Meeting IIMS members is so rewarding

Delegates participating in the IIMS 5th biennial UAE branch conference
Delegates participating in the IIMS 5th biennial UAE branch conference

November. Now where did that go? Ah yes I remember – it vanished in something of a whirl. From one training event and seminar to another. Hugely rewarding for me personally though I have to say and I was delighted to meet so many members, both at the UK events and at the UAE Branch Conference over the course of the month. I have learnt a great deal, which for a highly non-technical person such as me is probably a dangerous thing! However, it occurred to me that if I did, then so did our members too. Certainly the positive feedback would suggest that to be the case.

We have just released dates for our tentative training programme for 2018 and the schedule is published elsewhere in this bulletin. In Continue reading “Meeting IIMS members is so rewarding”

New requirements for authorized service providers under new IMO requirements

Man inspecting a cannister on a shipDNV GL has announced that IMO has introduced new requirements for the maintenance, examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, relevant for shipyards, suppliers, owners/managers, flag states of all ship types. From 1 January 2020, personnel carrying out maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing overhaul and repair of the following items shall be certified by an authorized service providers:

Lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats and fast rescue boats
Launching appliances as well as on-load and off-load release gear for lifeboats, rescue boats, fast rescue boats and davit-launched life rafts
Continue reading “New requirements for authorized service providers under new IMO requirements”

MAIB issues report and safety flyer about gas explosions on general cargo ship Nortrader

Nortrader alongside with damaged hatch covers following the gas explosions
Nortrader alongside with damaged hatch covers following the gas explosions

On 13 January, at 1447, Nortrader, anchored off Plymouth with a cargo of unprocessed incinerator bottom ash (U-IBA), suffered 2 explosions in quick succession. The first explosion was in the forecastle store and the second in the cargo hold. The chief engineer, in the forecastle store at the time, suffered second degree burns requiring 4 months to recover. The vessel suffered extensive damage putting it out of service for over 3 months.

Safety lessons
Sea transportation of a cargo that was not included in the schedule of authorised cargoes of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code
Not conducting appropriate tests that could have identified the propensity of the cargo, U-IBA, to release hydrogen when wet
The inadequacy and the inappropriateness of United Nations Test N.5 for the detection of flammable gases from non-homogeneous material Continue reading “MAIB issues report and safety flyer about gas explosions on general cargo ship Nortrader”

New resolution for inspection of holds and tanks

Inside of a hold tankLocal correspondents’ Pandi Liquidadores S.R.L, have submitted an update to the UK P&I Club regarding the new SENASA resolution for the inspection of holds and tanks in Argentina.

The inspection of holds and tanks has been a longstanding problem within the industry, especially when an official inspection was required by the National Food and Grain Health Authority (SENASA), UK P&I Club states.

These problems have been a major concern of the new Authorities of SENASA who came into office at the beginning of 2016 and addressed these issues by enacting resolution Nº 693E/2017, which was published on 23rd October 2017 and is in force from 1st November 2017. Continue reading “New resolution for inspection of holds and tanks”

MAIB report published into the cargo collapse on bulk carrier Graig Rotterdam resulting in one fatality

The Graig Rotterdam. Image courtesy of shipspotting.com
The Graig Rotterdam. Image courtesy of shipspotting.com

On 18 December 2016, the bulk carrier Graig Rotterdam was discharging a deck cargo of packaged timber at anchor in Alexandria Port, Egypt. At 1109, the bosun, a Chinese national, fell overboard and into a barge that was secured alongside after the timber deck cargo stack on which he was standing partially collapsed. Although the ship’s crew provided first-aid following the accident, the bosun later died of his injuries.

Safety Issues

Poor stevedoring practices probably contributed to the unsecured cargo stack collapsing, and no measures were in place to prevent the bosun from falling overboard as a result
With the deck cargo lashings removed, the cargo packages had insufficient racking strength to counter the effects of ship movement, cargo repositioning, dunnage displacement, barges securing to deck cargo stacks, and cargo discharge operations over a prolonged period
Poor stevedoring practices that had previously been witnessed by the ship’s crew were not discussed and so were allowed to continue Continue reading “MAIB report published into the cargo collapse on bulk carrier Graig Rotterdam resulting in one fatality”

STQ opts to stay with water lubricated propeller shaft bearings

STQ says is will not move away from water lubricated propeller shaft bearings
STQ says is will not move away from water lubricated propeller shaft bearings

It is more than twenty years since Société des Traversiers du Québec (STQ) retrofitted Thordon Bearings’ water lubricated propeller shaft bearings to the double-ended ferries Armand-Imbeau and Jos-Dechênes, as part of an ambitious vessel modification project.

Since then, Thordon water lubricated bearings are the only propeller shaft bearings the Canadian ferry operator will specify. This, attests Stéphane Caouette, Director Maritime Services, STQ, is because “they are better for the environment and longer lasting than any oil-lubricated system. The COMPAC water lubricated propeller shaft bearing is the only bearing system we have on our vessels operating with conventional propeller shafts.”

Continue reading “STQ opts to stay with water lubricated propeller shaft bearings”

Conrad Shipyard announces that the largest superyacht ever built in Poland is nearing completion

Conrad Shipyard has released a statement to say that Poland's largest every superyacht new build project is nearing completion
Conrad Shipyard has released a statement to say that Poland’s largest every superyacht new build project is nearing completion

When one thinks of superyacht hubs, perhaps Poland is not the first country that springs to mind? But Conrad Shipyard has said that its largest ever new build, the Conrad C133, is finally nearing completion at its yard in Gdańsk, Poland. At 40m LOA, the C133 is not only Conrad’s largest project, but also the largest motor yacht ever built in Poland.

With construction currently running on schedule, her build has taken almost three years to complete. Her launch is planned for December 2017.

Continue reading “Conrad Shipyard announces that the largest superyacht ever built in Poland is nearing completion”

UK P&I Club comments on the increase in engine room damage caused by refinery catalytic fines

UK P&I Club has noticed an increase in engine room damage caused by refinery catalytic fines
UK P&I Club has noticed an increase in engine room damage caused by refinery catalytic fines

Refinery catalytic fines in marine fuel oil are not a new problem, however according to the UK P&I Club, there appears to have been an increase in the frequency of engine damage caused by these highly abrasive particles.

As explained, refineries use catalysts to improve the yield of high value products, such as gasoline, refined from crude oil. Unfortunately, some of these fine particles escape into side stream products that are used as blend components in the production of residual grades of marine fuel. This particulate matter, comprising of aluminium and silicon oxides, is extremely hard and, if entrained in the fuel as it enters engines, can cause severe abrasive wear.

Continue reading “UK P&I Club comments on the increase in engine room damage caused by refinery catalytic fines”

We are never too old as a month of learning opportunities looms

The IIMS web site attracted a record number of unique visitors recently
The IIMS web site attracted a record number of unique visitors recently

The month of November is looming large and for IIMS that means a busy month of training, seminars and a Conference too. Yes the coming weeks will see IIMS personnel out and about meeting members from all over the UK and further afield too. I recommend the programme of events we have put together for your benefit over the coming weeks and hope to meet many members at them. And remember if you cannot be there in person, some of the events you can attend in an online capacity using the Zoom option. Full details about the upcoming events can be found elsewhere on the web site.

But in brief, we kick off with the Large Yacht & Small Craft Working Group Scotland two day training event by Glasgow Airport on Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 November. This is rapidly followed by the Large Yacht & Small Craft Working Group ‘Super’ training day near Portsmouth a week later on Monday 13 November. The week after sees the Certifying Authority two day training event taking place in Continue reading “We are never too old as a month of learning opportunities looms”

MAIB report into the grounding of the CMA CGM Vasco de Gama published

Ultra-large container vessel CMA CGM Vasco de Gama
Ultra-large container vessel CMA CGM Vasco de Gama

In the early hours of the morning on 22 August 2016, the 399m long ultra-large container vessel CMA CGM Vasco de Gama grounded on the western side of the Thorn Channel whilst approaching the Port of Southampton. The vessel was the largest UK-flagged vessel at the time and had two of the port’s specialist container ship pilots onboard.

The ship ran aground on a rising tide and on a flat shingle/sand sea-bed. A combination of tugs and ship’s engines enabled it to be re-floated soon after grounding. Continue reading “MAIB report into the grounding of the CMA CGM Vasco de Gama published”

MAIB releases its report into the ground of Muros on Haisborough Sand

Muros containershipAt 0248 (UTC+1) on 3 December 2016, the bulk carrier Muros ran aground on Haisborough Sand on the east coast of the United Kingdom. Attempts to manoeuvre clear of the shallows were unsuccessful but the vessel was re-floated 6 days later with tug assistance. There were no injuries and no pollution, but damage to Muros’s rudder necessitated the vessel being towed to Rotterdam, Netherlands, for repair.

The MAIB investigation identified, inter alia:
Continue reading “MAIB releases its report into the ground of Muros on Haisborough Sand”

Proposed plans to transform Cowes waterfront now open for consultation

Artist's impression of the redeveloped Cowes waterfront. Image credit: John Thompson & Partners
Artist’s impression of the redeveloped Cowes waterfront. Image credit: John Thompson & Partners

The consultation which could see the Cowes waterfront totally transformed under plans submitted by The Harrison Trust are now open for consultation.

The planning proposal is as follows:
Hybrid planning application for mixed-use re-development to provide up to 535 residential units and up to 18630 sqm of non-residential floor space and associated new public realm works, landscaping, re-construction of sea wall and new public slipway. Comprised of the following elements:Full planning permission for demolition of existing buildings and partial demolition of J Samuel White building; re-development of Phase 1 at northern end of site comprising construction of 3 building clusters (total of 9 buildings) to provide:1. Up to 256 residential units2. Up to 460 sqm of flexible retail, financial and professional services, food and drink floor space (A1-A4 uses)3. Up to 493 sqm of flexible restaurant or bar floor space (A3/A4 use)4. Up to 1238 sqm of office and flexible workspace (B1 use)5. Up to 689 sqm of flexible retail, financial and professional services, food and drink, office and community use floor space (A1-A4, B1 and D1 uses) Continue reading “Proposed plans to transform Cowes waterfront now open for consultation”

Instagram Posts from the IIMS @iimsmarine

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

Show details
Performance & Marketing Cookies

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages. This also helps us optimise our marketing campaigns. User data sent to Google Analytics may be used for ad personalization and measurement of our ad campaigns. Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Show details