Ballast Water Management 2025 report published by BIMCO

Ballast Water Management 2025 report published by BIMCO
Ballast Water Management 2025 report published by BIMCO

BIMCO has published its Ballast Water Management 2025 report, presenting the results of its industry survey on the operational realities of implementing the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention).

Since September 2024, the BWM Convention has entered a mature phase of global implementation, with most of the world fleet operating approved BWMS under the D-2 standard, yet practical challenges related to system performance, usability and enforcement under real trading conditions have become increasingly evident. Continue reading “Ballast Water Management 2025 report published by BIMCO”

ABS delivers new ammonia safety report for EMSA

ABS delivers new ammonia safety report for EMSA
ABS delivers new ammonia safety report for EMSA

The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has published a new report focused on the safety of ammonia as a marine fuel.

The report was developed by an ABS-led consortium that included the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and the Fundación Valenciaport.

This final report consolidates the study’s findings and recommendations for future regulatory developments. It highlights the importance of using risk and reliability methods for the identification of top risk contributors and lists best practice recommendations in line with current industry standards. Continue reading “ABS delivers new ammonia safety report for EMSA”

CEO blog: February 2026

Image credit: Brunswick Corporation
Image credit: Brunswick Corporation

You do not need me to remind you that we are surrounded by innovative, marine sector tech on all fronts, racing ahead and burgeoning, seemingly at a pace I can’t recall at any point in my lifetime. And as one gets older (rather like me these days), it is easy to turn a blind eye to what’s happening, and to plough on with what we know, accepting the norm, hoping it will all just go away. But of course, it doesn’t, so we must try and embrace what’s new and cope with the inevitable change and resulting disruption to our lives it brings.

For younger and less experienced marine surveyors, I’d suggest ignoring what is Continue reading “CEO blog: February 2026”

AET adds first hybrid electric Dynamic Positioning Shuttle Tanker to fleet

Digital rendering of AET’s first hybrid electric dynamic positioning shuttle tanker. Credit: Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co.
Digital rendering of AET’s first hybrid electric dynamic positioning shuttle tanker. Credit: Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co.

AET has signed an agreement with Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Corp for its first hybrid electric Dynamic Positioning Shuttle Tanker (DPST).

The latest newbuild has been designed to be dual-fuel, lower-emissions-ready and secured on long-term charter.

A global leader in shuttle tankers, AET operates one of the world’s largest DPST fleets, with 17 vessels deployed across Brazil and Norway, and further growth planned. With dual-fuel capability across all tanker segments, the addition of hybrid electric propulsion further broadens lower-emissions optionality for customers whilst enhancing competitiveness. Continue reading “AET adds first hybrid electric Dynamic Positioning Shuttle Tanker to fleet”

Japan completes first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering at anchorage

Kohzan Maru VII (in the background) alongside Eika Maru (foreground). Credit: MOL
Kohzan Maru VII (in the background) alongside Eika Maru (foreground). Source: MOL

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines announced Japan’s first ship-to-ship bunkering of methanol vessel fuel at anchorage.

The company teamed up with the City of Yokohama, Kokuka Sangyo Co, Idemitsu Kosan Co, and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company – collectively known as the “Five Parties” – to successfully complete the endeavour.

Methanol fuel was transferred from the Eika Maru to the Kohzan Maru VII in the Yokohama District of Keihin Port. The Eika Maru is a coastal methanol transport vessel operated by Kokuka Sangyo and the Kohzan Maru VII is a dual-fuel, ocean-going, methanol-transport vessel operated by MOL, and both are chartered by MGC. Continue reading “Japan completes first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering at anchorage”

The new Axopar Digital Product Passport

The new Axopar Digital Product Passport
The new Axopar Digital Product Passport

Axopar has announced its entry into the Aura Blockchain consortium with its new product – the Axopar Digital product Passport. This collaboration marks the arrival of the nautical sector in an ecosystem already active in luxury goods and watchmaking. The aim is to create a digital passport for each boat, designed to structure data over the entire lifespan of the craft.

The issue of traceability and reliability of information is becoming central to pleasure boating. Axopar is taking a step forward by joining the Aura Blockchain consortium, with the announced launch of a digital passport for its boats from spring 2026. An initiative that goes beyond customer relations to touch on broader industrial issues. Continue reading “The new Axopar Digital Product Passport”

Korean working group to develop safety management and marine discharge standards

Credit: Korean Register
Credit: Korean Register

The Korean Register is collaborating with the Korean government, five major Korean shipbuilders and the Korea Testing & Research Institute to launch a working group to develop safety management and marine discharge standards for ammonia effluent.

As the maritime industry accelerates its transition to zero-carbon fuels in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s 2050 net-zero target, ammonia-fueled ships are emerging as a promising next-generation solution. Continue reading “Korean working group to develop safety management and marine discharge standards”

Loss prevention guidance on bulk soya bean cargo

Caked areas are often hot and can contain visible mould (white growth at centre). Credit: Britannia P&I Club
Caked areas are often hot and can contain visible mould (white growth at centre). Source: Britannia P&I Club

Britannia P&I Club has collaborated with CWA Singapore, Food & Agricultural Commodities department, to provide loss prevention guidance on transporting bulk soya bean cargo within the maritime sector.

In recent decades, the demand for both soya bean oil and soya bean meal has grown rapidly, driven by an increase in livestock cultivation in Asia.

The largest producers and exporters of soya beans are Brazil, the United States, and Argentina. Continue reading “Loss prevention guidance on bulk soya bean cargo”

New 2026 RSG guidelines published

New 2026 RSG guidelines published
New 2026 RSG guidelines published

These Recreational Craft Sectoral Group (RSG) Guidelines, otherwise known as 2026 RSG guidelines, are primarily intended for use by the Notified Bodies, manufacturers of boats and equipment and Market Surveillance authorities and provide critical support in terms of compliance to the EU’s Recreational Craft Directive and the UK’s Recreational Craft Regulations essential requirements.

Given the scope of the RCD and the variety of different types of watercraft, PWC, and components, the RSG Guidelines make an assessment of the relevant harmonised standards which can be applied, identify where there are potential ‘gaps’ and provides support where no standards are available to ensure that compliance with the RCD essential requirements (which are mandatory) are met. Continue reading “New 2026 RSG guidelines published”

Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum Response Guidelines

The Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum has published fire response guidelines
The Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum has published fire response guidelines

As the global shift toward electric mobility transforms our cargo into high-energy puzzles, the car carriers of the maritime world face a complex new chemistry of risk. The maritime industry has always been defined by its ability to adapt to the cargo it carries, but the rise of Electric Vehicles (EVs) presents a fire-safety challenge that doesn’t play by the old rules. Whether it’s the stubborn heat of an internal combustion engine fire or the violent “thermal runaway” of a lithium-ion battery, the margins for error on RoRo and PCTC vessels are slimming. These Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum guidelines provide the essential scaffolding for vessel Continue reading “Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum Response Guidelines”

CIMAC and MBF second joint whitepaper “Environment for the Use of Batteries in Deep-Sea Shipping”

CIMAC and the Maritime Battery Forum have published the second paper “Environment for the Use of Batteries in Deep-Sea Shipping”.

This paper examines the regulatory framework for battery use in deep-sea shipping, including requirements from flag states, classification societies, and industry standards. While the foundation is strong, gaps remain—especially around Continue reading “CIMAC and MBF second joint whitepaper “Environment for the Use of Batteries in Deep-Sea Shipping””

Japan emerges as an early adopter of advanced fire detection on RoRo vessels

Japan emerges as an early adopter of advanced fire detection on RoRo vessels
Japan emerges as an early adopter of advanced fire detection on RoRo vessels

Japan is emerging as an early adopter of advanced fire detection systems on RoRo vessels, according to inspection data from Idwal, the global vessel condition specialist.

While fire safety on RoRo vessels has come under increasing scrutiny, particularly as electric vehicles enter the cargo mix in greater numbers, Idwal’s inspections show that adoption of advanced fire detection technology across the global fleet remains uneven. Japanese owned and operated tonnage is increasingly standing out as an early mover, often installing more advanced detection systems ahead of regulatory requirements. Continue reading “Japan emerges as an early adopter of advanced fire detection on RoRo vessels”

Instagram Posts from the IIMS @iimsmarine

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

Show details Hide details
Performance & Marketing Cookies

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages. This also helps us optimise our marketing campaigns. User data sent to Google Analytics may be used for ad personalization and measurement of our ad campaigns. Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Show details Hide details