DNV has recently identified cases of deficiencies in CO2 fire-extinguishing systems that had multiple depleted CO₂ cylinders, potentially compromising fire safety and vessel integrity. More about this below. Continue reading “DNV: Deficiencies in CO2 fire-extinguishing systems”
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”
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”
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”
Gard P&I Club has provided key recommendations to mitigating accidents during fumigation operations, especially while in transit. Fumigation of cargo holds using aluminium phosphide tablets, which release phosphine gas, is essential to protect products from infestation and ensure they arrive in good condition. The heavier-than-air phosphine gas penetrates the cargo to eliminate insects and pests.
However, according to Gard, despite the existence of industry best practice recommendations, fumigation-related incidents continue to occur. While it remains uncertain how many fatalities could have been prevented through stricter adherence to the current IMO guidance, many incidents have been linked to the absence of vessel-specific procedures, underestimation or lack of awareness of the risks involved, or decisions influenced by commercial pressures. Continue reading “Key considerations for mitigating accidents during fumigation”
Dear colleague
Wherever I go these days – and I have been around a bit recently – and whoever I meet in the maritime world, be they small craft or commercial ship surveyors, loss prevention executives, insurers and underwriters, and even maritime regulators, it seems there is one subject that comes up time and time again. Can you guess? Ah yes, lithium-ion batteries, and more importantly the mounting challenges they are presenting in our industry! Perhaps that does not surprise you. Continue reading “CEO blog: October 2025”
The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has published its Annual Overview of Marine Casualties and Incidents 2025, in which it presents statistics of marine casualties and incidents that cover the period from 1st of January 2015 to 31st of December 2024 as reported by the EU member states.
In 2024, most of the indicators, such as the number of occurrences, ships lost, fatalities or injuries, are near or below the average values for the entire period from 2015 to 2024. In 2024, 2,659 marine casualties and incidents were reported which represent a decrease of 50 compared to 2023 and an increase of 24 compared to 2022. Continue reading “Annual Overview of Marine Casualties and Incidents 2025 report published by EMSA”
One of the most eye-catching and devastating incidents of recent times – and totally avoidable – involved the grounding and subsequent breakup of the MV Wakashio. The tragic event caused immense environmental damage in and around the Mauritius area. Five years on, and the Court of Investigation has now issued its report into the grounding of M/V Wakashio which ran aground off Mauritius on 25 July 2020, spilling about 1,000 tons of fuel oil. Continue reading “M/V Wakashio Court Investigation: The ship could have been towed away during the first week”
The Irish Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) has called on the Minister for Transport to consider reviewing and updating the regulations on the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) installations and systems on merchant vessels, fishing vessels, pleasure craft and other marine craft. The call for action comes in the wake of a series of recommendations published in the MCIB’s report into the death of Detective Garda Deirdre Finn in a fire on board the DollFinn motor cruiser at Carrick-on-Shannon in early August 2023. Continue reading “LPG gas likely caused DollFinn motor cruiser fire on the River Shannon”
The US National Transportation Safety Board has said a steering control system component failure on a multi-purpose carrier was the cause of a collision with a bulk carrier in the Houston Ship Channel. The multi-purpose carrier BBC Africa lost steering as it was departing the channel on August 25, 2023, and struck the moored bulk carrier Common Faith. No injuries or pollution were reported. Damage to the vessels was estimated at $1.1 million.
The crew told investigators they did not find any issues with the steering control systems during the pre-departure tests. Continue reading “Component failure cause of BBC Africa collision according to NTSB”
A dive support vessel, Jean Elaine, which grounded in the Scotland in 2024 was not certified for operation at the time of the accident said a report published by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).
What happened
On 22 July 2024, the dive support vessel Jean Elaine grounded on a falling tide in Saint Peter’s Pool in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. The vessel developed a severe port list and suffered water ingress. Continue reading “Jean Elaine, dive support vessel not certified for operation, says MAIB report”
NorthStandard P&I Club has issued guidance on the rising fire risks associated with scrap metal cargoes, particularly those coming from East Coast USA and Ghent, Belgium. They highlight the need for strict vigilance.
Scrap metal cargoes: Follow the code
‘SCRAP METAL’ is a bulk cargo shipping name (BCSN) found in the IMSBC Code. It is a Group C cargo but it must not contain fine metal turnings known as ‘swarf’. If it does contain swarf, then it would likely fall under the schedule Continue reading “Beware of the fire risks in scrap metal cargoes”
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