News

New report data highlights urgency of maritime industry in tackling growing cyber threats

Only 1 in 6 shipowners fully understand what a cyber-secure vessel should look like upon delivery, highlighting a critical gap in the industry’s approach to maritime cybersecurity. The report, jointly published by Thetius, CyberOwl, a DNV company and HFW, explores key stakeholder challenges and approaches to managing cybersecurity and cyber threats across the lifecycle of a vessel.

The Lifecycle Dilemma: Navigating Cybersecurity Risks Across Designing, Constructing and Operating a Vessel delves into the shifting risks and disconnected approaches in cybersecurity across each stage from initial design through to its operation and maintenance. It outlines the roles, responsibilities, challenges and misconceptions of various stakeholders at each stage of the vessel lifecycle. Continue reading “New report data highlights urgency of maritime industry in tackling growing cyber threats”

Lessons learned after fire sinks shrimp cutter

Germany’s Federal Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation (BSU) has published the lessons learned following the fire and subsequent foundering of a shrimp cutter vessel.

The exact cause of the fire could not be determined after the shipwreck was salvaged because of the extensive damage done to the vessel in the incident. Continue reading “Lessons learned after fire sinks shrimp cutter”

Cyprus reports key PSC trends and deficiencies 2022-2024

The Republic of Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry has published a report on the Port State Control (PSC) Performance of the fleet of Cyprus.

In its fourth Report on Cyprus Fleet Port State Control Performance, the organisation includes the Statistical Data Analysis of Cyprus flagged Detained Ships worldwide for the last three consecutive years (2022-2024). Key findings from the report are as follows: Continue reading “Cyprus reports key PSC trends and deficiencies 2022-2024”

UK offshore wind targets at risk from UK Implementation of Industrial Personnel Regulations

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has expressed serious concerns over the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) proposed implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Industrial Personnel Code which could impact UK offshore wind targets.

In its response to the MCA’s consultation on the Merchant Shipping (Safety Measures for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel and Special Personnel) Regulations 2025, IMCA warned that the changes could disrupt offshore operations, attract legal challenges, and make the UK a less attractive market for marine contractors. Continue reading “UK offshore wind targets at risk from UK Implementation of Industrial Personnel Regulations”

Canadian transport investigation report into fire on board fishing vessel Elite Navigator

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has published the results into an investigation into the fire and sinking of fishing vessel Elite Navigator.

On 08 July 2024, the Elite Navigator, with the master and 6 crew members on board, departed Valleyfield, Newfoundland and Labrador, to fish turbot. By 17 July, the vessel had caught its quota. At approximately 1830,1 the master used a satellite messenger to notify the owner Continue reading “Canadian transport investigation report into fire on board fishing vessel Elite Navigator”

USCG issues alert for defective heat detectors

The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a safety alert regarding the issue of defective heat detectors that were discovered during an engine room fire investigation.

The Coast Guard recently investigated an engine room fire on board an inspected towing vessel which led to the discovery of issues with the maintenance and installation of fire detection systems on board multiple towing vessels. During the investigation, several towing vessels were discovered to have defective heat detectors installed in their engine rooms. Continue reading “USCG issues alert for defective heat detectors”

New loading conditions for transporting grain in bulk

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has released guidance on an update to International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk, which is set to take effect on 1 January 2026.

The IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) adopted resolution MSC.552(108) at its 108th session in May 2024, which includes amendments to the Grain Code. Continue reading “New loading conditions for transporting grain in bulk”

MTF report highlights critical safety issues of transporting electric vehicles

The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has published a report titled “Safe Carriage of Electric Vehicles” addressing the critical issue of transporting electric vehicles (EVs) on Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessels.

Currently, there are no international regulations specifically dedicated to the safe carriage of electric vehicles. While some national and regional governmental organizations have issued their own guidelines, the IMO is still in the process of developing mandatory regulations for the transportation of new energy vehicles, including EVs, with a target completion year of 2027. Continue reading “MTF report highlights critical safety issues of transporting electric vehicles”

MPA Singapore releases guidance on bunker use of biofuel

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA Singapore) has published guidance on transporting biofuel blends by conventional bunker ships.

With effect from 7th March this year, Singapore-registered conventional bunker ships may transport blends of up to 30% by volume of biofuel (≤B30).

In a circular, the Authority highlighted the draft Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) interim guidance on the carriage of blends of biofuels by conventional bunker ships agreed by 12th Session of the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 12). Continue reading “MPA Singapore releases guidance on bunker use of biofuel”

St Kitts & Nevis launches CIC on pilot ladder transfers

St Kitts & Nevis International Ship Registry (SKAN) has announced a Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on pilot ladder transfer and boarding arrangements.

The concentrated inspection campaign by St Kitts & Nevis on pilot ladder transfer and boarding arrangements will be held for three months, and will come into effect on 1st April 2025 until 30th June 2025. The purpose of this campaign is to ensure that vessels comply with relevant international regulations regarding pilot transfer and boarding arrangements, particularly those outlined in the SOLAS Convention. Continue reading “St Kitts & Nevis launches CIC on pilot ladder transfers”

Enforced ISO bunker sampling standard for Port of Rotterdam

Dutch authorities are set to enforce ISO bunker sampling standard in Port of Rotterdam, according to the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA).

The Association has said the IBIA Secretariat has received information from the Port of Rotterdam that the Inspectorate for Environment and Transport in the Netherlands is planning for the Port of Rotterdam to strictly enforce the rules for fuel oil sampling (the MARPOL sample) on board the receiving vessel via drip sampling to conform with ISO 13739. Continue reading “Enforced ISO bunker sampling standard for Port of Rotterdam”

IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE11)

Maritime life-saving equipment and ship’s fire safety systems have been the focus of the eleventh session of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment.

The Nautical Institute provided a summary of the meeting saying one topic under consideration related to dealing with electric vehicle (EV) fires in Ro-Ro passenger ships.

It was noted that EVs have a lower fire rate of just 25 fires per 100,000 vehicles sold, compared to 1,530 fires per 100,000 sold for petrol cars. Continue reading “IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE11)”

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