Enclosed Space Entry Joint Workshop meets for the fourth time

man in an enclose spaceThe fourth Enclosed Space Entry Joint Industry Workshop took place at OCIMF’s London office in late March, where a working group drawn from maritime organisations gathered to identify measures to reduce or eliminate deaths in enclosed spaces onboard vessels.

In the previous three meetings, the cross-industry working group’s review of prior enclosed space incidents identified operational, commercial, technical and training related issues as recurring contributing factors. This review also included an analysis of incidents to understand the relationship between vessel type, incident location onboard and the rank or role of the victims. Continue reading “Enclosed Space Entry Joint Workshop meets for the fourth time”

Understanding hull fouling with Britannia P&I Club

Britannia P&I Club logoBritannia P&I Club has published loss prevention guidance on the consequences that need to be considered regarding hull fouling.

Hull fouling refers to a condition when marine organisms such as barnacles, algae, and mussels attach themselves to a ship’s underwater hull surface area. When operating in tropical or seasonal tropical waters the higher temperatures and sunlight provide ideal conditions for the rapid growth of marine organisms, particularly when the ship is stationary at anchorage for a longer period. Furthermore, during seasonal tropical periods, ocean currents transport nutrients from deeper waters to the surface in coastal areas, promoting the growth of photosynthetic organisms. Continue reading “Understanding hull fouling with Britannia P&I Club”

NTSB report on Ocean Navigator engine failure

Ocean Navigator docked in Portland, Maine on Oct. 19 2023, after the fire. (Source: NTSB)
Ocean Navigator docked in Portland, Maine on Oct. 19 2023, after the fire. (Source: NTSB)

Debris in an engine’s lube oil system led to a diesel engine failure and an engine room fire aboard a passenger vessel docked in Portland, Maine, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said. The passenger vessel Ocean Navigator was moored at the Ocean Gateway Terminal on Oct. 18, 2023, when the no. 2 auxiliary diesel generator engine suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure that seriously injured one crewmember and resulted in an engine-room fire. Crewmembers secured ventilation to the engine room, and the fire self-extinguished. Continue reading “NTSB report on Ocean Navigator engine failure”

Investigators publish report on 2024 containership blast in China’s Ningbo Port

The YM Mobility fireThe China Maritime Safety Administration (CMSA) has published a report on its investigation into the explosion and subsequent fire on the Taiwanese-owned container vessel YM Mobility at China’s Ningbo Port on 9 August 2024. An explosion occurred in a container loaded with dangerous goods on board near the ship’s bow. According to the shipper’s declaration, the container was a reefer used as a substitute for a dry container, without requiring power connection. The estimated economic loss resulting from in the incident was about CNY90 million (US$13 million). Continue reading “Investigators publish report on 2024 containership blast in China’s Ningbo Port”

Maritime Labour Convention inspections MGN 600 for coded vessels updated by MCA

Mca LogoThe Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has published MGN 600 (M) Amendment 3, which updates the inspection requirements for coded vessels under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

The updated guidance clarifies inspection procedures for vessels under 500GT, ensuring they meet the MLC’s core principles, including appropriate crew accommodation, fair working conditions, regulated rest hours, and comprehensive health and safety measures. These changes aim to align the standards for coded vessels more closely with international maritime regulations, strengthening compliance across the sector. Specifically there is an added annexe which provides an inspection report form. Continue reading “Maritime Labour Convention inspections MGN 600 for coded vessels updated by MCA”

Norway reports increase in commercial vessel incidents

Norwegian Maritime Authority logoThe Norwegian Maritime Authority has reported an increase in the number of commercial vessel incidents in the past year. A total of 1,154 incidents were registered on commercial vessels in 2024. Half of these were accidents and the other half were near misses. This represents an increase of about six percent in incidents compared to 2023, according to Vegar Berntsen, Section Manager, Risk Management and Analysis, Norwegian Maritime Directorate. According to Berntsen, smaller vessels are primarily the ones that sink, with the majority being fishing vessels.

 

Additionally, four cargo ships have also sunk. Continue reading “Norway reports increase in commercial vessel incidents”

Silicone-based hull coatings to deliver significant emissions reduction according to Maritime Emissions Reduction Centre analysis

New analysis by the Maritime Emissions Reduction Centre (MERC) has found that silicone-based hull coatings could deliver significant emissions reductions, but challenges around application and mechanical strength remain.

Silicone coatings, with their very low surface energies and smooth surfaces, result in self-cleaning properties that release microfouling, preventing the development of macrofouling. The resulting reduction in drag can lead to significant fuel savings and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While manufacturers claim potential fuel savings of up to 10%, the analysis by MERC of actual vessel performance reported by its members provides a more nuanced picture of the technology’s benefits. Coating performance is highly dependent on factors such as vessel type, age and operating profile. While substantial savings are possible, precise performance measurement remains challenging due to variables such as engine condition and weather. Continue reading “Silicone-based hull coatings to deliver significant emissions reduction according to Maritime Emissions Reduction Centre analysis”

The importance of bulk cargo trimming

The importance of bulk cargo trimming
The importance of bulk cargo trimming

In one of its recent Risk Watch bulletins, Britannia P&I Club explained that proper trimming of bulk cargo is essential for ensuring ship stability, regulatory compliance, and efficient loading and discharging operations.

The IMSBC Code provides mandatory guidelines for trimming procedures. Section 5 of the code specifies that all bulk cargoes should be trimmed ‘reasonably level’ to reduce risks such as cargo shifting and instability. For non-cohesive cargoes, trimming standards are determined by the calculated angle of repose. Consideration should also be given to the charter party, as this may stipulate the required method of trimming, especially for cargoes that require specific handling.

Section 5.1.3 of the IMSBC Code states: “The master has the right to require that the cargo be trimmed level, where there is any concern regarding stability based upon the information available, taking into account the characteristics of the ship and the intended voyage.” Continue reading “The importance of bulk cargo trimming”

ATSB says ambiguous procedures led to vessel steering failure

CMA CGM is revising its steering guidance across the fleet after ambiguous procedures contributed to one of its ships colliding with a navigational beacon in the Yarra River, according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).

Photo credit: ATSB
Photo Credit: ATSB

Departing the Port of Melbourne on 25 May 2023 under the conduct of a harbour pilot, containership CMA CGM Puccini contacted the navigational beacon after swinging wide in a turn when its rudder began responding erratically to helm orders. The ship was slowed and returned towards the middle of the channel, before being stabilised with tug assistance and then conducted to nearby Webb Dock. While the ship sustained minor hull paint damage, the beacon was significantly damaged. Continue reading “ATSB says ambiguous procedures led to vessel steering failure”

ABS Port State Control 2024 Q4 Report

ABS Port state q4 2024ABS has released its latest Quarterly Port State Control (PSC) Report which provides information about deficiencies identified on ABS vessels during inspections carried out by the various PSC regimes globally during the last quarter of 2024.

There were 465 total detained vessels in the fourth quarter per Paris MoU, Tokyo MoU and USCG. Of those detained, only 22 vessels were ABS classed vessels. For period 1 October to 31 December 2024, the top categories for Port State Control (PSC) detentions on ABS vessels in the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Tokyo MoU and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) database are as follows: Continue reading “ABS Port State Control 2024 Q4 Report”

Liberian Registry issues notice on recall of rocket parachute flares

Liberian Register logo

The Liberia Maritime Authority has published marine advisory 04/2025 on the Voluntary replacement and recall of rocket parachute flares Kokusai Kakoh Co., Ltd / Type: KP-16.
Kokusai Kakoh Co., Ltd recalled the flare due to concerns regarding the specified altitude and burning time when fired.

The item in question:
• Product name/type: Kokusai Kakoh Co., Ltd. Rocket parachute flares Type: KP-16 ➢ Date of manufacture: From February 2021 to July 2024. The Liberian Maritime Authority recommends replacing these flares in accordance with information provided by the manufacturer, “Instructions (for outside of Japan)”. Continue reading “Liberian Registry issues notice on recall of rocket parachute flares”

Domestic Passenger Vessels: Information on risk assessment to support application for exemption from damage stability requirements

Domestic Passenger Vessels: Information on risk assessment to support application for exemption from damage stability requirements
Domestic Passenger Vessels: Information on risk assessment to support application for exemption from damage stability requirements

The UK Merchant Shipping (Safety Standards for Passenger Ships on Domestic Voyages) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2022, introduces requirements for older vessels to meet new damage stability requirements. The vessels affected most by these new requirements are those vessels certified as Class V and operating on Tidal Category C waters.

It was recognised from feedback during the consultation that there was a need for the Government to provide some flexibility to operators who could demonstrate that the risks to their domestic passenger vessels were owing to their particular area of operation. For example, owning to a small volume of traffic operating in the area the risk of collision was reduced. Continue reading “Domestic Passenger Vessels: Information on risk assessment to support application for exemption from damage stability requirements”

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