The past couple of years have presented challenges for the resilient global superyacht industry, not least for those whose role it is to inspect and report on the complex coatings systems. The pandemic and other factors beyond the Registered Marine Coatings Inspector (RMCI) team’s control brought the successful programme to a temporary halt. But recent news from RMCI states that the marine coatings inspector is due for a relaunch.
Speaking recently at the IUMI (International Union of Marine Insurance) conference from Chicago, Rama Chandran, chairperson on the Ocean Hull Committee, expressed concern over the long-term sustainability of the hull and machinery insurance sector.
He said: “Whilst it is encouraging to see the 2021 premium base growing from the previous year we face deteriorating loss ratios, albeit from a low 2020 base. Premium base has only recently begun to creep upwards following a sustained decline since 2012. The increase of 4.1% is lower than the 6% seen last year and the reducing quantum is a worrying trend. This is likely due to increased market capacity, particularly from London and Latin America which is a surprise for many.” Continue reading “Hull and machinery underwriters have significant challenges ahead”
In collaboration with CWA International, The Swedish P&I Club has issued cargo advice and guidance to assist operators when carrying bagged rice cargoes.
Prior to loading, the crew must ensure that the cargo hatches are watertight. It is prudent for a hatch cover test to be undertaken. This can be done using an ultrasound device or hose test. These tests are important as they enable the crew to make any necessary repairs to the hatch covers prior to loading of cargo. Furthermore, they provides good supporting evidence against accusations of water ingress through the hatch covers in the event of a wet Continue reading “Ensuring safe operation when carrying bagged rice cargoes”
The fifth annual Global Maritime Issues Monitor has revealed that senior maritime decision-makers believe the maritime industry will be most impacted by the decarbonization of shipping and new environmental regulations in the next decade. At the same time, geopolitical issues and skill shortages rise in prominence as an area of concern.
Following the war in Ukraine, geopolitical tension has become one of the top concerns in the industry. The industry’s preparedness to face these tensions, however, is still rated as high. Compared to last year’s results, the expected impact of changing trade patterns has likewise increased. Continue reading “Global Maritime Issues Monitor reveals the coming impacts for shipping”
The International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) has published a safety brifing document to offer advice into some of the safety principles associated with safe lifting of ISO containers and tanks using hooks and wires.
According to ICHCA, any lifting operation of this type should be undertaken by competent persons in compliance with applicable regulatory frameworks and is the responsibility of the duty holder for safe lifting.
The use of gantry cranes and spreaders is the optimal and preferred method Continue reading “ICHCA guidance on safe lifting of ISO containers”
When carrying coal cargoes, it is vital to obtain accurate gas measurements to determine the correct ventilation requirements. In a short video less than four minutes long, West P&I Club explains the correct way to undertake the gas measurement of coal cargoes.
According to West Club, coal may self-heat or emit significant amounts of methane, and occasionally, it may do both. Incorrect ventilation can also lead to cargo fire or cargo explosion, which makes it crucial to obtain accurate gas measurements to determine the correct ventilation requirements. While this may appear straight forward, West Club’s experience is that these measurements are often not taken correctly. Continue reading “West P&I Club advice on how to conduct a proper gas measurement of coal cargoes”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is reiterating calls for personal locator beacons to become mandatory following its investigation the publication of its report into the 2020 sinking of the F/V Emmy Rose that claimed the lives of four crew members off Cape Cod.
The NTSB said the fishing vessel Emmy Rose likely capsized in 2020 after seawater collected on the aft deck and flooded into the vessel through deck hatches that were not watertight. NTSB investigators also found that two freeing ports, designed to drain water, were closed. Continue reading “Sinking of Emmy Rose brings fresh calls for mandatory personal locator beacons”
In its most recent series regarding lessons learned from accidents, the American Club has described an incident where an engineer was shocked by electricity whilst conducting electric repairs.
The engineer on a towing vessel was making a routine round in the engine room. He checked the level of fuel in the day tank and saw that he needed to transfer fuel from a storage tank into the day tank. He regularly did this approximately every 2 days depending on the vessel’s speed and the number of barges in the tow. He checked the day tank level and lined up the valves to transfer the fuel. As he flipped the switch to turn on the fuel transfer pump, he received an electrical shock to his hand. Continue reading “Electrical repairs should be done by suitable qualified individuals”
AMSA has published a marine notice to remind shipowners, operators, masters, crews, recognised organisations, marine pilots and pilotage providers of the obligation to provide safe pilot transfer arrangements. AMSA has noted with concern that since November 2017 several pilots’ lives have been placed at risk in six separate incidents where ropes have parted, or securing point have failed. In addition, AMSA regularly receives reports and complaints about non-compliant pilot transfer arrangements.
Shipowners, operators, masters and crews are reminded that pilot transfer arrangements, including pilot ladders, must comply with Marine Order 21 (Safety and emergency arrangements) 2016 (MO21). Continue reading “Safe pilot transfer arrangements vital for safe operations is key message in AMSA marine notice”
Emerging onboard carbon capture (OCC) technology is explored in a new publication from ABS in its latest support for the maritime energy transition. Launched at the global trade fair for Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology (SMM), Insights into Onboard Carbon Capture examines the various methods of OCC as well as carbon handling and storage and downstream considerations, as well as regulatory issues.
“Although there has been increased interest from the industry, the technology and its associated value chains have a long way to mature, and there are many factors to consider such as onboard power supply, Continue reading “Onboard carbon capture explored by ABS in new publication”
A new video has been added to the West of England P&I Club’s LEARN THE ROPES video series, which deals with engine room fire safety to highlight the potential sources that can result in the development of a fire in the engine room and critical factors that the vessel’s crew and superintendent should pay constant attention to for their prevention.
Fires on ships present extreme danger. Engine room fires are challenging to combat due to the confined space and an abundance of fire triangle elements: heat, fuel and air. Continue reading “West of England P&I Club launch new engine room fire safety video”
Many freight container units and bulk cargo holds on ships are treated with chemical pesticides termed fumigants otherwise known as cargo fumigation. Fumigant must be applied according to the correct instructions. As holds are always unventilated for a time after fumigation, there may be a risk of excessive condensation, which can produce sweating or dripping. This can lead to cargo damage as well as fire and explosion risks, the Swedish P&I Club has warned.
In particular, the Club says that agricultural products in bulk may be fumigated in ships’ holds to prevent insect infestation. Solid aluminium phosphide (or similar) is often used for fumigation. Continue reading “Swedish Club highlights the dangers of cargo fumigation”
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