In 2023, the global soya bean market (also known as soybeans and soyabeans) was valued at over USD 200.37 billion, and it is projected to grow to USD $259 billion by 2032.The shipping industry plays a significant role in supporting this global industry, but behind these impressive figures lies a perilously narrow window for safe ocean transport. Despite being loaded in sound condition and carried by well-maintained vessels on unexceptional voyages, soya beans continue to arrive in a deteriorated condition far too often. Claims related to spoilage frequently run into millions of dollars, exposing shipowners, operators, and marine insurers to significant financial risk. Continue reading “Brookes Bell: Why Are There So Many Soya Bean Claims?”
IIMS News
Streamlining PSC inspections through AI-powered approach
Port State Control (PSC) inspections are a fact of life in the maritime world — and they’re getting tougher. With rising detention rates, unpredictable inspection criteria, and mounting pressure on crew performance, preparing for a PSC visit can feel like navigating a minefield, says Kaiko Systems.
In 2024 alone, over 73,000 PSC inspections were conducted globally, with a growing detention rate now over 3%. For vessel operators, a failed inspection can mean costly detentions, delayed cargo, reputational damage, and a hit to operational performance. Continue reading “Streamlining PSC inspections through AI-powered approach”
Investigators publish report on 2024 YM Mobility blast in China’s Ningbo Port
The China Maritime Safety Administration (CMSA) has published a report on its investigation into the explosion and subsequent fire on the Taiwanese-owned container vessel YM Mobility blast in China’s Ningbo Port on 9 August 2024. An explosion occurred in a container loaded with dangerous goods on board near the ship’s bow. According to the shipper’s declaration, the container was a reefer used as a substitute for a dry container, without requiring power connection. The estimated economic loss resulting from in the incident was about CNY90 million (US$13 million). Continue reading “Investigators publish report on 2024 YM Mobility blast in China’s Ningbo Port”
Norwegian Government introduces zero-emission requirements
The Norwegian Government introduces zero-emission requirements in the World Heritage fjords. In a circular the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) confirmed the changes will be effective from 1 January 2026 for passenger ships of less than 10,000 gross tonnage and from 1 January 2032 for passenger ships of 10,000 gross tonnage and upwards. Continue reading “Norwegian Government introduces zero-emission requirements”
New Arbitration Act 2025: Key changes for maritime arbitrations
According to West P&I Club, the new UK Arbitration Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 24 February 2025 and will come into force most likely at some point later this year. The 2025 Act will not be a standalone Act but, rather, inserts amendments to the 1996 Act so as to enact the recommendations of the Law Commission codifying the common law position and eliminating ambiguity. As such, the 2025 Act will modernise arbitration in London to maintain its competitiveness as a seat for international arbitrations. Continue reading “New Arbitration Act 2025: Key changes for maritime arbitrations”
Lloyd’s Register summary report on MEPC 83
The IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) 83 session was held from 7-11 April 2025. The IMO MEPC is where the reduction of shipping’s impact on the marine environment is discussed. MEPC oversees the work of several sub-committees and influences subjects which cut-across the work of several committees, covering many key regulations.
And Lloyd’s Register has published a summary of the outcomes from the meeting. Continue reading “Lloyd’s Register summary report on MEPC 83”
Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum publishes guidance on fire response
The Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum (VCSF) publishes its second industry good practice guidelines entitled ‘Fire Response – High Level Guidelines’. The VCSF recognises that responding to vehicle fires onboard PCCs, PCTCs, RoRo and Ro-Pax vessels is both dangerous and challenging. These guidelines have been designed to reduce the risk to the safety of crews, passengers, the environment, the vessel and the cargo. The guideline’s sole aim is to assist vessel operators and crews to be better prepared to meet the challenges presented by vehicle fires. Continue reading “Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum publishes guidance on fire response”
Safety alert issued following explosion and fire aboard liftboat
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has issued a safety alert regarding an incident where an explosion and fire aboard a liftboat injured workers. ΒSEE has recently investigated an explosion and subsequent fire that occurred on a liftboat during well cleanup and testing operations. Two contract workers suffered second-degree burns.
This event underscores a multitude of critical shortcomings in procedural controls, equipment readiness, and emergency response during offshore oil and gas operations. The explosion was caused by a gas accumulation on the liftboat deck during the draining of fluids from a Continue reading “Safety alert issued following explosion and fire aboard liftboat”
NTSB recommends improving preparedness of land-based firefighters to vessel fires
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended that land-based firefighters be better prepared for marine vessel firefighting following a fatal fire on the Con-Ro vessel Grande Costa D’Avorio in Newark, New Jersey, on 5 July 2023. The ship was docked at Port Newark when a vehicle used by shoreside workers to push used vehicles onto the vessel caught fire on an interior garage deck.
The ship’s captain ordered use of the vessel’s CO2 extinguishing system, Continue reading “NTSB recommends improving preparedness of land-based firefighters to vessel fires”
What caught my eye: April 2025
Hull crack forces new Scottish ferry out of service
Reading this story, you could be forgiven for asking the question “What’s going wrong with British shipbuilding”. This story beggars belief as it is the latest in a long line of issues that have engulfed Caledonian MacBrayne’s (CalMac) new ferry Glen Sannox. The vessel was originally scheduled to enter service with CalMac in 2018 but was only delivered in late 2024. Her maiden operational voyage in January this year also needed to be postponed due to issues with some of her onboard systems. Continue reading “What caught my eye: April 2025”
The “E-cars on Board – A Safe Passage” interferry brochure is a vital new resource
The “E-cars on Board – A Safe Passage” interferry brochure addresses common concerns regarding battery electric vehicle (BEV) safety on ro-pax ferries. It provides clear, concise information based on recent research, including findings from projects such as Lash Fire, in which Interferry actively participated.
Interferry members are advised to take a look at the brochure and make it accessible to their customers in a simple way – for more informed decision-making, clarity and safety. Note: You do not have to be an Interferry member to print and distribute this brochure. Continue reading “The “E-cars on Board – A Safe Passage” interferry brochure is a vital new resource”
MAIB report after two people died in boat accident in Anguilla
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published a report after two people died in boat accident in Anguilla in 20203 whilst onboard the small commercial vessel Calypso 2 in Anguilla in 2023. The vessel was also lost.
On 11 March 2023, the small commercial vessel Calypso 2 entered a cove near West End, Anguilla. The boat was overwhelmed by the force of the large ground seas that had developed near the coast and the four passengers and two crew were ejected into the water.
Tragically, the mate and a female passenger lost their lives. Continue reading “MAIB report after two people died in boat accident in Anguilla”