Automated Ships Ltd from the UK and Norway’s Kongsberg Maritime have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build the world’s first unmanned and fully-automated vessel for offshore operations. In January 2017, Automated Ships Ltd will contract the ‘Hrönn’, which will be designed and built in Norway in co-operation with Kongsberg.
Sea trials will take place in Norway’s newly designated automated vessel test bed in the Trondheim fjord and will be conducted under the auspices of DNV GL and the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA). The Hrönn will ultimately be classed and flagged, respectively.
A Crowdfunder campaign for a world first autonomous research ship intended to journey across the Atlantic in 2020 as part of the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower sailing has been launched at the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom.
The campaign is part of a funding drive to raise £10 million for the Mayflower Autonomous Research Ship (MAS), which is being created by the University, MSubs, the ProMare, and Shuttleworth Design.
The UK P&I Club has commented on the risks associated with rice cargoes transportation and advises on the precautions that can be taken to minimise losses.
479 million tonnes of rice were produced in the 2013/14 season, with 38 million tonnes transported across borders, exported mainly by Thailand, Vietnam and Pakistan. As global demand for staple foods has risen and the shipping industry has faced increasing pressure on freight rates, a large percentage of rice cargoes shipments are transported in bagged form aboard traditional bulk carriers, with smaller parcels carried more and more often as containerised cargo.
Lloyd’s Register, the UK P&I Club, and INTERCARGO have produced a pocket guide for ships’ officers and agents who arrange cargoes for loading. This pocket guide outlines the precautions to be taken before accepting solid bulk cargoes for shipment; sets out procedures for safe loading and carriage; details the primary hazards associated with different types of cargo; and underlines the importance of proper cargo declarations. A quick reference checklist and flowchart summarise the steps to be followed.
Over 30 yacht and small craft surveyors converged on Boathouse No.4 at the iconic Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for the 2016 ‘super’ training day on Monday 24 October and were joined by half a dozen more who came to the event remotely using video conferencing.
Chairman of yacht and small craft surveying, John Excell, welcomed guests to the day and particularly thanked Cygnus Instruments Ltd and Matrix Insurance Ltd for their generous sponsorship support of the day.
An unusually wet October day in the bustling city of Mumbai, India experienced an unusually large gathering of the representatives from Marine Surveying Companies, P&I Clubs, Correspondents, Vessel Owners, Agents and Equipment Manufacturers for the Silver Jubilee Conference. It was the 5th of October 2016 at the Majestic Ballroom of ‘The Lalit’ Hotel near the new swanky T2 terminal of Mumbai’s International Airport.
Painting of SUHAILI by Melbourne Smith. Published by Rudder Magazine in September 1974
Like the original Sunday Times event back in 1968/9, the 2018 Golden Globe Race is very simple. Depart Falmouth, England on June 16th 2018 and sail solo, non-stop around the world, via the five Great Capes and return to Falmouth. Entrants are limited to use the same type of yachts and equipment that were available to Robin Knox-Johnston in that first race. That means sailing without modern technology or benefit of satellite based navigation aids. Competitors must sail in production boats between 32ft and 36ft overall (9.75 – 10.97m) designed prior to 1988 and having a full-length keel with rudder attached to their trailing edge. These yachts will be heavily built, strong and steady, similar in concept to Robin’s 32ft vessel Suhaili.
In contrast to the current professional world of elite ocean racing, this edition travels back to a time known as the ‘Golden Age’ of solo sailing. Suhaili was a slow and steady 32ft double-ended ketch based on a William Atkins ERIC design. She is heavily built of teak and carried no computers, GPS, satellite phone nor water-maker, and Robin completed the challenge without the aid of modern day shore-based weather routing advice. He had only a wind-up chronometer and a barograph to face the world alone, and caught rainwater to survive, but was at one with the ocean, able to contemplate and absorb all that this epic voyage had to offer.
The Isle of Man Ship registry has announced a new consultation and a timescale for delivery of major changes to the structure of its operating models and fees. The proposed changes are expected to exceed current and predicted expectations for a modern, progressive registry operation.
The proposed changes will provide full delegation of statutory surveys and inspections to Classification Societies as well as providing a new programme of Flag State Inspections to satisfy international Flag State obligations to the International Maritime Organisation. The Registry will also simplify its fees to provide a more competitive and predictable fee structure.
Dick Welsh, Director of the Isle of Man Ship Registry, commented:
“This is a change we have been planning for some time. It is the game changing final step in the delegation to Recognised Organisations which will place the Isle of Man in a more competitive position whilst improving the service levels for which it is renowned.”
The death of IIMS member, Joop Ellenbroek, following a long illness has been announced
It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce the passing away of IIMS member and CCS founder Mr Johannes Wilhelmus ‘Joop’ Ellenbroek. Although Joop passed away on September 9 after a lengthy illness, news has only just reached the IIMS office of his death.
Joop was well known within the coatings, chemicals and superyacht industry and much respected by all he worked with. After many years of working for paint manufacturers, he began his career in the superyacht industry in 1994 when he founded CCS (Coating Consultants for Superyachts), which due to his efforts is now one of the most well-known and respected coating surveying companies in the world.
Transport Minister, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon addressed the UK Chamber’s inaugural UK Shipping Summit, where leaders from across industry gathered to examine and discuss key issues facing the sector in the years ahead. In his keynote address the Minister called on the shipping and maritime sector to play it’s role in shaping the discussions ahead in light of the decision to leave the European Union;
“As we leave the European Union we will forge a bold and positive new role for ourselves in the world. We must look to economic and industrial strategy, global trade and social reform to ensure Britain’s place in the world and a strong future for its citizens.
Esthec® introduces a special concept luminous decking material in what it claims is World first that will provide more safety on board and a new dimension in design.
It works like this. Solar energy that has been stored during the day is converted into light at night time. The Dutch producer of composite decking for the yacht industry has achieved a world first with this revolutionary invention, which was given the provisional name “Solar Glow”. The luminous decking ensures that gangways remain visible in the dark and thus substantially increases safety aboard boats. At the same time, the innovation is sustainable, since the luminous deck uses solar power instead of electricity from non-renewable sources. In addition to improving safety, the concept also provides designers with a new dimension in creative deck design. Esthec® expects the luminous decking material, which it developed in-house, to be used both by competitive sailors and in recreational boating. The first prototype has already been presented.
Avoiding claims from the transportation of steel cargo is the subject of a new guidance publication by The American P&I Club
The handling, stowage and transportation of steel cargo has been an ongoing focus of P&I loss prevention activity. The American P&I Club has published its latest publication: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes, which is a detailed guide (downloadable in pdf format below) running to some 100 pages with a view to offering a comprehensive overview of how to avoid claims arising from the carriage of these cargoes from a variety of related perspectives.
The frequency and costs of steel cargo related claims experienced by the American Club between 2000 and 2015 have been substantial. During this period, steel cargo claims have accounted for an astonishing US$ 15.4 million in financial losses to the Association.
Automated Ships Ltd from the UK and Norway’s Kongsberg Maritime have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build the world’s first unmanned and fully-automated vessel for offshore operations. In January 2017, Automated Ships Ltd will contract the ‘Hrönn’, which will be designed and built in Norway in co-operation with Kongsberg.
