Shipyards are singular industrial environments, combining the hazards of heavy construction, manufacturing, and complex marine operations into one sprawling, high- stakes location. For any vessel owner, operator, or contractor, the yard represents a necessary but incredibly risky location. The complex nature of repair, maintenance, and construction, often conducted under tight deadlines, elevates the potential for catastrophic accidents.
A shipyard is a constantly evolving workspace. One moment, a section of the hull is being pre-fabricated in a clean workshop; the next, it is being hoisted by cranes over active work zones to be welded into place many meters above the dry dock floor. This dynamic, multi-hazard environment necessitates a safety culture that is not merely compliant, but proactively rigorous. Continue reading “The dry dock danger zone: Why a shipyard safety plan must be bulletproof”
The revision of the International Grain Code was adopted at the IMO Maritime Safety Committee in 2024 and came into effect on 1 January 2026. The main purpose of the amendment is to formally incorporate into the code the cargo handling method of “specially suitable compartment, partly filled in way of the hatch opening, with ends untrimmed”. This article highlights the key changes and discusses potential practical and legal implications.
