Boyan Slat, CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, the Dutch non-profit organization developing advanced technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic, late last year unveiled his invention to prevent the unrelenting flow of plastic pollution into the world’s oceans. The Interceptor™, under development by Boyan Slat’s The Ocean Cleanup since 2015, complements the organization’s founding mission by attacking the flow of plastic garbage at its source, the world’s vast network of rivers.
Maritime NZ (New Zealand) has produced a safety update to advise of the potential problems and risks that can occur from fixed gas fire extinguishing systems on vessels, focusing on CO2 systems.
From 31 December 2020 non-EU vessels calling at EU ports must carry an authorized Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) and Statement of Compliance (SoC). The European Union (EU) Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR) is aimed at ensuring that ships, when being recycled, do not pose any unnecessary risk to human health and safety, or to the environment, and to ensure the proper management of hazardous materials on board ships throughout their lifecycle. The EUSRR is an early implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (the “Hong Kong Convention”), which has yet to meet the criteria for its entry into force.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released an interim report into the explosion and fire on board the chemical tanker Stolt Groenland, but before concluding its investigation, MAIB is calling for information regarding any accidents or near-misses involving the carriage of styrene monomer, including any actions subsequently taken.
The fire on Stolt Groenland occurred in Ulsan, South Korea, on September 28, 2019. The Cayman Islands registered vessel had sailed from Houston on August 17 carrying 20 different chemical cargoes in 37 of her 39 cargo tanks. At about 0600 on September 28, the Singapore registered chemical/product tanker Bow Dalian secured alongside Stolt Groenland’s port side. The purging of Bow Dalian’s cargo tanks with nitrogen supplied from shoreside vehicles was then commenced in readiness for a ship-to-ship cargo transfer with Stolt Groenland. Continue reading “MAIB makes urgent call for information on styrene monomer near misses or accidents”
Indeed it is the season to be jolly and if you are reading this blog as we approach the festive period, may I wish you a very Happy Christmas (if you celebrate the festivities) and best wishes for a progressive 2020.
Somebody recently asked me to tell them what were my personal highlights for 2019 and my reply was simply – too many to recount. It has been a momentous and memorable year, and one that will live long in the memory for many reasons. So, I will just focus on some recent events. But in essence, the run down towards the end of 2019 in readiness for a new decade has been anything but quiet and rather productive!
Fire engulfs the KMTC, another in a long string of container fires
In the early hours of the morning on May 24, an explosion was heard and a fire identified on the South Korean-flagged, 1,585-TEU KMTC Hong Kong as she sat quayside in Laem Chabang, Thailand. The container fire spread throughout containers understood to be carrying noxious substances, this is juster another case in a long string of container fires.
From across the river, a video was recorded and uploaded to YouTube showing a thick column of smoke becoming a sequence of plumes as devastating explosions occurred – apparently the result of tank containers carrying paraffin. Soon locals were reporting a burning sensation on their skin and breathing difficulties. A few hours later, 37 had been admitted to the hospital, poisoned or with fire or chemical burns. Some 143 were affected by chemicals in the smoke. Continue reading “Hell on Water: Container fires are becoming increasingly common”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a Marine Accident Brief about the fire on the offshore supply vessel Grand Sun, noting that substantial use of combustible wood paneling and drapery contributed to the extent of the fire.
The Grand Sun was transiting the Chandeleur Sound in the Gulf of Mexico, about 15 miles from the Chandeleur Islands, Louisiana, on October 8, 2018, when she caught on fire. The four crewmembers aboard attempted to fight the fire but were unsuccessful. They remained on the stern of the vessel until they were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. The fire burned itself out, and the vessel was later towed to port. No pollution or injuries were reported. The vessel, valued at $1.6 million, was deemed a constructive total loss.
The U.S. Coast Guard has issued an alert to towboat operators about safety hazards associated with retractable pilothouses. These specialized hydraulic systems are sometimes used on towing vessels designed for low air draft restrictions.
Retractable pilothouses give towboat operators on waterways with fixed bridges the ability to lower the house and pass underneath, then raise the house to get a clearer view over their barge tows. While useful, when a pilothouse is being lowered, it presents a crushing hazard to personnel below. Some retractable pilothouses may also be operated in an “emergency mode” that increases the rate of descent and provides less time for workers to recognize the situation and get clear of the danger zone.
At present, there is no explicit requirement for the hydraulics systems operating these retractable pilothouses to be fitted with fail-safe features. Absent a fail-safe device, the failure of the hydraulic cylinder or other system component may not provide enough time for a crew member to recognize the hazard, exit the danger zone and avoid a catastrophe. Some retractable pilothouses may also lack any alarms that would warn of emergency mode operation, increasing the risk to personnel. Continue reading “USCG warns of potential crushing hazard underneath retractable pilothouses”
Cargo handling industry experts move to prevent port and terminal collisions
To minimize risk and improve port safety, three of the cargo handling industry experts have produced an information paper Collision Prevention At Ports & Terminals. Experts from international freight transport insurers, TT Club, together with cargo handling industry experts ICHCA and PEMA share the latest technologies to detect and prevent port and terminal collisions and promote safety.
In an attempt to improve safety, reduce injuries and loss of life, equipment damage and minimize costly business disruption at ports and terminals worldwide, PEMA, TT Club, and ICHCA International have pooled resources to make available information to promote collision prevention. All relevant stakeholders have been involved in the development of this project. PEMA represents container crane and technology manufacturers, and TT Club and ICHCA International represent container terminals.
The National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) has published an accident report on a vessel fire that took place on the fishing vessel Jeanette which at the time of the incident was pier side at the American Samoa Government (ASG) container facility in the Port of Pago Pago, Tutuila Island, American Samoa, with 18 crewmembers and one shoreside vessel representative on board.
At about 1130 local time on December 5, 2018, one of the duties the crewmembers had to conduct was to remove wasted sections of the overhead frames on the wet deck and weld in new sections. Three crewmembers were responsible of conducting this task; two who would conduct the welding, or “hot work,” and one who would serve as the fire watch. The welders reported to the assistant engineer, and the fire watch reported to the deck boss. Continue reading “NTSB report blames vessel fire on lack of hot work training”
The Queen Elizabeth stadium where the IIMS UAE conference was held
On the evening of 19 November, nearly 100 invited guests assembled in the Grand Lounge on the famous old ship, the Queen Elizabeth 2, (now permanently moored at Port Rashid in Dubai), for a splendid cocktail party to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the IIMS UAE Branch. The event was kindly and generously sponsored by HFW, represented by Richard Strub, who said a few words.
Once the canapes had been finished, IIMS CEO, Mike Schwarz thanked President, Capt Zarir Irani, the local UAE Branch Chairman, Capt Omprakash Marayil and his committee colleagues for their efforts, both in terms of securing such a prestigious and historic venue to mark this special celebration and for delivering a great event.
Carried in ships’ ballast water, invasive aquatic species have had a significant economic impact throughout the world. Specific ballast discharge events have been held responsible for disasters such as outbreaks of deadly disease, complete collapseof fish stocks, mass blockages of internal waterways and even the total eradication of some species. It has been suggested that the total loss to the world economy as a result of invasive non-native organisms is as high as 5% of annual production. In 2008 it was estimated that the 57 non-native species introduced into the Great Lakes was costing the United States $200 million annually, or $2 billion over the last decade. Testing standards are vital to ballast water compliance.
two ships
Examples of invasive species include the European Green Crab which has established populations on both coasts of North America, in southern South America, Australia, South Africa, and Japan. It is a predator of many forms of shore life including worms and molluscs and impacted the commercial shellfish industry in several regions. Killer Algae green seaweed, native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, has spread widely in the Mediterranean, replacing native plants and depriving marine life of food and habitat. To control the further spread of these species in vessels’ ballast water tanks, the revised BWC introduced two standards for the handling of discharged ballast water. D-1 addresses the ballast water exchange standard and D-2 details the ballast water performance standard using an approved BWTS.
The D-1 standard requires ships to ensure that ballast water by volume is exchanged far away from the coast where it can be released without significant impact on the local environment, a result of the fact that coastal organisms will not survive in deep oceans or open seas due to different temperatures and salinity. This can be achieved by several means. The sequential method involves emptying the ballast tank and refilling with replacement ballast water equating to at least 95% volumetric exchange. The flow-through method involves pumping replacement ballast water into a ballast tank and the existing ballast escaping by overflow; at least three times the tank volume is to be pumped. The dilution method allows new ballast water to be filled from the top with simultaneous discharge from the bottom.
The D-2 standard requires ballast water management to restrict the amount and size of viable organisms allowed to be discharged and to limit the discharge of specified indicator microbes harmful to human health.
Ballast water coming out of ship
Ships under construction whose keel was laid on or after 8 September 2017 must conduct ballast water management that at least meets the D-2 standard from the date they are put into service. For existing ships, the date for compliance with the D-2 standard is linked with the renewal of the ship’s International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate after September 2019.
One year since its introduction, the shipping industry is still grappling with the impact of the BWC regulations and the array of available technologies. According to a recent report by Hexa Research, the Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS) market is expected to reach $117 billion by 2025. In order to protect their investment it is critical that shipowners and operators have assurances that this significant capital expenditure has been allocated wisely.
Since the implementation of the regulation it has become clear that crews are struggling to ensure compliance, risking potentially significant fines and reputational damage, as well as the negative impact on the environment through the spread of invasive aquatic species. A large number of BWMS have been type approved in accordance with either IMO or USCG requirements, however it is estimated that up to 60% of those installed are not being operated correctly. The USCG recently noted in its Port State Control Annual Report that the number of BWM deficiencies doubled in 2017 compared to 2016, based on broadly the same number of inspections.
water testing kit 1
Logs and records accounted for the highest number of deficiencies, along with alternate management methods, mandatory practices, BWM plans and the discharge of untreated ballast water. The USCG noted a lack of familiarity among crews regarding the strategy and operation of a BWMS, as well as confusion around maintenance practices and procedures. All of this creates a significant risk of non-compliance, even if the shipowner has installed a type-approved BWMS.
A further complication creating risk for shipowners is the lack of an agreed IMO regulation or ISO standard for the accurate shipboard testing and analysis of ballast water. While ISO 11711-1:2013 provides guidance on the materials, design, and installation of equipment used to take samples of treated ballast water from the discharge pipe onboard a vessel, it does not yet include a standard on how to perform the representative sampling and analysis of ballast water.
Inaccurate testing and false readings could lead to delays with port state control and potentially significant fines, risking reputational damage, as well as the impact of non-compliant discharges on the environment. Indeed the USCG advised in its report that operational control restrictions had been imposed on 17 vessels due to the severity of deficiencies. In August 2017 the USCG issued a USD 5,000 fine to the operator of a freight vessel for unauthorised ballast water discharge into the Willamette River in Portland.
Having a robust and consistent standard in place eliminates ambiguity and provides assurance that compliance can be proven based on trusted and accurate data. A regulatory standard that has been developed and agreed by leading experts will provide shipboard personnel, as well as port and flag state officials, with an agreed and robust standard for verifying whether the BWMS is working as intended.
Chelsea Technologies Group (CTG) is working closely with regulators including the IMO, ISO and port authorities as a trusted and workable international standard is developed for ballast water sampling and analysis, one that is based on a proven methodology for representative sampling and analysis of ballast water. The company has already initiated discussions with accreditation authorities and is undergoing a process of thirdparty protocol testing.
water testing kit 2
Unlike detailed analysis methods where samples need to be assessed in laboratories by specialists in water microbiology, testing with CTG’s FastBallast compliance monitor can be carried out by any crew member at any stage during the ballast water discharge operation, producing results in under 10 minutes. CTG’s FastBallast compliance monitor is the only systems to pair the most sensitive technical components with a statistical method to generate a cell density that is truly comparable with laboratory analysis across all species and water types. This approach allows a measurement to be taken independent of an assumed cell size, in order to achieve the most accurate and precise readings to provide operators and port authorities with the highest level of confidence in compliance. It is the only technology capable of operating in a flowthrough mode, while providing a high degree of accuracy with a representative report on discharge compliance.
FastBallast uses the single-turnover method, rather than the PAM multiple-turnover method, which provides a much lower detection limit (< 1 cell per mL) as the 20ml sample size avoids sampling problems at low cell densities. It is capable of determining the phytoplankton cell density of ballast water to IMO D2 & USCG Discharge Standards (10 to 50 μm range), with an equal degree of confidence as laboratory analysis. The single-turnover method was recently independently verified by the Chinese government as the most accurate method for portable ballast water testing, based on a series of benchmark tests that measured the accuracy of several methodologies against laboratory testing.
FastBallast was identified by Saudi Aramco’s in-house marine biology experts as the most accurate solution in the market for the sampling and testing of ballast water, and is being used to conduct spot checks undertaken by third-party
sampling companies. Since August 2017 Saudi Arabia has been conducting ballast water monitoring on vessels to ensure compliance. Sampling data was obtained from more than 500 vessels by Global Strategic Alliance (GSA) using CTG’s FastBallast monitoring system, with a pass rate of 90% reported for vessels using the D2 standard.
CTG’s FastBallast is setting the gold standard for effective enforcement of the BWMC, and will help dramatically reduce the impact of invasive species worldwide. As well as its established presence in Saudi Arabia, CTG is in discussion with leading port authorities worldwide to help drive industry change in developing portable ballast water testing standards.
Invasive aquatic species pose a significant economic threat across the globe. The farreaching consequences impact aquaculture, tourism and biodiversity. As the number of ballast water treatment systems on the market nears 100 with a wide array of treatment solutions, there will be an increasing number of vessels equipped with BWM systems and an acceleration in the spread of compliance monitoring. To eliminate the risk of any ambiguity over results, potential fines, delays and reputational damage, it is vital that ballast water sampling and analysis is conducted using a proven methodology and is measured to a consistent industry standard. Failure to deliver this standard will risk undermining the spirit of the BWM Convention.
Dr Brian Phillips, Managing Director of Chelsea Technologies Group
