Hong Kong investigates fatality during steel pipe loading

Hong Kong investigation reveals lessons learned from fatality during steel pipe loading
Hong Kong investigation reveals lessons learned from fatality during steel pipe loading

The Hong Kong authorities have concluded and released details of an investigation into a fatality during a steel pipe loading that took place onboard a Hong Kong registered bulk carrier when loading its cargo of steel pipes in various sizes at a pier.

A Hong Kong registered bulk carrier was berthed at a pier to load its cargo of steel pipes in various sizes. During the crane operation, the stack of steel pipes below was displaced by lowering a heavy steel pipe. It caused the nearby stevedores to lose their balance and fall into the gaps between the steel pipes. Although the two injured workers were rushed into the port hospital for medical treatment, one of the stevedores responsible for unhooking the cargo was declared dead the day after the incident, and the other stevedore responsible for cargo securing was seriously injured. Continue reading “Hong Kong investigates fatality during steel pipe loading”

Need to knows about preventing fires onboard containerships

What you need to know about preventing fires onboard containerships
What you need to know about preventing fires onboard containerships

A collaboration between Standard Club and David Townsend, Principle Fire Investigator at Andrew Moore & Associates Ltd, has resulted in a helpful loss prevention alert for preventing fires onboard containerships while offering some suggestions for dealing with and improving the situation.

According to Mr. Moore, there has been an increasing number of fires onboard containerships in recent years, some with disastrous consequences, not only for the shipowner and the crew on board but also for the environment and the shipping industry’s reputation. Continue reading “Need to knows about preventing fires onboard containerships”

Guidelines for the shipment of petroleum cargoes issued

Guidelines for the shipment of petroleum cargoes issued
Guidelines for the shipment of petroleum cargoes issued

The Swedish Club has published helpful cargo guidelines, focusing on petroleum cargoes shipments. The Club said that they wanted to give advice on the shipment of petroleum cargo specifically. A variety of refined petroleum cargoes are transported via the shipping industry. These cargoes are classified by the hydrocarbon range of the products. As the club explains, a common contamination found in refined petroleum products is the presence of particulates. This often leads to a failure in the appearance parameter which states that the cargo should be ‘clear and bright’ and typically leads to further cargo processing operations.

Pre-loading

The ‘HM 50 Guidelines for the cleaning of tanks and lines for marine tank vessels carrying petroleum and refined products’, published by the Energy Institute provide tank cleaning guidelines for switching between various dirty and clean/refined petroleum product grades. Continue reading “Guidelines for the shipment of petroleum cargoes issued”

Call for applications for appointment as MCIB Investigator

MCIB LogoThe MCIB (Marine Casualty Investigation Board) was established in 2002 under the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act 2000. The purpose of the MCIB is to investigate marine casualties with a view to learning lessons to prevent them from happening again. It is not the purpose of an investigation to attribute fault or blame. The MCIB invites applications from suitably qualified investigators to carry out contracted marine casualty investigations on behalf of the Board.

To date the MCIB has published approximately 243 accident investigation reports and now wishes to engage additional investigators to carry out accident investigations on its behalf and to develop reports for the MCIB. Continue reading “Call for applications for appointment as MCIB Investigator”

Loss of over one hundred containers from Zim Kingston due to heavy weather and port congestion says initial report.

Loss of over one hundred containers from Zim Kingston due to heavy weather and port congestion says initial report.
Loss of over one hundred containers from Zim Kingston due to heavy weather and port congestion says initial report.

The container ship Zim Kingston that spilled 109 boxes off the Strait of Juan de Fuca on October 22 was at sea in a storm caused directly as a result of port congestion says a new report. Using satellite AIS data, Seattle public radio station KUOW found that the Zim Kingston loitered off the strait’s entrance in gale conditions, moving at three knots on a course beam to the prevailing winds for about six hours.

While she was off the Strait, significant wave heights of about 16 to 20 feet were noted and the sustained wind speeds were in the range of 35-40 knots. The Zim Kingston began to roll through 35 degrees, and with extreme forces acting on her stacked deck cargo, she lost more than 100 containers over the side. Continue reading “Loss of over one hundred containers from Zim Kingston due to heavy weather and port congestion says initial report.”

First ruling for offshore wind support vessels

Offshore support vessel in action - Photo credit: Robert Allan
Photo credit: Robert Allan

The US Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center has published a new ruling regarding the construction of crew transfer vessels (CTVs). This is the first guidance issued on the construction of the many offshore wind support vessels that will be required to construct and maintain thousands of power generating wind turbines intended to be installed off the US coast.

To provide services to an offshore wind farm in US waters, a CTV must be considered “built in the United States” as required by US coastwise laws (commonly referred to as the “Jones Act”). For a vessel to be considered US built, it must meet two basic tests – “all major components of its hull and superstructure” must be US “fabricated;” and the vessel must be “assembled entirely in the United States.” Continue reading “First ruling for offshore wind support vessels”

Canal & River Trust 2020/2021 Annual Report published

Canal & River Trust 2020/2021 Annual Report published
Canal & River Trust 2020/2021 Annual Report published

The Canal & River Trust 2020/21 Annual Report and Accounts document a year dominated by Covid-19, from the pandemic’s operational and financial impact on the Trust, to the lifeline the waterways and towpaths provided throughout for millions of people across England and Wales. The Canal & River Trust 2020/2021 Annual Report also looks ahead to the 2021/22 Government Grant Review, and demonstrating the waterways’ benefit to the nation.

The Trust’s income was £215.4 million in 2020/21 (2019/20: £216.1m), reflecting the actions taken in recent years to ensure that its income, vital for looking after the ageing waterways infrastructure, is secure. Whilst overall spend on charitable activities decreased year-on-year by £10.8m to £183.3m, partly the result of provisions for Toddbrook Continue reading “Canal & River Trust 2020/2021 Annual Report published”

Consultation for the carriage and charging of electric vehicles on Ro Ro ferries is now open

MCA Logo with text that reads 'Consultation Document: MGN 653 (M) electric vehicle Onboard Passenger Ro-Ro Ferries'The consultation seeks your views on the draft Marine Guidance Note MGN 653(M) Electric Vehicles Onboard Passenger Ro-Ro Ferries. The increase in electric vehicle (EV) numbers in the UK has led to increasing demand for transit of EV onboard passenger Ro-Ro ferries (Ro-Pax). Currently, there are limited requirements specific to the charging of electric vehicles onboard UK vessels. However, noting the increasing popularity of electric vehicles it has become apparent that there is a potential for users of these vehicles to expect charging to be available onboard, and for operators of such vessels to consider offering this facility. This marine notice provides guidance for the safe carriage and charging EVs. Continue reading “Consultation for the carriage and charging of electric vehicles on Ro Ro ferries is now open”

Fishing vessel pilot highlights new safety management project

A fishing vessel on the water - Image used for illustration purposes only
Image used for illustration purposes only

Leading provider of grants and support to the maritime community, The Seafarers’ Charity, has received funding for a pilot project to develop safety management onboard fishing vessels to the standard of the Fishing Safety Management (FSM) Code. The new service, Fishing First Safety Management by SafetyFolder, aims to improve safety in the UK fishing fleet.

The Seafarers’ Charity’s chief executive, Catherine Spencer says: “I am delighted that funding has been secured for this pilot project as the addition of an auditable safety standard that will transform vessel safety in the fishing industry. The Seafarers’ Charity is improving the lives of seafarers every day and ensuring fishers can work and return home safely from voyages without experiencing harm or accidents isa big part of that.” Continue reading “Fishing vessel pilot highlights new safety management project”

AMSA consultation begins on mandatory lifejacket wearing proposal on domestic commercial vessels

AMSA consultation begins on mandatory lifejacket wearing proposal on domestic commercial vessels
AMSA consultation begins on mandatory lifejacket wearing proposal on domestic commercial vessels

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is inviting feedback from the domestic commercial vessel industry on a mandatory lifejacket wearing proposal. Informed by safety data, AMSA is exploring options to increase lifejacket wear across the domestic commercial vessel sector, focusing on sectors of the fleet with the greatest risk of a fatality following a person overboard incident. Continue reading “AMSA consultation begins on mandatory lifejacket wearing proposal on domestic commercial vessels”

IMO considers remote surveying at the 104th session of the Maritime Safety Committee

IMO considers remote surveying at the 104th session of the Maritime Safety Committee
IMO considers remote surveying at the 104th session of the Maritime Safety Committee

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) held its 104th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) from 4–8 October 2021 and is now considering remote surveying. This meeting was conducted remotely and a number of topics will be of interest to the superyacht, commercial vessel and yacht and small craft leisure sector, including remote surveys, which came up for discussion:

Covid-19 issues. In recognition of the ongoing difficulties faced by seafarers and management companies during the pandemic, the Committee approved a draft assembly resolution on issues relating to seafarers in respect of crew changes, vaccination and ‘key worker’ designation. The resolution urges Member States to: Continue reading “IMO considers remote surveying at the 104th session of the Maritime Safety Committee”

UN Convention on the Law of the Sea inquiry launched

Professor Steven Haines giving evidence. Photo credit HRAS
Professor Steven Haines giving evidence. Photo credit HRAS

An inquiry into the future of the United Nations on the Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS) and its applicability in 21st century has been launched by the UK House of Lords Select Committee on International Relations and Defence. The House of Lords inquiry is considering the extent to which the UNCLOS is fit for purpose in 2021 and is examining the enforcement of UNCLOS, its dispute resolution mechanisms, and the extent to which it has proved able to adapt to new and emerging challenges, including climate change, autonomous maritime systems, and issues of human rights and human security at sea.

The inquiry will explore the UK’s current policy towards UNCLOS and approach in practice, and consider which international partners and alliances will be important for the UK to address these challenges and uphold its interests. Continue reading “UN Convention on the Law of the Sea inquiry launched”

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