2010 HNS Convention moves closer to entry into force

Four states set to ratify the HNS Convention
Four states set to ratify the HNS Convention

Four States deposited their instruments of ratification of the International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea, 2010 (2010 HNS Convention), bringing the treaty’s entry into force a step closer.

As announced, Belgium, Germany, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Sweden have deposited their instruments of ratification to the 2010 HNS Convention, marking an important step toward its entry into force. The Convention seeks to Continue reading “2010 HNS Convention moves closer to entry into force”

Update on MGN 675 (M+F) guidance for control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments regulations

Update on MGN 675 (M+F) guidance for control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments regulations
Update on MGN 675 (M+F) guidance for control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments regulations

The UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency has published an update to MGN 675 (M+F) Amendment 2 The merchant shipping (control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments) regulations 2022.

This notice provides important information on the UK’s implementation of the international convention for the control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments 2004, which aims to address the spread of invasive non-native species by ballast water and sediments. Continue reading “Update on MGN 675 (M+F) guidance for control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments regulations”

Japan completes first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering at anchorage

Kohzan Maru VII (in the background) alongside Eika Maru (foreground). Credit: MOL
Kohzan Maru VII (in the background) alongside Eika Maru (foreground). Source: MOL

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines announced Japan’s first ship-to-ship bunkering of methanol vessel fuel at anchorage.

The company teamed up with the City of Yokohama, Kokuka Sangyo Co, Idemitsu Kosan Co, and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company – collectively known as the “Five Parties” – to successfully complete the endeavour.

Methanol fuel was transferred from the Eika Maru to the Kohzan Maru VII in the Yokohama District of Keihin Port. The Eika Maru is a coastal methanol transport vessel operated by Kokuka Sangyo and the Kohzan Maru VII is a dual-fuel, ocean-going, methanol-transport vessel operated by MOL, and both are chartered by MGC. Continue reading “Japan completes first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering at anchorage”

MIT Maritime Consortium releases “first-of-its kind” guide for design safety of nuclear ships

Co-authors Anthony Valiaveedu, Nat Edmonds, and Jose Izurieta pose in MIT's Hart Naval Gallery.
Left to right: Co-authors Anthony Valiaveedu, Nat Edmonds, and Jose Izurieta. Credit: Tony Pulsone/MIT MechE

A guide for design safety of nuclear ships has been released by the MIT Maritime Consortium, aims to set the standard for safe maritime nuclear propulsion.

The “first-of-its-kind” handbook serves as a guide for design safety for civilian nuclear ships.

Using research data and standards, combined with operational experiences during civilian maritime nuclear operations, the handbook provides unique insights into potential issues and resolutions in the design efficacy of maritime nuclear operations, a topic of growing importance on the national and international stage. Continue reading “MIT Maritime Consortium releases “first-of-its kind” guide for design safety of nuclear ships”

MTF’s report highlights critical safety issues of transporting EV’s

Safe carriage of Electric Vechiles (EV'S)
Safe carriage of Electric Vechiles (EV’S)

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are an environmental issue experienced globally, affecting countries and industries. As one of the measures to decarbonise road transportation by reducing GHG emissions from automobiles, car manufacturers have been developing EVs that are powered by lithium-ion batteries (LiB) instead of conventional fuels, which has caused safety issues transporting EV’s. Continue reading “MTF’s report highlights critical safety issues of transporting EV’s”

West P&I Club on phased banning of scrubbers in North-East Atlantic waters

Historic phased banning of scrubbers in North-East Atlantic agreement
Historic phased banning of scrubbers in North-East Atlantic agreement

West P&I Club has highlighted the OSPAR Commission, composed of 15 governments and the European Union, which has agreed to a historic phased banning on scrubbers in the North-East Atlantic waters, marking the first regional regulation of its kind.

The decision was made at the OSPAR Ministerial Meeting in June 2025, with ministers expressing concerns about hazardous discharges from exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) on ships, Continue reading “West P&I Club on phased banning of scrubbers in North-East Atlantic waters”

ISU salvage industry statistics 2024

ISU Logo - ISU salvage industry statistics 2024
ISU Logo – ISU salvage industry statistics 2024

The International Salvage Union (ISU) has published its annual ISU Salvage industry statistics for 2024.

They are the only published measure of the state of the industry but do not include information from non-ISU members. Continue reading “ISU salvage industry statistics 2024”

INTERCARGO Bulk Carrier Casualty Report 2025

INTERCARGO Bulk Carrier Casualty Report 2025
INTERCARGO Bulk Carrier Casualty Report 2025

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, INTERCARGO, publishes the Bulk Carrier Casualty report which shows encouraging progress in bulk carrier safety, with vessel losses and fatalities continuing to decline over the last decade. However, serious security threats in 2024 demand urgent international action to protect seafarers and uphold freedom of navigation.

Its recent publication identified the loss of 20 bulk carriers (≥10,000 dwt) between 2015 and 2024, Continue reading “INTERCARGO Bulk Carrier Casualty Report 2025”

USCG PSC Annual Report 2024

USCG PSC Annual Report 2024
USCG PSC Annual Report 2024

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has released the U.S. Port State Control (PSC) Annual Report for 2024. The report said in 2024, a total of 11,273 individual vessels, from 79 different flag administrations, made 84,034 port calls to the U.S. 8,710 PSC exams were conducted. These exam numbers increased over the 2023 total of 8,278. The total number of ships detained in 2024 for environmental protection, safety, and security related deficiencies decreased from 101 to 82. Continue reading “USCG PSC Annual Report 2024”

Understanding hull fouling with Britannia P&I Club

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”

Brookes Bell: Why Are There So Many Soya Bean Claims?

In 2023, the global soya bean market (also known as soybeans and soyabeans) was valued at over USD 200.37 billion, and it is projected to grow to USD $259 billion by 2032.The shipping industry plays a significant role in supporting this global industry, but behind these impressive figures lies a perilously narrow window for safe ocean transport. Despite being loaded in sound condition and carried by well-maintained vessels on unexceptional voyages, soya beans continue to arrive in a deteriorated condition far too often. Claims related to spoilage frequently run into millions of dollars, exposing shipowners, operators, and marine insurers to significant financial risk. Continue reading “Brookes Bell: Why Are There So Many Soya Bean Claims?”

New CCTV systems requirement for Indian-flagged vessels

Indian Flag for Indian-flagged vesselsThe Indian Directorate General of Shipping has published a notice installing Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems on Indian-flagged vessels and foreign flag vessels visiting Indian ports.

Merchant Shipping Notice No 02 of 2025 sets out requirements that mandatory for Indian-flagged merchant vessels and foreign vessels trading in Indian Coasts under Specific Period License (SPL).

It is further recommended foreign-flagged vessels visiting Indian ports should be aware of this notice Continue reading “New CCTV systems requirement for Indian-flagged vessels”

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