Electronic inclinometers for new bulk carriers and container ships

New regulations from January 2026 mandate electronic inclinometers on new bulk carriers and container ships
New regulations from January 2026 mandate electronic inclinometers on new bulk carriers and container ships

To enhance seafarer safety and prevent the loss and damage of bulk cargo due to strong movements at sea, the IMO is introducing amendments to SOLAS Chapter V. Through Resolution MSC.532(107), it has adopted a new requirement (SOLAS Reg. V/19.2.12) that mandates the carriage of electronic inclinometers for new container ships and bulk carriers of 3,000gt and above. This will enable the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) to determine, display and record the ship’s roll motion and provide critical information about operational stability. Continue reading “Electronic inclinometers for new bulk carriers and container ships”

Meeting the requirements of the IMSBC Code

 Britannia P&I Club advises on the IMSBC code
Britannia P&I Club advises on the IMSBC code

Britannia P&I Club has issued information about what actions to take when loading different bulk cargoes to meet the requirements of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code. The shipper is responsible for providing the master (or their representative) with sufficient information in advance to allow safe preparation for loading, stowage, and carriage of the nominated cargo under the requirements of the IMSBC code. Continue reading “Meeting the requirements of the IMSBC Code”

International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk update

DNV updates International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk
DNV updates International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk

DNV has sent out a news update on amendments to the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk, which have been adopted by IMO Resolution MSC.552(108).

The Grain Code amendments enter into force 1 January 2026 and will be applicable to newbuildings with keel laid on or after this date. For existing ships, the amended Grain Code can also be applied to improve loading flexibility and demonstrate compliance with the new requirements. It is expected that there will be an increased attention on this loading pattern by inspectors in the larger grain exporting ports from 2026. Continue reading “International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk update”

Cargo tank cleaning and preparation onboard tankers: Best practices and guidelines

A man cleaning the inside of a cargo tank - Cargo tank cleaning and preparation onboard tankers: Best practices and guidelines. Image credit: West P&I Club
A man cleaning the inside of a cargo tank – Cargo tank cleaning and preparation onboard tankers: Best practices and guidelines. Image credit: West P&I Club

West P&I Club has issued a loss prevention bulletin in which they describe best practices and give guidelines on cargo tank cleaning and preparation onboard tankers. the Club highlights that product and chemical tankers carry a variety of commodities, often necessitating frequent tank cleaning to prevent a cross-subsequent, off-spec claim. Detailed planning of the tank cleaning is crucial, and the ship’s crew must be informed of the schedule. The extent of cleaning required depends on the properties of the previous cargo, the tank coating, the next cargo’s preloading specifications and the shipper’s requirements. Continue reading “Cargo tank cleaning and preparation onboard tankers: Best practices and guidelines”

WSC Containers Lost at Sea Report 2025 update

WSC Container lost at Sea 2025 Update
WSC Container lost at Sea 2025 Update

The World Shipping Council (WSC) has released its annual Containers Lost at Sea report, showing that 576 containers were lost at sea in 2024.

While this represents an increase from the record-low 221 containers lost in 2023, it remains well below the 10-year average of 1,274 containers lost annually, underscoring continued industry progress on safety and prevention. Container losses in 2024 were influenced by ongoing disruption in the Red Sea region, which led to a significant shift in global trade routes. Vessel transits around the Cape of Good Hope increased by 191% compared to 2023. Continue reading “WSC Containers Lost at Sea Report 2025 update”

Hidden dangers of fire initiating cargoes explained

Cargo Integrity Group explains Hidden dangers of fire initiating cargoes
Cargo Integrity Group explains Hidden dangers of fire initiating cargoes

The industry bodies of the Cargo Integrity Group expand on their concerns relating to cargoes that can catch fire and cause significant damage and casualties under certain conditions. Circumstances created by an alignment of mistakes, oversights, or failed controls can turn a minor incident into a major event.

Following its identification of ‘cargoes of concern’, the Cargo Integrity Group (the Group) now focuses on the issues that may commonly compromise safety by initiating or proliferating fire under certain conditions. Continue reading “Hidden dangers of fire initiating cargoes explained”

The Challenges of Transporting Reefer Containers

A pack of reefer containers
A pack of reefer containers

Reefer containers is a complex piece of engineering and has, over the years, become more reliable, and can be trusted to transport perishable goods vast distances, with little or no impact on quality and there are numerous challenges of transporting reefer containers.

It is easy to forget therefore, that the vessel crew still has an important part to play in ensuring that these fragile cargoes are delivered safely, and that the actions of those on board can make a significant difference to the claims experienced by an operator. Continue reading “The Challenges of Transporting Reefer Containers”

Brookes Bell: Why Are There So Many Soya Bean Claims?

In 2023, the global soya bean market (also known as soybeans and soyabeans) was valued at over USD 200.37 billion, and it is projected to grow to USD $259 billion by 2032.The shipping industry plays a significant role in supporting this global industry, but behind these impressive figures lies a perilously narrow window for safe ocean transport. Despite being loaded in sound condition and carried by well-maintained vessels on unexceptional voyages, soya beans continue to arrive in a deteriorated condition far too often. Claims related to spoilage frequently run into millions of dollars, exposing shipowners, operators, and marine insurers to significant financial risk. Continue reading “Brookes Bell: Why Are There So Many Soya Bean Claims?”

Streamlining PSC inspections through AI-powered approach

A ship sailing at sunset - PSC inspections
A ship sailing at sunset

Port State Control (PSC) inspections are a fact of life in the maritime world — and they’re getting tougher. With rising detention rates, unpredictable inspection criteria, and mounting pressure on crew performance, preparing for a PSC visit can feel like navigating a minefield, says Kaiko Systems.

In 2024 alone, over 73,000 PSC inspections were conducted globally, with a growing detention rate now over 3%. For vessel operators, a failed inspection can mean costly detentions, delayed cargo, reputational damage, and a hit to operational performance. Continue reading “Streamlining PSC inspections through AI-powered approach”

Smart Container Alliance launched to evolve the container industry

Container ship at portThe Smart Container Alliance has been officially launched to drive the adoption of smart container technology.

This initiative unites industry leaders to enhance cargo traceability, fortify maritime trade, and support global enforcement agencies in combating criminal networks. With geopolitical instability and climate disruptions posing risks to global trade, shipping companies must prioritize security and efficiency. The Alliance aims to advance industry standards, advocate for policy change, and foster collaboration among technology providers, shipowners, customs authorities, and international regulatory bodies like the EU and World Customs Organization (WCO).

“Smart Cargo and Container Telematics are the foundation for the 21st Century Supply Chain with revolutionary new solutions for our society, authorities, governments, and businesses to structurally reduce illicit trade, cargo contamination, cargo waste, theft, and supply chain carbon footprint while simultaneously enhancing product authentication, on-time delivery commitments, asset productivity, and cargo integrity and quality”, said Charles Vincent, CEO ARVIEM. Continue reading “Smart Container Alliance launched to evolve the container industry”

NTSB reveals cargo on President Eisenhower lost due incorrect cargo weight data

​Containership President Eisenhower. Credit: Bar Pilot, marinetraffic.com
Containership President Eisenhower. Credit: Bar Pilot, marinetraffic.com

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has published a report after cargo on President Eisenhower lost due incorrect cargo weight data.

The input of incorrect container cargo weight data when developing the cargo loading plan led to the shipping containers falling off a cargo ship and others becoming damaged while the vessel was drifting off the coast of California.

On February 6 2024, the U.S.-flagged containership President Eisenhower lost 23 shipping containers overboard and another 10 were damaged as the vessel was drifting about 94 miles south of Oakland, California, while awaiting a berthing assignment. Continue reading “NTSB reveals cargo on President Eisenhower lost due incorrect cargo weight data”

WSC: Shipping carriers move to prevent deadly charcoal fires

The shipping industry is improving safety measures for transporting charcoal
The shipping industry is improving safety measures for transporting charcoal

The shipping industry is taking proactive steps to implement improved safety measures for transporting charcoal, ahead of mandatory IMO regulations in 2026, according to a press release from the World Shipping Council (WSC).

In response to a series of devastating fires caused by improperly handled charcoal, shippers should be ready to see carriers phase in new tighter regulations this year.

“We’ve seen too many preventable fires onboard vessels caused by improper handling of charcoal,” said Joe Kramek, WSC President and CEO. Continue reading “WSC: Shipping carriers move to prevent deadly charcoal fires”

Instagram Posts from the IIMS @iimsmarine

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

Show details Hide details
Performance & Marketing Cookies

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages. This also helps us optimise our marketing campaigns. User data sent to Google Analytics may be used for ad personalization and measurement of our ad campaigns. Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Show details Hide details