Lithium-ion battery fires: What we know so far

Lithium-ion battery fires: What we know so far
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 alert on steam systems and steam hammer risks
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

Fatal Silver Condor sinking reflects long-standing safety issues in commercial fishing
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

ABS and Persona AI partnership to bring humanoid robotics to shipyards. Conceptual image courtesy of Persona AI
ABS and Persona AI partnership to bring humanoid robotics to shipyards. Conceptual image courtesy of Persona AI

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

Product safety report for Mercury Marine 450R and 500R outboard motors
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

IUMI report shows global marine insurance premiums total $39.92 billion
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

Crew steam injuries due to undocumented modifications on Wisdom Venture. Source: ATSB site photo
Crew steam injuries due to undocumented modifications on Wisdom Venture. Source: ATSB site photo

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”

ClassNK publishes Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems

ClassNK publishes Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems update
ClassNK publishes Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems update

ClassNK has released second edition of “Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems”. It assumes onboard CO2 capture systems (OCCS) use of a membrane separation method which are expected to be applicable to a wide variety of vessel types. The guidelines can support the safety development, manufacturing, and installation of relevant systems.

Not only fuel transition, but interest in capturing CO2 from ships’ exhaust gas is growing as a way to reduce GHG emissions. Development of onboard systems for capturing and storing CO2 is also being carried out. Continue reading “ClassNK publishes Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems”

MIT Maritime Consortium releases “first-of-its kind” guide for design safety of nuclear ships

Co-authors Anthony Valiaveedu, Nat Edmonds, and Jose Izurieta pose in MIT's Hart Naval Gallery.
Left to right: Co-authors Anthony Valiaveedu, Nat Edmonds, and Jose Izurieta. Credit: Tony Pulsone/MIT MechE

A guide for design safety of nuclear ships has been released by the MIT Maritime Consortium, aims to set the standard for safe maritime nuclear propulsion.

The “first-of-its-kind” handbook serves as a guide for design safety for civilian nuclear ships.

Using research data and standards, combined with operational experiences during civilian maritime nuclear operations, the handbook provides unique insights into potential issues and resolutions in the design efficacy of maritime nuclear operations, a topic of growing importance on the national and international stage. Continue reading “MIT Maritime Consortium releases “first-of-its kind” guide for design safety of nuclear ships”

Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases update published

The Chemical Distribution Institute (CDI), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) have released the second edition of ‘Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases’.

Originally published by OCIMF in 1975, the STS Transfer Guide was consolidated in 2013 through the combined expertise of CDI, ICS, OCIMF and SIGTTO. Recognised globally by the tanker industry and IMO Member States as the definitive reference for safe and effective STS operations, this new second joint edition, released in the 50th anniversary, reflects current best practices, regulatory developments and technical innovations.   Continue reading “Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases update published”

TSB Canada: Overloaded barge led to crewmember and cargo overboard

Starboard side view of the cargo vessel Sivumut. Credit: TSB Canada
Starboard side view of the cargo vessel Sivumut. Credit: TSB Canada

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has published its investigation report into a overloaded barge which led to a crewmember and cargo overboard in Frobisher Bay, Nunavut in 2023 due to and overloaded barge. 

What happened

On 27 October 2023, the cargo vessel Sivumut was anchored in Frobisher Bay, Nunavut, while transshipping cargo to Iqaluit, Nunavut, using barges and tugs.

During transshipment operations, the tug Qimmiq departed the Sivumut while towing the Tasijuaq barge in an alongside tow. Continue reading “TSB Canada: Overloaded barge led to crewmember and cargo overboard”

Instagram Posts from the IIMS @iimsmarine

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

Show details Hide details
Performance & Marketing Cookies

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages. This also helps us optimise our marketing campaigns. User data sent to Google Analytics may be used for ad personalization and measurement of our ad campaigns. Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Show details Hide details