UK Transport Secretary proposes Maritime 2050 vision
Speaking at the UK Chamber of Shipping’s Annual Dinner, Chris Grayling MP, UK Secretary of State for Transport, contributed to a “radical” vision that will support the nation’s maritime industry for the future.
The UK Government will cooperate with industry bodies and businesses, and will publish a call for evidence that will provide a framework for engagement. An expert panel will also be appointed, Mr Grayling said.
Remotely operated fireboat set to tackle fires in ports
To address the evolving safety and security needs of modern ports, Vancouver based naval architects and marine engineers Robert Allan Ltd., and international marine technology specialist Kongsberg Maritime are collaborating on the development of a radically new remotely-operated fireboat that will allow first responders to attack dangerous port fires more aggressively and safer than ever before.
The un-crewed RALamander fireboat will offer in-close firefighting and ‘eye in the fire’ capability that keeps marine firefighting professionals out of harm’s way. Fires involving containers, petrochemicals, shore-side structures or vessels can be attacked more quickly Continue reading “Remotely operated fireboat set to tackle fires in ports”
North Sails completes its transformation from 3DL to 3Di
North Sails has ceased production of laminated sails reliant on mylar and has committed to spread filament, prepreg, 3D composite structures, introducing 3Di NORDAC for smaller cruising boats and 3Di RAW 760S for smaller race boats. It has also converted its manufacturing facilities in Minden, Nevada, US and Sri Lanka to increase production capacity.
“The expansion of the Sri Lanka factory is in response to the successful launch of 3Di RAW 760S sails for smaller race boats and 3Di NORDAC for smaller cruising boats,” North Sails CEO Dan Neri stated. “3Di sails continue to meet the requirements of sailors in all classes from the Continue reading “North Sails completes its transformation from 3DL to 3Di”
Improper maintenance of ventilation system – Photo credit: UK P&I Club
In UK P&I Club’s latest ‘Lessons Learned’ series of case studies, Captain David Nichol presents the case regarding improper maintenance of ventilation after a maintenance operation, which could have led to the deaths of two surveyors during a third party survey on the emergency fire pump.
About the incident
During a third party survey, the surveyor made a request to test the emergency fire pump, which was arranged with the assistance of the chief engineer. The emergency fire pump was located in a recessed well in the steering gear compartment, approximately 3 metres deep and accessed by an inclined stairway. At the start of the test, the surveyor asked to observe the pump being started locally and operating before proceeding on deck to check the hoses rigged fore and aft.
The British luxury yacht builder Oyster Yachts is reported to have gone into liquidation as of 16.00 on Monday 5th February 2018 a statement said. A further announcement is expected on Tuesday 6th February.
Staff are said to have found out that all employees are to be made redundant. A spokesman for the company confirmed that a statement would be made on Tuesday 6th February but would not confirm or comment on the news.
Oyster Yachts recently launched their new model, the Oyster 745 at boot Düsseldorf, the German Boat Show at the end of January.
The largest ever China (Shanghai) International Boat Show gets ready
Preparations for the 23rd China (Shanghai) International Boat Show 2018 are well underway for April 2018, with organisers announcing more exhibitors, conferences and initiatives than ever before.
As Asia’s biggest boat show, organisers are expecting over 40,000 visitors to explore all aspects of the boating industry, from yachting culture and maritime lifestyles to water sports, water tourism, accessories, equipment and entertainment.
Photo credit: CPD Deputy Director Peter Paul Coleiro.
Nineteen boats and yachts were destroyed by a fire which broke out at a private boatyard near Gharghur, Malta in the early hours of Thursday 1st February.
The incident happened in the Tal-Balal area just before 1:00am after a loud explosion was heard, with all 19 boats having been completely destroyed. The Civil Department reported that personnel managed to prevent the fire from spreading further, despite a quantity of tar also believed to have caught fire.
The Swedish P&I Club has described the case of cargo damage on a bulk carrier caused by water ingress, as a result of the poor condition of hatch covers.
The incident
The bulk carrier had seven cargo holds which had been fully loaded with soybeans. The vessel had side rolling cargo hatch covers. For six days, the vessel encountered heavy weather of force 9 on the Beaufort scale, causing the vessel to pitch and roll heavily. It were repeatedly washed over by seawater.
All were opened when the vessel was at anchor and waiting for an available berth. This was to ensure the vessel was gas free since fumigation had been carried out in all cargo holds at the loading port. When the cargo hatch covers were removed, it was found that Continue reading “Cargo damage caused by leaking hatch covers”
The World LPG Association puts the focus on marine in a new report
The World LPG Association (WLPGA), with its continued commitment to cleaner environment, has issued a report “LPG for Marine Engines – The Marine Alternative Fuel”, dedicated to the use of LPG in the marine sector.
With upcoming stricter IMO emission rules, the global 0.5 sulphur cup, ECAS and SECAs emission limits and the requirements for higher quality fuel, it is inevitable that there will be a radical change in shipping fuel options from HFO to cleaner alternatives. Amongst the options, LPG is one of the promising solutions for the reduction of exhaust emissions from marine vessels. LPG as a clean and immediately available energy source, is characterised by low particle emissions, low NOx (nitrogen oxide) and nearly zero SOx (sulphur oxide) emissions, offering significant environmental advantages while meeting all energy and environmental challenges.
The WLPGA report aims to open the doors for LPG as the next marine alternative fuel. The report contains a wealth of information, data and compelling arguments in support of using LPG as the fuel of choice in marine vessels. It also promotes the understanding of Continue reading “The World LPG Association puts the focus on marine in a new report”
Boat Safety Scheme certification charges set to rise as part of new four year business and investment plan
The Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Management Committee has agreed a new four-year business plan to resource its work to 2022 and invest in improvements that will have an even longer-term benefit. The plan also includes the first price rise in certification charges for eight years.
BSS Examiners will pay a new price of £36 (excluding VAT) for each certification they issue to a boat, which is a £7 rise that they will likely choose to pass onto customers.
The new price will apply from 1 April 2018 and the Scheme intends holding it for at least the whole of the four-year business plan period, which is designed to coincide with the four-year lifespan of BSS Certification.
The new BSS business plan includes additional support to BSS Examiners, projects to improve the quality of examinations and enhancements to customer service.
Japan’s first certified LNG-fueled tugboat soon to be constructed
Japanese carrier Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), the ninth largest container shipping company in the world, has signed a deal for the construction of what will be Japan’s first certified LNG-fueled tugboat.
The vessel is Japan’s first LNG-fueled tugboat with the LNG fuel tank mounted on the exposed deck at the stern of the ship and conforming to the IGF code, which regulates safety requirements for vessels that run on gas and low-flashpoint fuels.
This enhances convenience in bunkering, maintenance, and inspection.
Maritime UK has established a Taskforce increase the number of women within the UK maritime sector
The Taskforce brings together leaders from across the maritime sector to identify practical steps to increase the number of women in maritime, and crucially within senior roles across its shipping, ports, marine and business services industries.
Achieving a balanced workforce at all levels in the maritime sector will undoubtedly improve culture, behaviour, outcomes, profitability and productivity.
During London International Shipping Week, then Maritime Minister Rt Hon John Hayes MP called for industry to address gender imbalance in the sector. Government are represented on the Taskforce.
