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MAIB publishes preliminary report on scrap metal fire on Altay

Posted on by News Hound
Images courtesy of Humberside Fire & Rescue Service
Images courtesy of Humberside Fire & Rescue Service

A report regarding a scrap metal fire in the cargo hold of bulk carrier Altay has highlighted the importance of cargo loading monitoring and cargo pre-loading inspection.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released a preliminary assessment of the incident which took place in 2025. Nearby residents and business owners had been advised to keep their doors and windows securely closed while firefighters tackled the blaze. Continue reading “MAIB publishes preliminary report on scrap metal fire on Altay”

Gaschem Homer blackout due to generator issue in Port of Brisbane

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Gaschen Homer blackout due to generator issue in port of Brisbane. Source: ATSB
Gaschem Homer blackout due to generator issue in port of Brisbane. Source: ATSB

The gas tanker had just left its berth at the Port of Brisbane when it lost propulsion for two minutes as two of its three electrical generators were not properly configured causing the Gaschem Homer blackout, according to an Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) final report.

What happened

At 1100 local time on 15 March 2025, Gaschem Homer was departing for sea from its berth in the port of Brisbane, Queensland, under the conduct of a harbour pilot. At 1104, while the ship was being turned towards the port’s entrance, it experienced an electrical blackout, resulting in the total loss of propulsion and steering control. About two minutes later, the crew restored the electrical power. The incident did not result in damage or injury. Continue reading “Gaschem Homer blackout due to generator issue in Port of Brisbane”

IIMS launches brand new course for lithium batteries

Posted on by News Hound
IIMS has launched a brand new four-module course for lithium batteries
IIMS has launched a brand new four-module course for lithium batteries

After some months of preparation and development, IIMS has launched a new four-module course dedicated to the subject of lithium batteries, one of the most talked about and misunderstood topics in the marine surveying profession right now.

The course has been authored by leading lithium-ion battery experts David and Magda O’Neill, who are based at akuPalma in Mallorca. The course digs deep into the chemistry, as well as assessing how to survey and inspect installations of lithium batteries. Continue reading “IIMS launches brand new course for lithium batteries”

TSB Canada highlights importance of safeguards to prevent accidental lifeboat releases

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The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is urging stronger safety measures after a crew member was seriously injured aboard the bulk carrier Golden Zhejiang’s lifeboat in 2023. The TSB highlights the need for proper procedures for risk assessments, equipment-specific training, and a safety management system supported by a mature safety culture with a trusted process for communication between crew and shore personnel to prevent accidental lifeboat releases. Continue reading “TSB Canada highlights importance of safeguards to prevent accidental lifeboat releases”

MCA published its new Sport or Pleasure Code

Posted on by News Hound
MCA new Sport or Pleasure Code for commercial craft published
MCA new Sport or Pleasure Code for commercial craft published

Safety and innovation are at the heart of updated regulations for small commercial vessels used for sport or pleasure that was laid before Parliament on 20 November 2025 with application to be phased in from 12 December 2025 by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), starting only with new vessels entering either code for the first time.

The new Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 2025 will set clear, pragmatic standards across the sector by underpinning two codes of practice for vessels below and above 24 metres in length. The changes will apply gradually to more vessels as their certificates come up for renewal or within three years, whichever is longer. Continue reading “MCA published its new Sport or Pleasure Code”

NTSB: loose wire on containership Dali led to Scott Key Bridge collision

Posted on by News Hound
The containership Dali with portions of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge across its forward deck. (Source: NTSB)

​​​The US National Transportation Safety Board said a single loose wire on the Dali containership caused an electrical blackout that led to the vessel hitting the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which then collapsed, killing six highway workers.

At a public meeting, investigators said the loose wire in the ship’s electrical system caused a breaker to unexpectedly open – beginning a sequence of events that led to two vessel blackouts and a loss of both propulsion and steering near the 2.37-mile-long Key Bridge on March 26, 2024. Investigators found that wire-label banding prevented the wire from being fully inserted into a terminal block spring-clamp gate, causing an inadequate connection. Continue reading “NTSB: loose wire on containership Dali led to Scott Key Bridge collision”

MTF issues guidelines on alternative qualitative fuel risk assessments

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MTF issues guidelines on alternative qualitative fuel risk assessments
MTF issues guidelines on alternative qualitative fuel risk assessments

The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has revealed new guidelines for conducting alternative qualitative fuel risk assessments for alternative fuelled ships: HAZID and HAZOP.

The use of alternative fuels will be key to addressing the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships. While IMO has developed guidelines for design and operation of ships capable of using them, the Alternative Design and Approval process is required for most alternative fuels until mandatory regulations are in place. Continue reading “MTF issues guidelines on alternative qualitative fuel risk assessments”

Surge in EV transportation exposes gaps in maritime safety rules procurement

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Surge in EV transportation exposes gaps in maritime safety rules procurement
Surge in EV transportation exposes gaps in maritime safety rules procurement

Industry experts have said the rapid rise in EV (electric Vehicle) transportation exposes gaps in maritime safety rules, says Steam Marine Technical.

High-profile shipboard fires involving EVs, such as those on the Felicity Ace, Morning Midas and the Freemantle Highway, have highlighted the dangers and significant risks. While lithium-ion battery fires and thermal runaway events aren’t always the initial cause, they significantly escalate onboard fires when EVs are involved, yet current International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations don’t adequately address this risk. Whilst the IMO develops updated guidelines, comprehensive regulations specific to EV transport aren’t expected until at least 2028. Continue reading “Surge in EV transportation exposes gaps in maritime safety rules procurement”

Lithium-ion battery fires: What we know so far

Posted on by News Hound
Lithium-ion battery fires: What we know so far
Lithium-ion battery fires: What we know so far

Lithium-ion battery fires: What we know so far is a new publication published on behalf of the members of the Maritime Professional Council of the UK. That said, it is aimed at an international audience. The publication has been co-authored by Frances Birkett and Mike Schwarz of IIMS.

Deliberately designed not to be technically heavy, this 36-page overview aims to share some of the case studies and issues surrounding this emerging technology we Continue reading “Lithium-ion battery fires: What we know so far”

Lloyd’s Register alert on steam systems and steam hammer risks

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Lloyd’s Register alert on steam systems and steam hammer risks
Lloyd’s Register alert on steam systems and steam hammer risks

Lloyd’s Register (LR) have shared an investigation report into two fatalities which resulted from the catastrophic failure of a bellow type expansion fitting on a steam system pipeline on a LR class vessel. There have also been other steam systems and steam hammer risks this year which resulted in accidents. 

Subsequent random inspection of vessels with similar expansion fittings as part of their steam piping system have highlighted the following issues: Continue reading “Lloyd’s Register alert on steam systems and steam hammer risks”

Fatal Silver Condor sinking reflects long-standing safety issues in commercial fishing

Posted on by News Hound
Fatal Silver Condor sinking reflects long-standing safety issues in commercial fishing
Fatal Silver Condor sinking reflects long-standing safety issues in commercial fishing

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has published its final investigation report into the fatal Silver Condor sinking, which resulted in the deaths of three crew members near La Tabatière, Quebec. 

What happened

On 24 September 2023, the fishing vessel Silver Condor, with 6 people on board, began its return trip to port after fishing for redfish. Around midnight on 25 September, the vessel started listing to port and sinking by the stern; as the vessel sank, all people on board entered the water. Continue reading “Fatal Silver Condor sinking reflects long-standing safety issues in commercial fishing”

ABS and Persona AI partnership to bring humanoid robotics to shipyards

Posted on by News Hound
ABS and Persona AI partnership to bring humanoid robotics to shipyards. Conceptual image courtesy of Persona AI
ABS and Persona AI partnership to bring humanoid robotics to shipyards. Conceptual image courtesy of Persona AI

A collaboration to develop inspection technologies for Persona AI’s humanoid robot platform was formalized with the signing of an MOU between ABS and Persona AI and bring humanoid robotics to shipyards.

The initiative will focus on adapting Persona AI’s humanoid robots, based in part on NASA’s robotic hand technology, for a range of shipyard tasks. Unlike traditional industrial robots, humanoid robots are uniquely suited to operate in shipyards designed for human workers, offering flexibility and mobility in complex, confined, or ergonomically challenging spaces. Continue reading “ABS and Persona AI partnership to bring humanoid robotics to shipyards”

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