IIMS News

Chemical interaction risks and anaerobic conditions in bilge systems

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Chemical interaction risks and anaerobic conditions in bilge systems
Chemical interaction risks and anaerobic conditions in bilge systems

A hidden chemical interaction in a vessel’s bilge system can turn routine cargo and cleaning operations into a serious toxic-gas hazard. According to an IMCA Safety Flash, hydrogen sulphide (Hâ‚‚S) was detected by portable gas detectors in an open area of the main deck during a vessel’s transit back to port. The gas was traced to certain bilge vents with the suspected source linked to mud loaded for a rig. No personnel were injured or suffered ill health, but the incident exposed gaps in anaerobic conditions in bilge systems cleaning, chemical compatibility assessment and Hâ‚‚S monitoring. Continue reading “Chemical interaction risks and anaerobic conditions in bilge systems”

YSEC launches new guidance to support consistency in yacht load line compliance

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YSEC launches new guidance to support consistency in yacht load line compliance
YSEC launches new guidance to support consistency in yacht load line compliance

The Yacht Safety & Environmental Consortium (YSEC), a collaboration between leading classification societies including LR, RINA, ABS, Bureau Veritas and DNV, has published a new Guidance Note for yacht load line compliance, providing practical recommendations to support the consistent application of load line requirements across the sector.

Launched on the Lloyd’s Register stand at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026, the guidance has been developed to help yacht designers, builders, owners, Flag Administrations and marine surveyors navigate areas where interpretation of load line requirements may vary between projects. Continue reading “YSEC launches new guidance to support consistency in yacht load line compliance”

UK MAIB Annual Report shows 1,585 accident reports in 2025

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UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch logo
The UK MAIB has published its Annual Report 2025.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its Annual Report 2025, recording 1,585 accident reports to UK vessels worldwide or any vessels within UK coastal waters during 2025.

The MAIB started 16 new investigations in 2025 and published 17 accident investigation reports.

It also made 50 recommendations that were issued to 26 distinct addressees in 2025 of which 90% were accepted – a 5% increase on the previous year.

Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Rob Loder, said: “The reporting of marine casualties and incidents continues to increase year-on-year, although the growth of the reporting rate has slowed. Continue reading “UK MAIB Annual Report shows 1,585 accident reports in 2025”

Canal & River Trust 2025/6 Annual Report published

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The Canal & River Trust 2025/6 Annual Report has been published and is available for download
The Canal & River Trust 2025/6 Annual Report has been published and is available for download

Canal & River Trust is the charity that cares for 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales. The Canal & River Trust 2025/6 Annual Report has published and is available to read. The Report highlights a year in which extreme weather tested the resilience of the nation’s canal network while underlining the increasingly important role waterways play in supporting nature, communities and the management of water in a changing climate. The year 2025/26 was dominated by a summer of drought. Despite the UK’s warmest and sunniest year on record and the driest spring since 1974, the Trust was able to keep over 80% of the network fully open and operational. Colleagues and volunteers worked tirelessly to manage water supplies, keep boats afloat, and protect wildlife. Continue reading “Canal & River Trust 2025/6 Annual Report published”

U.S. Coast Guard addressing marine firefighting challenges, but worrying gaps remain

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The disastrous fire aboard the ro/ro Grande Costa D'Avorio prompted a reevaluation of shoreside firefighter preparations for maritime casualty response - (NTSB file image)
The disastrous fire aboard the ro/ro Grande Costa D’Avorio prompted a reevaluation of shoreside firefighter preparations for maritime casualty response – (NTSB file image)

Fires on vessels present serious dangers to passengers, crew, and firefighters. They can have significant environmental impact and can affect billion-dollar commerce in busy ports. Marine fires present unique hazards that are incredibly dangerous and challenging incidents for marine firefighters to respond to, including vessel instability, tight onboard spaces, and the need for specialized resources that are not typically available in many ports.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), the non-partisan, fact-based arm of Congress, recently published a report highlighting the prevalence of these fires and the Coast Guard’s efforts address them. Continue reading “U.S. Coast Guard addressing marine firefighting challenges, but worrying gaps remain”

Bosun died on Avra bulk carrier after during enclosed space entry

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Avra. Source: RMI Maritime Administrator
Avra. Source: RMI Maritime Administrator

The bosun died on bulk carrier Avra was found collapsed and later pronounced deceased after he entered a space that was part of a fully loaded cargo hold, according to the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator.

What happened

On the morning of 25 July 2025, the geared five-hatch, bulk carrier Avra was berthed on the starboard side at MB5, Daesan Port, and was discharging the bulk cargo of wood pellets. Continue reading “Bosun died on Avra bulk carrier after during enclosed space entry”

WSC calls for governments to close battery cargo safety gap

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WSC calls for governments to close battery cargo safety gap
WSC calls for governments to close battery cargo safety gap

The World Shipping Council (WSC) is urging governments to close a gap in international dangerous goods rules that allows containers carrying thousands of lithium batteries to be transported without carriers being informed of the hazard.

The call comes as battery transport grows rapidly and cargo fires remain a persistent risk at sea.

Global lithium-ion battery deployment in 2025 was six times higher than in 2020, according to the International Energy Agency, with battery demand expected to double by 2030. Latest statistics by insurer Allianz show that a container ship fire occurs every 17 days. Continue reading “WSC calls for governments to close battery cargo safety gap”

Argos Georgia sank killing 13 due to hatch failure

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Image caption: Courtesy of Argos Froyanes Limited.
Image caption: Courtesy of Argos Froyanes Limited.

The line hauling hatch of fishing vessel Argos Georgia unexpectedly opened in heavy seas, which led to uncontrolled flooding and the vessel’s eventual sinking, killing 13 crewmembers, according to the final investigation report from the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Rob Loder, said: “This was a tragic accident resulting in the loss of 13 lives. Fishing in the remotest and most hostile parts of our oceans requires strict adherence to the maintenance of a vessel’s watertight integrity. Should a problem arise a quick, clear and efficient emergency plan should be executed. Training and safety drills provide the best chance of survival in such extreme circumstances.” Continue reading “Argos Georgia sank killing 13 due to hatch failure”

DNV paper says LNG bunker fleet may need to double by 2030

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DNV paper says LNG bunker fleet may need to double by 2030
DNV paper says LNG bunker fleet may need to double by 2030

The global LNG bunker vessel fleet may need to more than double by 2030, according to a new white paper from classification society DNV.

The report estimates that between 165 and 208 bunker vessels could be needed globally by the end of this decade.

As LNG-powered shipping continues to grow, demand for bunkering capacity is rising rapidly. Although the LNG bunker fleet is expanding steadily, demand from LNG-fuelled vessels is expected to grow even faster, placing increasing pressure on bunker vessels and the wider bunkering ecosystem. Continue reading “DNV paper says LNG bunker fleet may need to double by 2030”

Failed engine control transfer led Radisson ferry to hit wharf

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Passenger ferry Radisson after striking the wharf upon arrival at the port of Québec, Quebec, on October 18, 2024. Source: Transportation Safety Board of Canada.
Passenger ferry Radisson after striking the wharf upon arrival at the port of Québec, Quebec, on October 18, 2024. Source: Transportation Safety Board of Canada.

An investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) revealed failed engine control transfer led to passenger ferry Radisson to hit a wharf at the Port of Québec, injuring five people.

TSB said the investigation highlighted the need to better manage safety risks following changes to shipboard equipment and to require passenger safety management training for crew members of all passenger vessels. Continue reading “Failed engine control transfer led Radisson ferry to hit wharf”

WSC data shows one in ten inspected cargo units found with safety deficiencies

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WSC data shows one in ten inspected cargo units found with safety deficiencies
WSC data shows one in ten inspected cargo units found with safety deficiencies

More than one in ten cargo units with safety deficiencies, according to data published by the World Shipping Council (WSC).

WSC reported that government authorities in seven countries reported 93,079 unit inspections in 2025 and identified deficiencies in 9,645, a rate of 10.36%. Problems included incorrect documentation, marking and labelling, improper packing and inadequate cargo securing, all of which can increase the risk of cargo damage, container losses and ship fires.

“Finding deficiencies in more than one in ten inspected units is far too high,” said Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the World Shipping Council. “Correct declaration, packing, securing and marking are fundamental safety obligations. When these requirements are not met, people’s lives are put at risk.” Continue reading “WSC data shows one in ten inspected cargo units found with safety deficiencies”

Isle of Man Ship Registry 2025 Casualty Summary report

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Isle of Man Ship Registry 2025 Casualty Summary report
Isle of Man Ship Registry 2025 Casualty Summary report

The Isle of Man Ship Registry 2025 casualty summary report has been released – highlighting that mooring and anchoring operations remained one of the most common activities being undertaken at the time of an incident.

The Annual Summary of Casualties, Accidents and Incidents on Isle of Man Registered Vessels provides statistics and analyses the trends identified from the Accident Report Forms (ARF) submitted to the registry over the course of 2025. Continue reading “Isle of Man Ship Registry 2025 Casualty Summary report”

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