The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is urging stronger safety measures after a crew member was seriously injured aboard the bulk carrier Golden Zhejiang’s lifeboat in 2023. The TSB highlights the need for proper procedures for risk assessments, equipment-specific training, and a safety management system supported by a mature safety culture with a trusted process for communication between crew and shore personnel to prevent accidental lifeboat releases. Continue reading “TSB Canada highlights importance of safeguards to prevent accidental lifeboat releases”
News Hound
MCA published its new Sport or Pleasure Code
Safety and innovation are at the heart of updated regulations for small commercial vessels used for sport or pleasure that was laid before Parliament on 20 November 2025 with application to be phased in from 12 December 2025 by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), starting only with new vessels entering either code for the first time.
The new Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 2025 will set clear, pragmatic standards across the sector by underpinning two codes of practice for vessels below and above 24 metres in length. The changes will apply gradually to more vessels as their certificates come up for renewal or within three years, whichever is longer. Continue reading “MCA published its new Sport or Pleasure Code”
NTSB: loose wire on containership Dali led to Scott Key Bridge collision
The US National Transportation Safety Board said a single loose wire on the Dali containership caused an electrical blackout that led to the vessel hitting the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which then collapsed, killing six highway workers.
At a public meeting, investigators said the loose wire in the ship’s electrical system caused a breaker to unexpectedly open – beginning a sequence of events that led to two vessel blackouts and a loss of both propulsion and steering near the 2.37-mile-long Key Bridge on March 26, 2024. Investigators found that wire-label banding prevented the wire from being fully inserted into a terminal block spring-clamp gate, causing an inadequate connection. Continue reading “NTSB: loose wire on containership Dali led to Scott Key Bridge collision”
MTF issues guidelines on alternative qualitative fuel risk assessments
The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has revealed new guidelines for conducting alternative qualitative fuel risk assessments for alternative fuelled ships: HAZID and HAZOP.
The use of alternative fuels will be key to addressing the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships. While IMO has developed guidelines for design and operation of ships capable of using them, the Alternative Design and Approval process is required for most alternative fuels until mandatory regulations are in place. Continue reading “MTF issues guidelines on alternative qualitative fuel risk assessments”
Surge in EV transportation exposes gaps in maritime safety rules procurement
Industry experts have said the rapid rise in EV (electric Vehicle) transportation exposes gaps in maritime safety rules, says Steam Marine Technical.
High-profile shipboard fires involving EVs, such as those on the Felicity Ace, Morning Midas and the Freemantle Highway, have highlighted the dangers and significant risks. While lithium-ion battery fires and thermal runaway events aren’t always the initial cause, they significantly escalate onboard fires when EVs are involved, yet current International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations don’t adequately address this risk. Whilst the IMO develops updated guidelines, comprehensive regulations specific to EV transport aren’t expected until at least 2028. Continue reading “Surge in EV transportation exposes gaps in maritime safety rules procurement”
Lithium-ion battery fires: What we know so far
Lithium-ion battery fires: What we know so far is a new publication published on behalf of the members of the Maritime Professional Council of the UK. That said, it is aimed at an international audience. The publication has been co-authored by Frances Birkett and Mike Schwarz of IIMS.
Deliberately designed not to be technically heavy, this 36-page overview aims to share some of the case studies and issues surrounding this emerging technology we Continue reading “Lithium-ion battery fires: What we know so far”
Lloyd’s Register alert on steam systems and steam hammer risks
Lloyd’s Register (LR) have shared an investigation report into two fatalities which resulted from the catastrophic failure of a bellow type expansion fitting on a steam system pipeline on a LR class vessel. There have also been other steam systems and steam hammer risks this year which resulted in accidents.
Subsequent random inspection of vessels with similar expansion fittings as part of their steam piping system have highlighted the following issues: Continue reading “Lloyd’s Register alert on steam systems and steam hammer risks”
Fatal Silver Condor sinking reflects long-standing safety issues in commercial fishing
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has published its final investigation report into the fatal Silver Condor sinking, which resulted in the deaths of three crew members near La Tabatière, Quebec.
What happened
On 24 September 2023, the fishing vessel Silver Condor, with 6 people on board, began its return trip to port after fishing for redfish. Around midnight on 25 September, the vessel started listing to port and sinking by the stern; as the vessel sank, all people on board entered the water. Continue reading “Fatal Silver Condor sinking reflects long-standing safety issues in commercial fishing”
ABS and Persona AI partnership to bring humanoid robotics to shipyards
A collaboration to develop inspection technologies for Persona AI’s humanoid robot platform was formalized with the signing of an MOU between ABS and Persona AI and bring humanoid robotics to shipyards.
The initiative will focus on adapting Persona AI’s humanoid robots, based in part on NASA’s robotic hand technology, for a range of shipyard tasks. Unlike traditional industrial robots, humanoid robots are uniquely suited to operate in shipyards designed for human workers, offering flexibility and mobility in complex, confined, or ergonomically challenging spaces. Continue reading “ABS and Persona AI partnership to bring humanoid robotics to shipyards”
Product safety report for Mercury Marine 450R and 500R outboard motors
The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a product safety report for two models of Mercury Marine 450R and 500R outboard motors.
The reason for the recall is that these outboard motors present a risk of injuries as users could trap their fingers in the top cowl air vents during use. The products do not meet the requirements of the Recreational Craft Regulations 2017. Continue reading “Product safety report for Mercury Marine 450R and 500R outboard motors”
IUMI report shows global marine insurance premiums total $39.92 billion
The 2024 global marine insurance market showed relative stability according to the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI). In the IUMI Stats Report 2025 it said global marine insurance premiums total USD39.92 billion in 2024 — a 1.5% uplift on 2023. Stability was seen across all lines of business except for offshore energy where premiums reduced by almost 8%. Drivers included a continued rise in global trade volumes and values (cargo), changes in vessel numbers and values (hull) and oil price dynamics (offshore energy). Continue reading “IUMI report shows global marine insurance premiums total $39.92 billion”
Crew steam injuries due to undocumented modifications on Wisdom Venture
An undocumented modifications on Wisdom Venture oil tanker resulted in burns to three crew members, according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).
What happened
On 6 May 2025, the oil tanker Wisdom Venture was drifting off Sydney, New South Wales, when the engineering team commenced maintenance on the main deck steam valve for the cargo heating system. The valve had been leaking from the bonnet joint gasket.
Following isolation of the system, the team removed the valve bonnet. During this process, residual hot condensate was suddenly released, resulting in burn injuries to 3 crew members. Continue reading “Crew steam injuries due to undocumented modifications on Wisdom Venture”