulting from the shipping boom, and managing challenging decarbonization targets, means there is no room for complacency, according to the Allianz Safety and Shipping Review 2022.

The 2021 loss total is made more impressive by the fact that there are an estimated 130,000 ships in the global fleet today, compared with some 80,000 30 years ago. Such progress reflects the increased focus on safety measures over time through training and safety programs, improved ship design, technology and regulation. Continue reading “Allianz Safety and Shipping Review 2022 published”

Gard recommends vigilance and warns about liquefaction risk of of solid bulk cargoes

Gard warns about liquefaction risk of solid bulk cargoes
Gard warns about liquefaction risk of solid bulk cargoes

Gard P&I Club has recently been notified of new incidents where solid bulk cargoes classified as Group A, liable to liquefy, have been loaded with moisture content in excess of the transportable moisture limit (TML). Gard reminds its members and others to remain vigilant when loading such cargoes.

In the first case, the vessel was loading copper concentrates in Peru. The cargo was partially loaded when the Master observed pooling of free water in the holds and cargo spatter; i.e., cargo splashing up on the sides of holds when dropped from grabs. Both of these are considered red flags when loading Group A cargo. Continue reading “Gard recommends vigilance and warns about liquefaction risk of of solid bulk cargoes”

Port of Antwerp and partners to launch cargo temperature monitoring service

Photo credit: Port of Antwerp
Photo credit: Port of Antwerp

The Port of Antwerp is working along with three partners to launch Europe’s first end-to-end cargo LoRaWAN based cargo temperature monitoring service.

The Port of Antwerp, Europe’s second-largest container hub, is collaborating with Foodcareplus, an international logistics provider, Dockflow, a building logistics enablement platform, and TrakAssure,a provider of cargo monitoring solutions. They have announced a service offering cargo temperature condition monitoring for logistics assets and cargo, and providing exception alerting solutions for Continue reading “Port of Antwerp and partners to launch cargo temperature monitoring service”

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