Transport Malta: crewmember death after steam valve failure onboard Chemical Hunter

An able bodied seafarer (AB) on board Chemical Hunter was severely scalded by steam
An able bodied seafarer (AB) on board Chemical Hunter was severely scalded by steam

On 28 January 2024, an able bodied seafarer (AB) on board Chemical Hunter was severely scalded by steam. The accident happened during cargo tank washing and steaming operations. Chemical Hunter had just left the port of Altamira, Mexico when the accident occurred. The vessel returned to port where the injured crew member was transferred to a hospital. Despite the first aid given on board, and the more specialised treatment in hospital, the injured crew member succumbed to his injuries about two weeks after the accident.
The safety investigation determined that the failure mechanism of the steam inlet valve to the cargo tank cleaning water heater was most Continue reading “Transport Malta: crewmember death after steam valve failure onboard Chemical Hunter”

IMCA publishes summary of safety incidents in 2024

A review of all IMCA Safety Flashes 2024 have been published
A review of all IMCA Safety Flashes 2024 have been published

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has released a review of all the safety incidents and events reported last year.
The 24 Safety Flashes covered 88 individual incidents or events shared by IMCA members. A further 33 incidents or events from information already in the public domain, from different trade bodies and/or regulators, were shared as being of interest. It should be noted that Safety Flashes are intended to be read by IMCA’s members’ offshore crews, and by office-based safety professionals. Continue reading “IMCA publishes summary of safety incidents in 2024”

IACS releases new guidelines on safety standards for surveyors

IACS has introduced new recommendations to enhance safety standards for surveyors.
IACS has introduced new recommendations to enhance safety standards for surveyors.

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has introduced new recommendations to enhance safety standards for surveyors.
The new guidelines, Rec. 184, recognise that surveyors continue to face significant occupational health and safety (OHS) risks at work.
There is growing recognition that some of the safety challenges that surveyors’ face would benefit from improved collaboration and sharing of experience to establish a more consistent approach.
Designed to creating safer working conditions for surveyors and all personnel engaged in maritime operations, these guidelines outline critical measures to mitigate risks and addresses key areas such as risk assessments and situational awareness, ensuring that they are equipped to handle the hazards they may encounter. Continue reading “IACS releases new guidelines on safety standards for surveyors”

Volvo Penta launches all-inclusive global 3-year marine warranty

Volvo Penta launches all-inclusive global 3-year marine warrantyPhoto credit: Volvo Penta
Volvo Penta launches all-inclusive global 3-year marine warranty Photo credit: Volvo Penta

This new comprehensive marine warranty applies to products delivered from 2025 and onwards and underscores our commitment to premium protection, ease of ownership, and support. The 3-year marine warranty covers Volvo Penta branded transmissions, engines, control systems, and accessories – ensuring seamless protection throughout the entire ownership journey.

The new 3-year standard warranty replaces previous offerings, providing a unified and expanded solution. This warranty reflects Volvo Penta’s commitment to delivering premium protection and support for both marine leisure and commercial customers. It includes global Continue reading “Volvo Penta launches all-inclusive global 3-year marine warranty”

Allianz Risk Barometer 2025: Cyber risk climbs to the top

Cyber incidents are the top global risk for 2025 and by a higher margin than ever before – making it the fourth year in a row that cyber is ranked as the number one risk across industries, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer 2025.

Top global risks overview
Cyber incidents consolidate their position as the most important risk – with 38% of responses, a record 7% points ahead. Notably, the risk impact of new technologies and developments in artificial intelligence (AI) is a new entrant in the top 10 global risks at #10. Closely interlinked to cyber, business interruption is ranked #2 (31%), just ahead of another related risk, natural catastrophes at #3 (29%). Continue reading “Allianz Risk Barometer 2025: Cyber risk climbs to the top”

New IACS requirement on monitoring and safety functions for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (M86)

IACS has released a new unified requirement for monitoring and safety functions for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (M86).
IACS has released a new unified requirement for monitoring and safety functions for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (M86).

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has released a new unified requirement for monitoring and safety functions for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (M86).

Marine air pollution regulations typically require the use of low-sulfur fuel to reduce SOx gaseous emissions. The use of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) technology is generally permitted as an alternative means of compliance.

EGCS – SOx Scrubbers can be effective in complying with regulations that require the use of 0.5 percent sulfur fuel globally and 0.1 percent in Emission Control Areas (ECA). The following requirements apply to the arrangements intended for the safeguard of the ship in case of malfunction of the EGCS. Continue reading “New IACS requirement on monitoring and safety functions for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (M86)”

Lloyd’s Register: New directive 2023/946 for ro-ro passenger ships

The European Union has adopted Directive 2023/946
The European Union has adopted Directive 2023/946

The European Union has adopted Directive 2023/946, which amends the “water on deck” damage stability requirements for ro-ro passenger ships in Directive 2003/25/EC.

This new directive is intended to align the EU’s stability requirements with the enhanced standards established by SOLAS 2020.

Since 5 December 2024, the new directive 2023/946 is applicable for new and existing ro-ro passenger ships engaged on international voyages that operate regularly to or from a port of an EU Member State, and which have never been certified in accordance with this directive or the previous Directive Continue reading “Lloyd’s Register: New directive 2023/946 for ro-ro passenger ships”

Liberia: Carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers

Recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers has been issued by LMA
Recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers has been issued by LMA

The Liberia Maritime Authority has sent out recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers. These recommendations are the first step in a two-stage approach aimed at reducing the environmental risks associated with the carriage of plastic pellets in packaged form by sea, pending IMO’s consideration of future mandatory measures for their carriage.

Summary of the Recommendations
1. Plastic pellets should be packed in good quality packaging which should be strong enough to withstand the shocks and loading normally encountered during transport. Packaging should be constructed and closed to prevent any loss of content which may be caused under transport normal conditions.
2. Transport information should clearly identify those freight containers containing plastic pellets. Additionally, the shipper should supplement the cargo information with a special stowage request requiring stowage as outlined in item 3 below. Continue reading “Liberia: Carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers”

IIMS Safety & Loss Prevention Briefings Compendium 2024

Edition IV of the IIMS Safety & Loss Prevention Briefings Compendium has been published and is available for download. This is an essential addition to every marine surveyor’s online library. As you read and browse the 172-page publication you will discover:

– A wealth of safety briefing information.

– Detail of incident and accident reports from last year.

– Vital loss prevention guidance and advice from leading P&I Clubs. Continue reading “IIMS Safety & Loss Prevention Briefings Compendium 2024”

IUMI’s 2024 analysis of the global marine insurance market

IUMI’s 2024 analysis of the global marine insurance market has been published
IUMI’s 2024 analysis of the global marine insurance market has been published

IUMI 2024 analysis has been released. Overall, the 2023 insurance year was positive for marine underwriters with market
development seen across all lines of business. World trade continued to grow which impacted positively on the global premium base, particularly for cargo insurance. The oil price appears to have stabilised which is good for the offshore sector.

Inflationary pressure has eased and many central banks are beginning to cut their interest rates, although this does not necessarily have an immediate effect on vessel repair costs. Apart from some inflation impact on hull repair costs, the claims environment was also relatively moderate in 2023, with no major weather Continue reading “IUMI’s 2024 analysis of the global marine insurance market”

Lloyd’s Agents, the first 200 years

Lloyd’s Agents the first 200 years has been published
Lloyd’s Agents the first 200 years has been published

Throughout time, every country, every community, every business and every home has needed insurance in one form or another. Society could not function as it does without it. With each new direction taken by trade and industry, insurance has adapted to deliver new protections and provide a safe springboard for future development.

Despite its value, the nature of insurance has also often been misunderstood. Insurance has always been based on analysis, research and the scientific study of risk. In other words, on information. Continue reading “Lloyd’s Agents, the first 200 years”

DNV on green shipbuilding in India

Ship dock - Image credit: Cochin Shipyard
Image credit: Cochin Shipyard

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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