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”
A guide for design safety of nuclear ships has been released by the MIT Maritime Consortium, aims to set the standard for safe maritime nuclear propulsion.
The “first-of-its-kind” handbook serves as a guide for design safety for civilian nuclear ships.
Using research data and standards, combined with operational experiences during civilian maritime nuclear operations, the handbook provides unique insights into potential issues and resolutions in the design efficacy of maritime nuclear operations, a topic of growing importance on the national and international stage. Continue reading “MIT Maritime Consortium releases “first-of-its kind” guide for design safety of nuclear ships”
The Chemical Distribution Institute (CDI), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) have released the second edition of ‘Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases’.
Originally published by OCIMF in 1975, the STS Transfer Guide was consolidated in 2013 through the combined expertise of CDI, ICS, OCIMF and SIGTTO. Recognised globally by the tanker industry and IMO Member States as the definitive reference for safe and effective STS operations, this new second joint edition, released in the 50th anniversary, reflects current best practices, regulatory developments and technical innovations. Continue reading “Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases update published”
Gard P&I Club has provided key recommendations to mitigating accidents during fumigation operations, especially while in transit. Fumigation of cargo holds using aluminium phosphide tablets, which release phosphine gas, is essential to protect products from infestation and ensure they arrive in good condition. The heavier-than-air phosphine gas penetrates the cargo to eliminate insects and pests.
However, according to Gard, despite the existence of industry best practice recommendations, fumigation-related incidents continue to occur. While it remains uncertain how many fatalities could have been prevented through stricter adherence to the current IMO guidance, many incidents have been linked to the absence of vessel-specific procedures, underestimation or lack of awareness of the risks involved, or decisions influenced by commercial pressures. Continue reading “Key considerations for mitigating accidents during fumigation”
NorthStandard P&I Club has issued guidance on the rising fire risks associated with scrap metal cargoes, particularly those coming from East Coast USA and Ghent, Belgium. They highlight the need for strict vigilance.
Scrap metal cargoes: Follow the code
‘SCRAP METAL’ is a bulk cargo shipping name (BCSN) found in the IMSBC Code. It is a Group C cargo but it must not contain fine metal turnings known as ‘swarf’. If it does contain swarf, then it would likely fall under the schedule Continue reading “Beware of the fire risks in scrap metal cargoes”
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”
With new data and technological innovation, the maritime industry must re-evaluate cargo handling protocols and develop more resilient fire mitigation strategies to address growing risks at sea, argues Alicia Lee, Chief Operating Officer at GSBN. On a summer morning in June 2025, a carrier vessel called the Morning Midas caught fire in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The entire crew on board had to abandon ship to escape flames. The Morning Midas, along with the electric vehicles it was carrying that started the blaze, now rests at the bottom of the ocean. Continue reading “Preventing the next lithium fire at sea: A data-driven blueprint for safer transportation”
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a safety alert urging greater awareness and training for land-based firefighters who may be called to fight fires aboard vessels in local ports.
The safety alert follows several NTSB investigations into deaths and injuries to firefighters.
The NTSB found land-based firefighters often lack the necessary training and familiarity with vessel layouts and fire protection systems to effectively fight in-port vessel fires. They also may be unaware of how to use the structural fire protection built into most commercial vessels.
Continue reading “NTSB alerts land-based firefighters to risks of vessel fires”
IUMI has released an update to its best practice and recommendations for safely transporting EVs.
In 2023, IUMI published a set of best practice and recommendations for the safe carriage of electric vehicles. This was part of its ongoing support of loss prevention guidance to the global marine insurance and shipping sectors.
In September 2025, IUMI issued an updated version titled “Risk mitigation for the safe ocean and short-sea carriage of electric vehicles”. Continue reading “IUMI best practice for safely transporting EVs”
The Global Shipping Business Network report focuses on the risk mitigation of the transportation of lithium-powered products in the maritime industry, which finds itself under increasing pressure to safely transport larger volumes of dangerous goods, which have reshape the fires at sea landscape.
According to the Global Shipping Business Network report “Fires at Sea, A New Landscape – Risk Mitigation Strategies for Safe Transport” dangerous goods (DG) given their potential consequences, have received significant attention in conversations surrounding cargo handling. Continue reading “Global Shipping Business Network report argues that dangerous goods reshape the fires at sea landscape”
Tokyo MOU has reinforced an awareness of the potential risks associated with the improper maintenance and rigging of pilot transfer arrangements. Therefore they released a guidance on maintenance and rigging of pilot transfer.
Tokyo MOU has reported that recent reports and Port State Control (PSC) inspections have highlighted recurring issues related to pilot ladders and hoist/pilot transfer arrangements, the improper rigging of pilot transfer arrangements. Continue reading “Tokyo MOU on maintenance and rigging of pilot transfer arrangements”
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