Offshore

Rising demand for floating offshore wind support vessels says new ABS report

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Rising demand for floating offshore wind support vessels says new ABS report
Rising demand for floating offshore wind support vessels says new ABS report

Demand for high-capability floating offshore wind support vessels is expected to strengthen, with availability constraints emerging in some segments as early as 2029, according to a new report from classification society ABS.

Produced by ABS in collaboration with Intelatus Global Partners, Floating Offshore Wind and the Vessels That Support It examines the role large anchor handling tug supply vessels (AHTSs) and multipurpose support vessels (MPSVs) are expected to play in project execution, as well as the implications for vessel suitability, upgrades and future fleet needs. Continue reading “Rising demand for floating offshore wind support vessels says new ABS report”

Ahead of the spark: Fire safety for workboats and offshore fleets

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Ahead of the spark: Fire safety for workboats and offshore fleets
Ahead of the spark: Fire safety for workboats and offshore fleets

Fire risk during maintenance and refit is under renewed scrutiny across the maritime sector, writes Morgan Davis of Ramtech, which designs and develops industry-leading end-to-end Internet of Things and innovative wireless solutions to suit a variety of industries.

The 2020 blaze aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard caused more than $3 billion (€2.5 billion) in damage and led to the vessel being scrapped, and a December 2025 Government Accountability Office report highlighted ongoing gaps in fire safety oversight. This resonates across Europe, where workboats, harbour craft and offshore wind service vessels face similar risks during hot work, temporary power use and operations in confined spaces.

Morgan Davis stresses that operators must move beyond labour-intensive fire watch and adopt smarter approaches to maintain visibility and control before sparks turn into full-blown engine-room incidents – lessons that resonate across Europe’s workboat and offshore wind sector. Continue reading “Ahead of the spark: Fire safety for workboats and offshore fleets”

The dry dock danger zone: Why a shipyard safety plan must be bulletproof

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The dry dock danger zone: Why a shipyard safety plan must be bulletproof
The dry dock danger zone: Why a shipyard safety plan must be bulletproof

Shipyards are singular industrial environments, combining the hazards of heavy construction, manufacturing, and complex marine operations into one sprawling, high- stakes location. For any vessel owner, operator, or contractor, the yard represents a necessary but incredibly risky location. The complex nature of repair, maintenance, and construction, often conducted under tight deadlines, elevates the potential for catastrophic accidents.

A shipyard is a constantly evolving workspace. One moment, a section of the hull is being pre-fabricated in a clean workshop; the next, it is being hoisted by cranes over active work zones to be welded into place many meters above the dry dock floor. This dynamic, multi-hazard environment necessitates a safety culture that is not merely compliant, but proactively rigorous. Continue reading “The dry dock danger zone: Why a shipyard safety plan must be bulletproof”

UK’s First ROUV certified ahead of trials

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ACUA Ocean. Pioneer becomes the first certified ROUV in the UK
ACUA Ocean. Pioneer becomes the first certified ROUV in the UK

The hydrogen-powered Pioneer, a remotely operated and unmanned vessel (ROUV), has received the UK’s first certification under Workboat Code 3 ahead of its upcoming trials. Lloyd’s Register (LR), which issued the certification under authorisation from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, reports it represents a significant development in the evolution of regulatory pathways for uncrewed and autonomous vessels operating in UK waters.

“This certification represents a major step forward – not just for ACUA Ocean or LR, Continue reading “UK’s First ROUV certified ahead of trials”

Lloyd’s Register: Fatigue reliability of offshore wind turbine structures

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Research reveals hidden fatigue reliability in offshore wind turbine structures
Research reveals hidden fatigue reliability in offshore wind turbine structures

Some offshore wind turbine (OWT) support structures may fall short of required fatigue reliability of offshore wind turbine structures, according to a new Lloyd’s Register (LR) report.

The case study evaluated a North Atlantic offshore wind farm of 60–70 turbines (500–600 MW capacity). Offshore wind turbines are typically designed for 25 years of service, using a fatigue design factor of three—implying a minimum required Continue reading “Lloyd’s Register: Fatigue reliability of offshore wind turbine structures”

Safety risks highlighted in the rising offshore wind industry

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The G+ Global offshore wind 2024 incident data report
The G+ Global offshore wind 2024 incident data report

As the offshore wind sector across the world witnesses growth, there is a rise in safety concerns for personnel and vessels involved. Last week, the G+ Offshore Wind Health and Safety Organization released its 2024 incident report, revealing rising safety risks in the offshore wind industry.

The data contained in the report is compiled from G+ member companies, comprising lead operators and owners of offshore wind farms Continue reading “Safety risks highlighted in the rising offshore wind industry”

Understanding hull fouling with Britannia P&I Club

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Britannia P&I Club logoBritannia P&I Club has published loss prevention guidance on the consequences that need to be considered regarding hull fouling.

Hull fouling refers to a condition when marine organisms such as barnacles, algae, and mussels attach themselves to a ship’s underwater hull surface area. When operating in tropical or seasonal tropical waters the higher temperatures and sunlight provide ideal conditions for the rapid growth of marine organisms, particularly when the ship is stationary at anchorage for a longer period. Furthermore, during seasonal tropical periods, ocean currents transport nutrients from deeper waters to the surface in coastal areas, promoting the growth of photosynthetic organisms. Continue reading “Understanding hull fouling with Britannia P&I Club”

UK offshore wind targets at risk from UK Implementation of Industrial Personnel Regulations

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UK offshore wind targets at risk from UK Implementation of Industrial Personnel Regulations
UK offshore wind targets at risk from UK Implementation of Industrial Personnel Regulations

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has expressed serious concerns over the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) proposed implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Industrial Personnel Code which could put UK offshore wind targets at risk.

In its response to the MCA’s consultation on the Merchant Shipping (Safety Measures for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel and Special Personnel) Regulations 2025, IMCA warned that the changes could disrupt offshore operations, attract legal challenges, and make the UK a less attractive market for marine contractors. Continue reading “UK offshore wind targets at risk from UK Implementation of Industrial Personnel Regulations”

ABS: new offshore rules 2025

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ABS announced major changes to its 2025 Survey After Construction of Offshore Rules that became effective 30 January this year.
ABS announced major changes to its 2025 Survey After Construction of Offshore Rules that became effective 30 January this year.

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) announced major changes to its 2025 Survey After Construction of Offshore Rules that became effective 30 January this year.
The new Offshore Rules 2025 consolidated and replaced the MOU, FPI and OI Rules and incorporated mandatory requirements from Facilities Rules.
Survey requirements for Offshore Units can be found in these parts of the OR:
• Part 7A Mobile Offshore Units – Surveys (old MOU Part 7)
• Part 7B Site Specific Units – Ship Type and Other Floating Installations – Surveys (old FPI Part 7) Continue reading “ABS: new offshore rules 2025”

IMCA publishes summary of safety incidents in 2024

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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”

Counterfeit pilot ladders lead to USCG warning

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Fraudulent certification placard for counterfeit pilot ladder. Source: USCG
Fraudulent certification placard for counterfeit pilot ladder. Source: USCG

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued a safety alert after discovering counterfeit pilot ladders during a Port State Control examination at the Port of Baltimore. The identification plate on the ladder contained several errors, including referencing ISO 779-1 instead of the correct standard, ISO 799-1, and lacking the ISO 799-1 designation type.

Additionally, while the serial number on the ladder matched the accompanying certificate, the number of steps and the length of the ladder did not align with the specifications listed on the certificate. The plate and certificate indicated that the ladder was produced by Continue reading “Counterfeit pilot ladders lead to USCG warning”

White paper highlights urgent need for data standardisation in offshore sector

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There is urgent need for data standardisation in offshore sector
There is urgent need for data standardisation in offshore sector

Opsealog has published a new white paper that underscores the urgent need for data standardisation in offshore sector.

Analysing ongoing industry initiatives in the marine offshore sector, the report found that data standards can play a central role beyond reporting requirements under IMO and EU regulations and will be essential to maximise the value delivered by onboard digitalisation to boost operational and environmental performance. Continue reading “White paper highlights urgent need for data standardisation in offshore sector”

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