Britannia P&I Club has issued information about what actions to take when loading different bulk cargoes to meet the requirements of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code. The shipper is responsible for providing the master (or their representative) with sufficient information in advance to allow safe preparation for loading, stowage, and carriage of the nominated cargo under the requirements of the IMSBC code. Continue reading “Meeting the requirements of the IMSBC Code”
The London P&I Club has renewed its warning to shipowners, operators, and charterers over the risks linked to loading dry chemicals in Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs), and the handling of jumbo bags with the launch of a new video that provides loss prevention advice.
The alert follows several incidents involving cargo fires and damage—particularly on bulk carriers and general cargo ships, with many cases reported at Chinese ports. The Club warns that failure to strictly comply with all relevant International Maritime Organization (IMO) Continue reading “Incorrect storage and handling of jumbo bags can lead to significant claims”
UKP&I Club has developed the UKP&I guide to Safe LNG Bunkering Practices (Second Edition) in collaboration with Brookes Bell.
The guide presents a practical resource for the safe and efficient bunkering of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the maritime industry.
In response to global decarbonisation efforts and the growing adoption of LNG as a fuel in transition, this guide explores the physical characteristics of LNG, associated hazards, and recommended best practices for its handling, storage, and transfer. Continue reading “UKP&I guide to safe LNG bunkering practices”
Steamship Mutual Club has issued an alert about vetting bunker supplies, which offers valuable guidance about managing and reducing the risks associated with purchasing marine fuel amid the growing complexity of the issue due to different Emission Control Area (ECA) regulations.
While considerable time and resources are dedicated to addressing fuel related Continue reading “Guidance on vetting bunker suppliers”
The team at Gard P&I Club has issued recommendations to help ship operators prevent blackouts and ensure that crews are prepared to respond effectively should one occur.
A blackout occurs when a ship suffers loss of electrical power from its main switchboard, typically due to an electrical or mechanical failure in the ship’s power Continue reading “Key recommendations against blackouts”
West P&I Club has issued an alert following a pollution incident regarding the issue of structural failure of drain lines passing through fuel oil tanks. The incident occurred during bunkering operations which resulted in a significant oil spill.
While receiving bunkers, fuel oil escaped through an undetected crack in a deck scupper drain lines causing a failure that penetrated through a fuel oil tank. The structural failure was only discovered after oil began leaking from the vessel’s side when the fuel level reached Continue reading “Structural failure of drain lines in fuel oil tanks”
In one of its recent Risk Watch bulletins, Britannia P&I Club explained that proper trimming of bulk cargo is essential for ensuring ship stability, regulatory compliance, and efficient loading and discharging operations.
The IMSBC Code provides mandatory guidelines for trimming procedures. Section 5 of the code specifies that all bulk cargoes should be trimmed ‘reasonably level’ to reduce risks such as cargo shifting and instability. For non-cohesive cargoes, trimming standards are determined by the calculated angle of repose. Consideration should also be given to the charter party, as this may stipulate the required method of trimming, especially for cargoes that require specific handling.
Section 5.1.3 of the IMSBC Code states: “The master has the right to require that the cargo be trimmed level, where there is any concern regarding stability based upon the information available, taking into account the characteristics of the ship and the intended voyage.” Continue reading “The importance of bulk cargo trimming”
P&I club Britannia has highlighted a Huatai Marine circular announcing the start of a special campaign against illegal enclosed space entry onboard ships.
The nine-month campaign, launched by the China Maritime Safety Administration (China MSA), began on 15 January and is intended to run until 14 October 2025. The campaign appears to target areas such as:
• The crew awareness of the dangers of enclosed spaces
• The identification and marking of enclosed spaces onboard
• The efficient and safe control of entry to enclosed spaces by permit Continue reading “Special campaign in China on illegal enclosed space entry”
The American P&I Club urges operators to implement proactive measures such as maintenance and thermal imaging to mitigate fire hazards. Thermal imaging inspections are highlighted as an effective tool by the American Club in identifying early heat signatures caused by electrical faults, which could escalate into a fire if left unchecked. Fires of this nature often stem from one or a combination of three primary causes: electrical system failures, machinery malfunctions, and human error.
Although the likelihood of a fire may be low, specific conditions, such as defective thermal insulation on hot surfaces combined with localized fuel or oil leaks, can create a serious fire risk. Additionally, the complexity and number of electrical connections onboard vessels Continue reading “Proactive measures to mitigate fire hazards including thermal imaging”
Britannia P&I Club has emphasized the importance of understanding the various bunker delivery methods and establishing reliable, transparent relationships with reputable suppliers.
According to Britannia, bunker quantity disputes pose a common challenge in the maritime industry, arising from disagreements between the supplier and the receiver regarding the amount of bunker fuel delivered. These disputes can lead to significant operational and financial consequences for shipowners and operators.
In light of this, Britannia advises that before initiating the bunkering operation, owners/ships should verify and reasonably ensure compliance with the following: Continue reading “Best practices to avoid bunker quantity disputes”
Britannia P&I club has released guidance highlighting the importance of understanding the intricacies of mono ethylene glycol (MEG) and some of the safety considerations for its transportation.
MEG CARGO OVERVIEW
For reference and as background to understanding the cargo, it’s important to know that MEG is a high specification and particularly sensitive cargo. MEG is a chemically hydrophilic substance, meaning it can easily form hydrogen bonds with solvents such as water or alcohol, it also has a low freezing point. Typically, it is synthesised by reacting ethylene oxide with water and the product is practically colourless, odourless and sweet tasting with a syrupy appearance. Continue reading “Britannia on safe handling of mono ethylene glycol (MEG) cargo”
P&I club Britannia has published tips on transporting rare, valuable and high value cargo. As the Club says, transporting rare, valuable and high value cargo demands more than just standard shipping procedures; it requires a heightened level of vigilance and specialised strategies to ensure the safe delivery of these valuable goods.
RARE AND VALUABLE CARGO
The Club’s cargo rule (19.17.8.5) addresses the transport of rare and valuable cargo. This rule states that there will be no recovery for the loss of or damage to the following items, Continue reading “Tips to transporting rare, valuable and high value cargo”
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