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Allianz Safety and Shipping Review 2026

 Allianz Safety and Shipping Review 2026 has been published and is available to download
Allianz Safety and Shipping Review 2026 has been published and is available to download

The Allianz Safety and Shipping Review 2026 has been published and is available to download now. It highlights geopolitical conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a major factor that shaped shipping risk and activity.

According to Allianz, incidents like the closure and reported mining of the Strait of Hormuz signal a transition toward a “new maritime order” defined by escalating security risks along strategic shipping corridors, the disruption of established trade routes, persistent uncertainty, higher risk premiums, and a greater strategic emphasis on resilience over pure cost efficiency. Continue reading “Allianz Safety and Shipping Review 2026”

Misdeclared cargo remains a persistent threat to shipping and supply chains

Misdeclared cargo remains a persistent threat to shipping and supply chains
Misdeclared cargo remains a persistent threat to shipping and supply chains

New statistics released by Allianz show a container ship fire occurs every 17 days, underscoring the persistent risk misdeclared cargo and undeclared dangerous goods pose to seafarers, shipping and global supply chains. Allianz Safety & Shipping Review 2026 says misdeclared cargo is still a major contributor to container ship fires.

“Misdeclared and undeclared dangerous goods are a known and preventable threat to seafarers, ships, cargo Continue reading “Misdeclared cargo remains a persistent threat to shipping and supply chains”

Rigs, Masts and Sails: What surveyors need to know

Rigs, Masts and Sails: What surveyors need to know
Rigs, Masts and Sails: What surveyors need to know

A group of 20 marine surveyors gathered at the Seldén Mast Gosport facility in late June on one of the hottest days in the UK. Their mission? To learn about the work and manufacturing process that Seldén Mast conducts from their facility. Under the expert guidance of Richard Thoroughgood, supported by Technical Director Andy, and their colleague Zoe, the group were treated to an in-depth tour of the works. A number of masts were available for inspection and those who attended votes the morning session a great success. IIMS would like to put on record their thanks to Richard and his colleagues at Seldén Mast for accommodating and hosting us. Continue reading “Rigs, Masts and Sails: What surveyors need to know”

UK publishes ETS maritime compliance guide ahead of July implementation

UK publishes ETS maritime compliance guide ahead of July implementation
UK publishes ETS maritime compliance guide ahead of July implementation

The UK government has published the ETS maritime compliance guide to help shipping companies prepare for the inclusion of maritime transport in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) from 1 July.

The guidance explains which vessels and operators fall within the scope of the scheme, as well as the requirements for emissions monitoring, reporting and the surrender of allowances. It applies primarily to ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above engaged in domestic UK voyages and activities within UK ports. Continue reading “UK publishes ETS maritime compliance guide ahead of July implementation”

Boiler burner inspection and operational safety recommendations

Boiler burner inspection and operational safety recommendations
Boiler burner inspection and operational safety recommendations

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued a safety alert following an investigation into a serious engine-room fire following a boiler burner inspection aboard a cargo ship in the Port of Mobile, Alabama. On January 4, 2025, while moored in the Port of Mobile, Alabama, a foreign-flagged cargo vessel equipped with a SAACKE Monoblock Rotary Cup Burner SKVJ-M 14 Mark I burner system on a marine boiler experienced a significant engine room fire.

The incident began with a high-pressure fuel leak from the oil fittings block, which caused atomized marine diesel oil to ignite on the hot surface of a nearby auxiliary generator exhaust stack. The fire rapidly spread from the boiler flat through two upper deck levels, resulting in extensive structural and equipment damage, though no personnel were injured. Continue reading “Boiler burner inspection and operational safety recommendations”

Overall non-compliance rate improves slightly on pilot transfer arrangements

Overall non-compliance rate improves slightly on pilot transfer arrangements

The results of the International Maritime Pilots Association (IMPA) 2026 Safety Campaign on pilot transfer arrangements, highlight that the overall non-compliance rate has improved slightly to 13% compared to the previous year, with pilot ladders remaining the leading source of non-compliant observations.

Around the clock and across the globe, maritime pilots transfer to and from vessels of every size in all weather conditions and throughout every season. The work is inherently hazardous, yet it remains essential to the safe and efficient movement of ships in and out of ports. Continue reading “Overall non-compliance rate improves slightly on pilot transfer arrangements”

Bunker claims surge 50% as concerns over fuel quality risks grow

Bunker claims surge 50% as concerns over fuel quality risks grow
Bunker claims surge 50% as concerns over fuel quality risks grow

Between January and May 2026, Gard recorded more than 70 bunker-related claims, marking a 50% increase compared with the same period last year. The increase highlights a growing trend in both the number and complexity of bunker-related incidents. As highlighted in the “Beyond Specification: Bunker Claims Insights in early 2026” report from Gard, data from the first five months of 2026 shows a notable rise in claims between January and February and the period from March to May, coinciding with increased regional uncertainty and pressure across global fuel supply chains. Continue reading “Bunker claims surge 50% as concerns over fuel quality risks grow”

Royal honour for yachtsman, author and IIMS Honorary Fellow, Ian Nicolson

Royal honour for yachtsman, author and IIMS Honorary Fellow, Ian Nicolson
Royal honour for yachtsman, author and IIMS Honorary Fellow, Ian Nicolson

News has reached the IIMS head office about a prestigious Royal award that has recently been given to the Institute’s oldest member. Ian Nicolson is still surveying, winning races and writing books at the grand old age of 97.

Ian, who lives in Cove, Scotland, will receive an MBE after being included in the King’s Birthday Honours List last month.

And, just last month, he won the CYCA two-handed class at the Scottish Series on Loch Fyne and has since competed again in the Round Bute Race, partnered by a relative youngster aged just 80. An expert in surveying, yacht design and restoration, he has published 27 books (including several handy guides through IIMS) and is still writing. Continue reading “Royal honour for yachtsman, author and IIMS Honorary Fellow, Ian Nicolson”

TSB final report says Titan submersible operated without oversight

TSB final report says Titan submersible operated without oversight
TSB final report says Titan submersible operated without oversight

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has published its investigation report into the 2023 implosion of the Titan submersible.  On June 18, 2023, the Titan submersible, owned by U.S. based company OceanGate, imploded while descending to the wreck of the Titanic with five people on board.  As a result of its investigation, TSB has also issued six recommendations.

At the time of the incident, the operation was supported by a Canadian cargo vessel operated by Canadian company Horizon Maritime Services Ltd., the Polar Prince, which towed the Titan from St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, to dive locations, and provided a base for OceanGate’s operations at sea. Horizon Maritime also provided this service to OceanGate in 2021 and 2022. Continue reading “TSB final report says Titan submersible operated without oversight”

FMG Nicola engine shutdown due to erroneous switch activation

FMG Nicola. Source: ATSB
FMG Nicola. Source: ATSB

The Australian Transportation Safety Bureau (ATSB) has said that bulk carrier FMG Nicola’s went adrift after a main engine emergency shutdown switch erroneously activated.

What happened

On 7 February 2025, the fully laden bulk carrier FMG Nicola was departing Port Hedland under the conduct of 2 marine pilots with 3 tugs in attendance. At 1515 local time, about 5 miles into the pilotage, FMG Nicola’s main engine unexpectedly shut down. An emergency was declared, and the pilots immediately took action to control the ship’s movement Continue reading “FMG Nicola engine shutdown due to erroneous switch activation”

Tow rope failure injured crew on board tug Svitzer Avon

Tow rope failure injured crew on board tug Svitzer Avon.Photo credit: Marko VesselFinder
Tow rope failure injured crew on board tug Svitzer Avon. Photo credit: Marko VesselFinder

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has closed an investigation into an incident that left two injured.

The tug Svitzer Avon crewmembers were hurt after the vessel’s tow rope snapped and shattered the wheelhouse windows.

The MAIB investigated a similar accident involving Svitzer Mercurius in 2019, resulting in a recommendation 2022/138 to Svitzer Marine Limited to:

“Undertake a fleetwide risk assessment to determine the level of risk associated Continue reading “Tow rope failure injured crew on board tug Svitzer Avon”

Cargo liquefaction greatest contributor to seafarer deaths in INTERCARGO bulk carrier report

Cargo liquefaction greatest contributor to seafarer deaths in INTERCARGO bulk carrier report
Cargo liquefaction greatest contributor to seafarer deaths in INTERCARGO bulk carrier report

Between 2016 and 2025, 17 bulk carriers of more than 10,000 deadweight tonnes were reported lost, with a tragic 71 seafarer deaths, according to an INTERCARGO annual report.

And cargo liquefaction remains the greatest contributor to loss of life with 37 lives – 52.1% of the total loss of life in the past ten years.

INTERCARGO’s annual Bulk Carrier Casualty Report examines the safety performance of bulk carriers over a rolling 10-year period in order to identify risks and improve safety for seafarers and vessel operations. Continue reading “Cargo liquefaction greatest contributor to seafarer deaths in INTERCARGO bulk carrier report”

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