Health & Safety

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”

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”

The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a product safety report for two models of Mercury Marine 450R and 500R outboard motors.

The reason for the recall is that these outboard motors present a risk of injuries as users could trap their fingers in the top cowl air vents during use. The products do not meet the requirements of the Recreational Craft Regulations 2017. Continue reading “Product safety report for Mercury Marine 450R and 500R outboard motors”

ClassNK has released second edition of “Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems”. It assumes onboard CO2 capture systems (OCCS) use of a membrane separation method which are expected to be applicable to a wide variety of vessel types. The guidelines can support the safety development, manufacturing, and installation of relevant systems.

Not only fuel transition, but interest in capturing CO2 from ships’ exhaust gas is growing as a way to reduce GHG emissions. Development of onboard systems for capturing and storing CO2 is also being carried out. Continue reading “ClassNK publishes Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems”

DNV has recently identified cases of deficiencies in CO2 fire-extinguishing systems that had multiple depleted CO₂ cylinders, potentially compromising fire safety and vessel integrity. More about this below. Continue reading “DNV: Deficiencies in CO2 fire-extinguishing systems”

The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has issued new guidelines for the safe inspection of methanol dual-fuel ships. As the maritime industry accelerates its transition to alternative fuels under increasingly stringent IMO emission regulations, methanol as fuel has emerged as a particularly attractive option, as documented by the increasing number of orders.

Continue reading “Guidelines for the safe inspection of methanol dual-fuel ships”

Following Port State Control findings on the design and installation of heat shielding ladders forming an escape route from machinery spaces, ABS has provided guidance on on ladders and stairways as a means of escape from engine rooms.

In a letter to industry, ABS has said PSC inspectors may issue a deficiency against 07120, Means of Escape, when there exists a gap in the heat shielding between the ladder and the deck it serves. Continue reading “ABS shares guidance on ladders and stairways as a means of escape from engine rooms”