New Technology

Dealing with misdeclared cargo and its consequences is one of the most challenging issues for the shipping industry at this current time. Known to be at the root of many major marine accidents, including fires causing loss of life and significant damage, shipping lines have been seeking to develop an approach to detect and reduce the risks of misdeclarations.

In July 2020, the National Cargo Bureau (NCB) reported that its recent inspection initiatives revealed an alarming number of containers included misdeclared dangerous cargoes. Citing the fact that on average a containership suffers a major fire every 60 days, the NCB reported that it conducted more than 32,000 dangerous dry and tank good inspections in the US in 2019, finding that more than six Continue reading “Artificial intelligence based system detects misdeclared cargo”

Everything about the HMM Algeciras is big, including the power output of its MAN B&W 11G95ME-C engine – the mightiest ever built by Germany-based MAN Energy Solutions.

The 23,964 TEU containership is the largest ever built, recently launched for South Korean shipping company HMM at the Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) Okpo shipyard in Geoje, Korea. The newbuild measures 400 metres in length and 61 meters in beam, and has recently entered service between Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal.

The record-setting containership is the first of a dozen 24,000 TEU class vessels ordered in August 2018 for delivery this year. DSME will ultimately construct seven of the series vessels, and fellow South Korean Continue reading “HMM Algeciras: Largest engine powers world’s largest containership”

Norwegian maritime software company BASS has released a new mobile inspection app, which lets vessel and shore-based personnel go digital when conducting audits and inspections on site. It is fully integrated with the company’s core BASSnet™ SAFIR (Safety & Improvement Reporting) system, including predefined checklists and audit guides.

“Mobile apps have changed the way we approach everyday tasks, and it’s no different when it comes to safety checks,” says Per Steinar Upsaker, CEO and managing director of BASS. “Using predefined templates on-site means standardization of inspection checklists across the company and fleet. Updates can then be Continue reading “BASS: New App set to ease the ship inspection process and paperwork”

Berge Mafadi, a 300,000 dwt bulk carrier operated by Berge Bulk, has received the world’s first commercial delivery of 3D-printed scupper plugs. Berge Bulk is one of several companies enrolled in a Wilhelmsen Ships Service early adopter program that gives customers access to on-demand additive manufacturing. Other customers for the program, launched in December 2019, include Carnival Maritime, Thome Ship Management, OSM Maritime Group, Executive Ship Management and Wilhelmsen Ship Management.

“We are very excited with this milestone — completing one of the first commercial Continue reading “3D-printed part delivery to Bulker in world first”