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Guidance for the safe carriage of cocoa butter in containers

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Updated guidance on the carriage of cocoa butter in containers has been published. Photo credit: CINS
Updated guidance on the carriage of cocoa butter in containers has been published. Photo credit: CINS

The International Safe Containerised Cargo Organisation (CINS) has published revised guidelines for the safe carriage of cocoa butter in containers, updating industry practices for one of the sector’s most temperature-sensitive cargoes.

Developed by a working group of CINS members, the updated guidance is aligned with the principles of the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code), which sets out international standards for the safe packing and handling of containerised cargo. Continue reading “Guidance for the safe carriage of cocoa butter in containers”

Announcement of three IIMS honours

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Joel Lloyd Pinheiro awarded a Fellowship

Joel Lloyd Pinheiro
Joel Lloyd Pinheiro

Joel Lloyd Pinheiro has made a significant and demonstrable contribution to the marine industry over a career spanning nearly two decades, combining seagoing engineering experience with extensive professional practice as a marine surveyor and consultant.

Joel’s reports are recognised for their technical depth, clarity and impartiality. In addition, he has contributed to the industry through knowledge sharing, mentoring and speaking at IIMS and industry events, thereby enhancing professional standards and standards of Continue reading “Announcement of three IIMS honours”

Black Sea MoU releases results of 2025 CIC on Ballast Water Management

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Black Sea MoU logo
The Black Sea MoU has published the results of its 2025 CIC on Ballast Water Management.

The Black Sea MoU has released a report into the 2025 Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Ballast Water Management (BWM).

The campaign was carried out from 1 September 2025 to 30 November 2025, and it was conducted in conjunction with the Paris and the Tokyo Memoranda. It was also conducted under the campaign coordination of the Maritime Administration of Türkiye.

A total of 775 inspections were carried out covering 736 individual ships. Among these, 624 inspections were conducted using the CIC questionnaire.

Continue reading “Black Sea MoU releases results of 2025 CIC on Ballast Water Management”

CINS shares guidance on shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers

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CINS shares guidance on shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers
CINS shares guidance on shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers

The Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS) has published a new guidance on shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers by sea.

CINS Guidelines for Shipping Lithium-ion Cells and Batteries in Containers provides shipping companies, operators and carriers with safety guidance for the transport of lithium-ion cells and batteries, classified under UN Nos. 3480 and 3481, in Cargo Transport Units (CTUs). Continue reading “CINS shares guidance on shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers”

Fisherman’s death highlights risk of entanglements on potting vessel Wilaya

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Fisherman’s death highlights risk of entanglements on potting vessels, Wilaya. Source: MAIB
Fisherman’s death highlights risk of entanglements on potting vessel Wilaya. Source: MAIB

An investigation found risk assessments were not being followed on Wilaya after a deckhand was dragged overboard a potting and died off the Welsh coast last year.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) published a safety flyer along with the report saying potting is one of the most hazardous fishing methods. The accident on board Wilaya was the sixth fatality on board UK potting vessels in the 20 months from October 2023 to May 2025, highlighting the vulnerability of fishermen operating in the sector. Continue reading “Fisherman’s death highlights risk of entanglements on potting vessel Wilaya”

EU Commission publishes guidance on recreational craft customs and VAT treatment

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EU Commission publishes guidance on recreational craft customs and VAT treatment
EU Commission publishes guidance on recreational craft customs and VAT treatment

European Boating Industry (EBI) and European Boating Association (EBA) welcome the publication of the European Commission’s Guidance Note for Pleasure Craft. The guidance provides much-needed clarification for recreational boat owners and business on the treatment of recreational craft under EU customs and VAT rules.

The publication follows continued engagement by EBA and EBI Continue reading “EU Commission publishes guidance on recreational craft customs and VAT treatment”

IMO passes non-mandatory safety code for autonomous ships

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A non-mandatory safety code for autonomous ships has been passed by IMO, set for 2028 at the earliest
A non-mandatory safety code for autonomous ships has been passed by IMO, set for 2028 at the earliest

The IMO has taken a new step forward towards the safety code for autonomous ships, including comprehensive regulation of unmanned shipping, building upon years of debate and detailed development work. At the latest meeting of the Marine Safety Committee, delegates approved a final text for the non-mandatory Maritime Continue reading “IMO passes non-mandatory safety code for autonomous ships”

New Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming in Maritime Sector released by WMU and IMO

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Gender Mainstreaming in the Maritime Sector is a joint collaboration by WMU and IMO
Gender Mainstreaming in the Maritime Sector is a joint collaboration by WMU and IMO

The World Maritime University and the International Maritime Organization have jointly published a new handbook focused on integrating gender perspectives into the maritime sector.

The handbook, titled the Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming in the Maritime Sector, was released on 18 May to coincide with the International Day for Women in Maritime, according to the IMO. The document was written by WMU Professor Momoko Kitada, who this year received the IMO Gender Equality Award. According to the source, Continue reading “New Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming in Maritime Sector released by WMU and IMO”

Minister of Transport calls for proposals to improve boating safety across Canada

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Minister of Transport calls for proposals to improve boating safety across Canada
Minister of Transport calls for proposals to improve boating safety across Canada

More than 12 million Canadian adults participate in recreational boating every year, but preventable accidents continue to result in injuries and fatalities on the water. To help improve safety, Transport Canada is supporting education and awareness initiatives that promote safe boating practices and behaviours on the water.

As part of the Safe Boating Awareness Week, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, announced a call for proposals under the Boating Safety Contribution Program. The application period is open until 21st September 2026. Continue reading “Minister of Transport calls for proposals to improve boating safety across Canada”

New Bill introduced to eliminate diesel-powered ferries across New York State

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New Bill introduced to eliminate diesel-powered ferries across New York State
New Bill introduced to eliminate diesel-powered ferries across New York State

On 19 May, US lawmakers introduced the Clean Ferries Bill (A11303/S10381), a proposal aimed to eliminate diesel-powered ferries emissions across New York State. The bill requires publicly funded ferry operators to purchase only zero-emission vessels starting in 2028, with all public vessels in state waters required to be zero-emission by 2032. It also directs the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to study charging infrastructure along major waterways, including the Hudson River.

Supporters say the measure targets a major source of pollution Continue reading “New Bill introduced to eliminate diesel-powered ferries across New York State”

UK support for the Cape Town Agreement is huge step forward for international fishing safety

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IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez receives MCA Director for Technical Maritime Services Fraser Heasley and MCA Fishing Vessel Safety Lead David Fenner, to confirm the UK’s accession to the Cape Town Agreement
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez receives MCA Director for Technical Maritime Services Fraser Heasley and MCA Fishing Vessel Safety Lead David Fenner, to confirm the UK’s accession to the Cape Town Agreement

Fishing is one of the world’s most dangerous industries, and the International Maritime Organization’s Cape Town Agreement (2012) aims to improve the safety of fishers on an international scale via the Cape Town Agreement.

The agreement sets out mandatory minimum safety standards for fishing vessels, more than 24m in length, and their crew, as well as the combating of illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing. Coming into force next year, the Cape Town Agreement is expected to boost safety standards for tens of thousands of vessels worldwide, covering areas like survey and inspection, protection of crew, emergency procedures, and construction. Continue reading “UK support for the Cape Town Agreement is huge step forward for international fishing safety”

Sisters run virtual TCS London Marathon in support of Sailors’ Society

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Finishing in under six hours, IIMS member Catherine Linley ran the virtual TCS London Marathon MyWay in support of Sailors’ Society – IIMS’ chosen charity.

Two women in running gear smiling and holding a TCS London Marathon MyWay banner on a sunny, grassy area with blue skies.
Catherine Linley and her sister, Hilary, ran the virtual TCS London Marathon MyWay 2026.

Catherine first contacted the maritime charity to take part in the event on their behalf after hearing about it via IIMS. She went on to complete the event with her sister, Hilary, by running along the Linear Trail and the beaches of Adelaide in “glorious weather”.

Despite managing injuries in the lead up to the day, the sisters supported each other to the finish line where they were swept up by family members.

Catherine said she was proud of their effort but was acutely aware of the privilege wrapped around it. Continue reading “Sisters run virtual TCS London Marathon in support of Sailors’ Society”

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