International News

Lithium-ion batteries – should we be concerned?

Posted on by CEO
Six stacks of battery modules in one of the battery rooms. Illustration: The battery contractor
Six stacks of battery modules in one of the battery rooms. Illustration: The battery contractor

I have written this short article following the publication of a report into a Lithium-ion battery fire onboard the ‘MS Brim’ which generated the investigation by the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority. The vessel in question is the ‘MS Brim’, a 2019-built all-electric excursion catamaran offering excursion tours in the Norwegian fjords. Although not a technical man, I am troubled by some of the report findings, and forgive me as I have cherry-picked the bits that concern me most from a lengthy report. Continue reading “Lithium-ion batteries – should we be concerned?”

Fire due to seawater on MS Brim reveals NSIA investigation

Posted on by News Hound
Fire damage to starboard battery room. Photo credit: Kripos
Fire damage to starboard battery room. Photo credit: Kripos

The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) has published its report on the fire on board ‘MS Brim’ in the outer Oslofjord on 11 March 2021.

Immediately before the fire broke out on the MS Brim, the battery system was disconnected as a result of a ground fault, which was indicated on the panel on the bridge. Ground faults had been a recurring problem since the vessel was new. The crew therefore perceived the alarm as ‘one of many’, and did not consider it to be serious. They had no possibility of identifying the point of origin of the ground fault alarm or ascertaining how serious it was. Continue reading “Fire due to seawater on MS Brim reveals NSIA investigation”

Smart hull monitoring software to be developed

Posted on by News Hound

ABS and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) have signed a joint development project (JDP) to enhance hull safety with smart ship technology for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) using a hull sensor package that will allow for more informed and targeted hull surveys.

SHI’s Hull Stress Monitoring System (HSMS) will be developed in accordance with the ABS Smart Functions Guide. The system will be installed on a new build container ship scheduled for delivery in 2024. Continue reading “Smart hull monitoring software to be developed”

Container shipping customers and service suppliers call for immediate start to review of competition rules

Posted on by News Hound

European container shipping customers and service suppliers are urging the European Commission to start an immediate review of its competition regulations for container shipping.

Ten trade organisations, representing the owners and forwarders of cargo, port terminal operators and other parts of the supply chain dependent on container shipping, are demanding an immediate start to the review of European Union’s Consortia Block Exemption Regulation for the container shipping industry. Continue reading “Container shipping customers and service suppliers call for immediate start to review of competition rules”

The effects of Covid-19 on European shipping are revealed in a new report

Posted on by News Hound
A new report reveals the effect of Covid-19 on European shipping
A new report reveals the effect of Covid-19 on European shipping

Using data mainly from the Union Maritime Information and Exchange System (SafeSeaNet) and, in certain cases, combined with LRIT and MARINFO data, EMSA has been able to compile and publish a report providing figures on the impact of Covid-19 on European shipping traffic.

By analysing ship calls at EU ports it was found that the number declined by 10% in 2020 compared to 2019. When comparing 2021 with 2019, it was observed the number of ships calls at EU ports increased by 3%. The number of ship calls in June 2022 increased by 13% compared with the same month in 2019. The most significant decrease in the number of ship calls was detected for containerships, refrigerated cargo ships and vehicle carriers. Continue reading “The effects of Covid-19 on European shipping are revealed in a new report”

Fire, natural catastrophes and faulty workmanship top causes of insurance claims for business: Allianz

Posted on by News Hound
Graph of the top causes for insurance claims
Graph of the top causes for insurance claims

Over recent years, the insurance sector around the word has faced unprecedented times, not just in the area of marine surveying where loses and insurance claims remain high. This review from Allianz may, in part, explain just why surveyors’ PI insurance premiums around the world have jumped.

A fire at a busy warehouse leaves a company struggling to replace its buffer stock; a ransomware attack paralyzes a company’s IT systems; the use of industrial adhesives in manufacturing results in a costly product recall: every day companies Continue reading “Fire, natural catastrophes and faulty workmanship top causes of insurance claims for business: Allianz”

Coast Guard releases 2021 boating safety statistics

Posted on by News Hound

With the pandemic putting more people than ever on the water and consequent rise in boating accidents and fatalities, there’s some better news in the newly released 2021 U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Safety Statistics.

The latest Coast Guard report shows double-digit declines year-over-year across the board in the main boating safety indicators: Boating accidents dropped 15.7%, injuries decreased 17.2%, and fatalities dropped 14.2%. The 2021 fatality rate decreased to 5.5 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels, a 15.4% reduction from 6.5 deaths per 100,000 in 2020. Continue reading “Coast Guard releases 2021 boating safety statistics”

Geo Therm Ltd surveyor company celebrates 20 years in business

Posted on by News Hound
Geo therm Inspections logo
Geo therm Inspections logo

Established in 2002, Geo Therm Ltd celebrates its 20th year in business this August. The company is renowned for performing condition monitoring Thermographic and Ultrasonic inspections onboard offshore jack-up rigs, semi-submersibles, drillship units, including fixed platforms.

The company has an impressive track record serving the majority of the world’s largest offshore energy operators – a testament to their experience, safe system of work, interpersonal manner, and business MO excellence. Their surveyors have frequented over 40 countries since its start up, supporting rig preventative maintenance programs, Classification audits, and the occasional emergency call-out, yet chiefly tasked to identify the early signs of electrical failure and flashpoint ignition sources in engine rooms. Continue reading “Geo Therm Ltd surveyor company celebrates 20 years in business”

New rules on ship safety and pollution proposed by Hong Kong

Posted on by News Hound
Hong Kong plans to amend eight regulations on ship safety and pollution
Hong Kong plans to amend eight regulations on ship safety and pollution

Hong Kong plans to amend eight regulations under the Merchant Shipping (Safety) Ordinance, the Merchant Shipping (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Ordinance, and the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinance.

It intends to incorporate the latest requirements under three conventions of the United Nations’ IMO:
– the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code);
– the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships;
– the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti- Fouling Systems on Ships. Continue reading “New rules on ship safety and pollution proposed by Hong Kong”

IACS highlights the need of guidance for remote audits and surveys

Posted on by News Hound
image of a man filming a valve on a ipad
image of a man filming a valve on a ipad

IACS says it will actively participate in the forthcoming 8th session of the Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III 8), which will meet remotely from 25 to 29 July 2022, suggesting amendments to IMO resolutions to provide guidance on the use of remote audits and surveys.

Noting the work IACS Members undertake as Recognized Organizations of IMO Member States, verifying compliance of ships with IMO agreed requirements, and with a view to achieve clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted paper III 8/INF.19 and co-sponsored paper III 8/12/1. Continue reading “IACS highlights the need of guidance for remote audits and surveys”

Singapore ranked number one shipping centre for ninth year running

Posted on by News Hound

Singapore has secured the top spot once again in the Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index Report. It is the ninth consecutive year that the report, published jointly by Chinese state news agency, Xinhua, and global maritime data provider, the Baltic Exchange, has Singapore ranked number one shipping centre.

The city state scored 94.88 out of a possible 100 points, whilst second on the list was maritime professional services stronghold, London, with 83.04 points. Meanwhile, Shanghai, home to the world’s largest port, takes third place with 82.79 points. Continue reading “Singapore ranked number one shipping centre for ninth year running”

Keel failure results in capsize

Posted on by News Hound
keel failure results in capsize during an overnight offshore qualifier
keel failure results in capsize during an overnight offshore qualifier

The crew of the first Farr X2 have been rescued after the boat lost its keel on an overnight offshore qualifier. Nexba Racing, a new 30ft grand prix racer aimed at the short-handed market, was sailing in a 100nm qualifier off the coast of New South Wales, Australia in a light to moderate breeze and 1-2m seas when the keel attachment failed, leading to a keel failure and resulting in the boat capsizing. The two female crew were rescued after spending 15 hours drifting. The 9.2-metre boat is the latest project from Farr Yacht Design. She was built in Singapore by XSP and launched in May.

“We are very thankful that the two crew were safely recovered and for the swift action of the Royal Australian Navy Destroyer Continue reading “Keel failure results in capsize”

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