International News

Boiler burner inspection and operational safety recommendations

Posted on by News Hound
Boiler burner inspection and operational safety recommendations
Boiler burner inspection and operational safety recommendations

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued a safety alert following an investigation into a serious engine-room fire following a boiler burner inspection aboard a cargo ship in the Port of Mobile, Alabama. On January 4, 2025, while moored in the Port of Mobile, Alabama, a foreign-flagged cargo vessel equipped with a SAACKE Monoblock Rotary Cup Burner SKVJ-M 14 Mark I burner system on a marine boiler experienced a significant engine room fire.

The incident began with a high-pressure fuel leak from the oil fittings block, which caused atomized marine diesel oil to ignite on the hot surface of a nearby auxiliary generator exhaust stack. The fire rapidly spread from the boiler flat through two upper deck levels, resulting in extensive structural and equipment damage, though no personnel were injured. Continue reading “Boiler burner inspection and operational safety recommendations”

TSB final report says Titan submersible operated without oversight

Posted on by News Hound
TSB final report says Titan submersible operated without oversight
TSB final report says Titan submersible operated without oversight

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has published its investigation report into the 2023 implosion of the Titan submersible.  On June 18, 2023, the Titan submersible, owned by U.S. based company OceanGate, imploded while descending to the wreck of the Titanic with five people on board.  As a result of its investigation, TSB has also issued six recommendations.

At the time of the incident, the operation was supported by a Canadian cargo vessel operated by Canadian company Horizon Maritime Services Ltd., the Polar Prince, which towed the Titan from St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, to dive locations, and provided a base for OceanGate’s operations at sea. Horizon Maritime also provided this service to OceanGate in 2021 and 2022. Continue reading “TSB final report says Titan submersible operated without oversight”

Importance of ship maintenance: Enhancing safety, efficiency and compliance

Posted on by News Hound
Importance of ship maintenance: Enhancing safety, efficiency and compliance
Importance of ship maintenance: Enhancing safety, efficiency and compliance

Ship maintenance is essential to ensuring the safety, operational efficiency and longevity of a vessel. Neglecting maintenance can lead to severe consequences such as accidents, detentions, and costly repairs. Nearly three quarters of all marine incident reports received by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) between 2019 and 2021 involved deficiencies or failures with on board equipment, systems, or structure. Continue reading “Importance of ship maintenance: Enhancing safety, efficiency and compliance”

FMG Nicola engine shutdown due to erroneous switch activation

Posted on by News Hound
FMG Nicola. Source: ATSB
FMG Nicola. Source: ATSB

The Australian Transportation Safety Bureau (ATSB) has said that bulk carrier FMG Nicola’s went adrift after a main engine emergency shutdown switch erroneously activated.

What happened

On 7 February 2025, the fully laden bulk carrier FMG Nicola was departing Port Hedland under the conduct of 2 marine pilots with 3 tugs in attendance. At 1515 local time, about 5 miles into the pilotage, FMG Nicola’s main engine unexpectedly shut down. An emergency was declared, and the pilots immediately took action to control the ship’s movement Continue reading “FMG Nicola engine shutdown due to erroneous switch activation”

Tow rope failure injured crew on board tug Svitzer Avon

Posted on by News Hound
Tow rope failure injured crew on board tug Svitzer Avon.Photo credit: Marko VesselFinder
Tow rope failure injured crew on board tug Svitzer Avon. Photo credit: Marko VesselFinder

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has closed an investigation into an incident that left two injured.

The tug Svitzer Avon crewmembers were hurt after the vessel’s tow rope snapped and shattered the wheelhouse windows.

The MAIB investigated a similar accident involving Svitzer Mercurius in 2019, resulting in a recommendation 2022/138 to Svitzer Marine Limited to:

“Undertake a fleetwide risk assessment to determine the level of risk associated Continue reading “Tow rope failure injured crew on board tug Svitzer Avon”

Safety alert: Prototype shaft seal failure causes engine room flooding

Posted on by News Hound
Safety alert: Prototype shaft seal failure causes engine room flooding
Safety alert: Prototype shaft seal failure causes engine room flooding

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has issued a safety alert after a prototype component used in a mechanical shaft-seal system failed onboard a USCG inspected deep draft vessel.

In February 2026. a U.S. flagged crude oil tanker transiting near Delaware Bay experienced simultaneous failures of its port and starboard shaft seals, resulting in substantial seawater ingress. The crew subsequently deployed emergency collars supplied by the seal manufacturer and used the vessel’s emergency bilge system to remove the water. Continue reading “Safety alert: Prototype shaft seal failure causes engine room flooding”

Do you know why a Ship Structural Access Manual is required onboard?

Posted on by News Hound
The Ship Structural Access Manual is an essential document
The Ship Structural Access Manual is an essential document

Maintaining a ship’s structural condition requires regular surveys and inspections throughout its operational life and the Ship Structural Access Manual is an integral part of this process. These checks help ensure that structural components remain free from damage, such as cracks, buckling, deformation, corrosion, or thickness diminution beyond acceptable limits.

For this reason, suitable means of access to the hull structure are essential, enabling safe and effective overall and close-up inspections, as well as thickness measurements. Continue reading “Do you know why a Ship Structural Access Manual is required onboard?”

Responding to an engine high temperature alarm

Posted on by News Hound
Responding to an engine high temperature alarm
Responding to an engine high temperature alarm

According to the U.S Coast Guard, a fire aboard a small passenger vessel resulted in the death of one passenger, injuries to multiple passengers, and the total loss of the vessel. The investigation into the cause of the fire yielded several findings that warrant immediate review by all vessel operators.

While underway, in response to a high jacket water-temperature alarm, the master shifted Continue reading “Responding to an engine high temperature alarm”

Mike Proudlove takes over as IIMS President

Posted on by News Hound
Mike Proudlove (left) accepting the President's medal from IIMS CEO, Mike Schwarz, at the 2026 AGM
Mike Proudlove (left) accepting the President’s medal from IIMS CEO, Mike Schwarz, at the 2026 AGM

At the IIMS Annual General Meeting, broadcast live from the Institute’s headquarters on Tuesday 2 June, long-standing member, Mike Proudlove FIIMS, took over as the next President. He will serve a two-year term.

In handing over the reins to Mike, the outgoing President, Capt Ruchin Dayal, gave a passionate final address from his Goa location as he spoke to an audience of nearly 100 members and other interested parties (in-person and online). He said how honoured he has been to have carried out the role of IIMS President and offered some highlights of his time in office, one being last year’s high-profile Goa Continue reading “Mike Proudlove takes over as IIMS President”

Global Maritime Trends 2026 Barometer report

Posted on by News Hound
The Global Maritime Trends 2026 Barometer has been published
The Global Maritime Trends 2026 Barometer has been published

The maritime industry is set to undergo significant transformation over the coming decades, shaped by accelerating technology adoption, the global climate agenda, and intensifying geopolitical and macroeconomic shifts, according to the Global Maritime Trends 2026 Barometer from Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Lloyd’s Register Foundation.

The maritime and energy sectors are at a pivotal inflection point. While energy technologies continue to advance, progress remains too slow to meet net-zero targets. Data collection and reporting have increased significantly, but without stronger global cooperation, both the energy and Continue reading “Global Maritime Trends 2026 Barometer report”

World Boating Day marks third edition of global celebration

Posted on by News Hound
Istion Yachting. Photo credit - World Boating Day
Istion Yachting. Photo credit – World Boating Day

World Boating Day 2026 has taken place, marking its third edition, bringing together 28 countries across 143 events in a global celebration of life on the water.

From shipyards and marinas to museums and vibrant waterfront destinations, the initiative welcomed industry leaders, families, students and first-time visitors into a shared experience of discovery, connection and adventure on and around the water. This year’s programme came to life through a series of hands-on experiences, collaborations and open access initiatives that brought audiences directly into the world of design, craftsmanship and life on the water. Continue reading “World Boating Day marks third edition of global celebration”

Brussels clarifies several rules on VAT and customs on pleasure boats

Posted on by News Hound
Brussels clarifies several rules on VAT and customs on pleasure boats
Brussels clarifies several rules on VAT and customs on pleasure boats

The European Commission has recently published an interpretation note on the VAT and customs on pleasure boats new rules. This document has been awaited for several years by pleasure boaters and yachting professionals. It provides a number of important clarifications on the customs status of vessels, controls and returns to the European Union. While the text is still incomplete, it nonetheless makes good progress on these thorny issues.

For boat owners sailing between several European countries, Continue reading “Brussels clarifies several rules on VAT and customs on pleasure boats”

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