The IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) 83 session was held from 7-11 April 2025. The IMO MEPC is where the reduction of shipping’s impact on the marine environment is discussed. MEPC oversees the work of several sub-committees and influences subjects which cut-across the work of several committees, covering many key regulations.
And Lloyd’s Register has published a summary of the outcomes from the meeting. Continue reading “Lloyd’s Register summary report on MEPC 83”
The Nautical Institute is proud to support the Maritime Technologies Forum’s (MTF) initiative in developing the Guidelines for Developing and Implementing a Safety Management System for Ammonia-Fuelled Ships. This document is a critical first step in addressing safety gaps associated with the use of ammonia as a marine fuel, providing industry stakeholders with a structured approach to integrating safety measures within their Safety Management Systems (SMS). Continue reading “Guidelines for developing an SMS for Ammonia-Fuelled Ships”
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has issued an update to its Retrofit Research Programme, with the latest report focusing on the developments in Engine retrofits for alternative fuels and the lack of green fuels in engine retrofits.
While the maritime industry has seen positive developments, such as increased methanol fuel conversions and shipyard engine retrofits capabilities since 2023, the adoption of alternative fuels faces a significant hurdle. Continue reading “Lack of green fuels in engine retrofits says new study”
The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has expressed serious concerns over the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) proposed implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Industrial Personnel Code which could put UK offshore wind targets at risk.
In its response to the MCA’s consultation on the Merchant Shipping (Safety Measures for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel and Special Personnel) Regulations 2025, IMCA warned that the changes could disrupt offshore operations, attract legal challenges, and make the UK a less attractive market for marine contractors. Continue reading “UK offshore wind targets at risk from UK Implementation of Industrial Personnel Regulations”
Recently published, a new report produced by the Canal & River Trust aims to show how vital the UK’s waterway network can be as the Government tries to tackle climate change. The 30-page Climate Adaptation Report spells out how important canals and waterways are and how they can be part of action against problems such as storms, flooding and drought, which have badly affected areas of the UK.
It highlights how the 2000 miles of canals and waterways, and 84 reservoirs, across England and Wales have adapted from their original roles and can now become a vital infrastructure as the country deals with climate change threats.
The Climate Adaptation Report also claims the charity will need an extra £15 million a year to combat global warming. Continue reading “Climate Adaptation Report published by the UK Canal & River Trust”
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”
Danish Shipping has adopted a new policy on biofouling management, where it recommends that its members follow IMO guidelines, which are currently not mandatory.
So-called biofouling on the hulls of ships is not only a potential threat to vulnerable marine ecosystems, but it also causes increased fuel consumption, when there are things stuck to the hull (due to the increased friction).
Proper biofouling management reduces fouling, bio-security risks and fuel consumption. Danish Shipping recommends its members follow IMO guidelines and keep records of their adherence to the guidelines. Continue reading “Danish Shipping adopts biofouling management policy”
Ten oil spills of more than seven tonnes were recorded from tanker incidents in 2024, the same number as in 2023 according to ITOPF oil tanker spill statistics.
This brings the decade average to 7.4 tanker spills per year, which is a dramatic reduction from the numbers reported in earlier decades but currently slightly higher than the average for the 2010s (6.3 spills per year).The total volume of oil lost to the environment from tanker spills in 2024 was approximately 10,000 tonnes.Most oil spills (>7 tonnes) recorded between 1970 and 2024 were caused by allisions/collisions and groundings.ITOPF maintains a database of oil spills from tank vessels, including combined carriers, FPSOs and barges. This contains Continue reading “ITOPF oil tanker spill statistics 2024 report”
OCIMF has issued an interim information paper to provide minimum functional requirements for the safe application of barge-based Emission Capture and Control (ECC) to oil, chemical and oil product tankers operating at onshore conventional berths, such as piers, jetties and quays.
According to OCIMF, the adoption of Emission Capture and Control (ECC) can bring environmental advantages to maritime operations in ports and terminals. By using ECC while at berth, ships can reduce their emissions, contributing to improved local air quality and aiding in compliance with environmental regulations. Continue reading “Safety recommendations for Emission Capture and Control”
The Water Revolution Foundation has issued an open letter called ‘Yacht Environmental Transparency Index’ outlining four recommendations to help foster more sustainable practices in the superyacht sector. These recommendations – billed as ‘yachting resolutions’ for 2025 – are aimed at yacht owners and family offices.
The Water Revolution Foundation was started from within the superyacht industry to help the industry reduce its footprint. It is an independent Dutch legal entity called a ‘stichting’, which is “an institution aiming to achieve a certain goal”. The foundation’s recommendations are as follows: Continue reading “WRF issues Yacht Environmental Transparency Index”
The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) published a new Unified Interpretation UI SC307 on hydrocarbon gas detection and bilge high level alarms in cargo pump-rooms. The UI is set to be implemented by IACS societies on ships contracted to be built on or after 1 January 2026.
The interpretation says:
1. Characteristics of the cargoes and their vapors (flammability, density, etc.) should be taken into consideration to determine the type and arrangement of detectors. Continue reading “IACS interpretation on hydrocarbon gas detection”
India is determined to join the world’s top shipbuilding and shipping nations. In DNV’s latest article, Pioneering high-tech, green shipbuilding in India, the classification society shares how DNV provides expertise and services to support India and Cochin Shipyard’s ambitious shipbuilding programme.
Cochin Shipyard in southern India is at the forefront of India’s maritime industry development programme, enjoying a reputation as a specialist in high-quality, high-tech, green shipbuilding. From sophisticated hybrid offshore support vessels to modern multipurpose ships and zero-emission ferries for European and Indian owners, the yard Continue reading “DNV on green shipbuilding in India”
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