Shipping

Effective lube oil analysis crucial for vessels’ machinery systems

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Vessel machinery systemsThe American Club has analysed the importance of regularly performing lube oil analysis for shipboard machinery, and has provided measures to prevent potential problems in a useful guidance document.

Oil analysis is important as it can help identify problems in the machinery such as abnormal wear, lube oil degradation, contamination of harmful agents, etc. all of which can lead to the potential failure of the machinery and its components. Failures can lead to a loss of propulsion and/or blackouts that can cause consequential incidents such as groundings, collisions, or damage to third party property. Periodic oil analysis can help maintain a proactive maintenance strategy, thus maintaining component life, mitigation of premature component failure and improved Mean Time Between Overhauls (MTBO). Continue reading “Effective lube oil analysis crucial for vessels’ machinery systems”

Many ships do not comply with maintenance requirements

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Man in AMSA jacket conducting planned maintenance on a shipBetween 15 January and 28 February 2022, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) conducted a focused inspection campaign (FIC) on planned maintenance. The shocking outcome is that the campaign has revealed a high number of ships failed to comply with the planned maintenance requirements.

The Planned Maintenance Focused Inspection Campaign (FIC) focused on:
– The level of compliance with the planned maintenance system (PMS) requirements of the International Conventions. This included statutory requirements under SOLAS and mandatory PMS requirements from the ISM Code; Continue reading “Many ships do not comply with maintenance requirements”

Reefer claims increase sharply over the pandemic is key report finding

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The Swedish ClubA new report by the Swedish Club, called “Container Claims – Refrigerated Containers,” has identified a peak in refrigerated (reefer) container claims during the pandemic as a result of disruptions in the supply chain, with a high number of reefer containers being delayed either in port or during transportation to and from port via road or rail.

Between 2021 and 2022 the Club saw an increase in reefer container claims of 270%, with 4.1% of all container vessels having a reefer claim in 2020 compared with 11.4% in 2021. Reefer containers are the main cause of all container claims with 30% of the Club’s total container claims being due to refrigerated cargo damage over the last five years. Continue reading “Reefer claims increase sharply over the pandemic is key report finding”

Sounding pipes should be clear of debris or cargo

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Deck of a cargo ship being flooded
Deck of a cargo ship being flooded

The Swedish Club has provided lessons learned from an incident where water had entered cargo hold 1 of a bulker, causing wet damage and clogged sounding pipes. As part of its ongoing series into hatch cover incidents.

A bulk carrier had a full cargo of zinc concentrate on board and was sailing from the west coast to the east coast of South America. When the vessel passed Cape Horn it experienced heavy weather of Beaufort scale 9 with green sea covering the cargo hold covers 1, 2 and 3. This continued for four days as the vessel battled the waves. The vessel had no weather routeing.

When the weather calmed down the Master asked the Chief Officer to inspect the cargo holds. Continue reading “Sounding pipes should be clear of debris or cargo”

Importance of inspecting hatch covers to ensure their weathertight

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150 years - The Swedish Club
150 years – The Swedish Club on hatch cover inspection

The Swedish Club has highlighted the importance of securing and inspecting hatch covers and checking that they are in good condition. In presenting a case study, the Club explains how seawater may ingress into cargo holds in bad condition can cause serious damage.

The incident

A bulk carrier had been fully loaded with grains. The vessel had side rolling cargo hatch covers. For six days, the vessel encountered heavy weather at Beaufort scale 9 which caused it to pitch and roll heavily. During the voyage the cargo hatch covers were washed over by seawater.

When the vessel was at anchor and waiting for an available berth the hatch covers were opened. This was to ensure the vessel Continue reading “Importance of inspecting hatch covers to ensure their weathertight”

BSU report into cargo hold ladder death on Seoul Express

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BSU report into death of a crew member who fell from a cargo hold ladder on Seoul Express
BSU report into death of a crew member who fell from a cargo hold ladder on Seoul Express

On 27 March 2021, the Seoul Express was approximately 52 nm off the coast of Mexico en route from Manzanillo to Long Beach in the United States. The ship was engaged in regular service between various ports in the Mediterranean, Central America and the west coast of North America.

At the end of his morning watch, the later deceased first watchman of the 4-8 watch (deployed at sea as a lookout, referred to below as ‘watchman’) began the usual inspection of the temperatures of the loaded fish meal containers at 0700 on the instructions of the chief mate, who was in charge of the navigational watch. This involved checking 11 containers in Bays 9 10, 29 and 31 during the voyage in question. Continue reading “BSU report into cargo hold ladder death on Seoul Express”

Excessive container and cargo weight putting stress on containerships

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Excessive container and cargo weight putting stress on containerships
Excessive container and cargo weight putting stress on containerships

According to Peter Peltenburg, CEO of Dutch-based Cargo Care Solutions, the excessive container and cargo weight is placing massive amounts of stress on ships’ hatch covers and lashing gear. Containership owners are placing more emphasis on the repair and maintenance of their hatch covers and container lashing equipment as the full loading caused by trong market conditions impacts the condition of their ships.

“With the current strong market conditions, shipowners cannot afford to incur any downtime of their vessels due to a lack of maintenance. And it is the same when it comes to vessel damage impacting on the vessel’s cargo carrying capacity. If you lose any capacity then vessel Continue reading “Excessive container and cargo weight putting stress on containerships”

Ensuring safe operation when carrying bagged rice cargoes

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The Swedish P&I Club has issued cargo advice and guidance to assist operators when carrying bagged rice cargoes.
The Swedish P&I Club has issued cargo advice and guidance to assist operators when carrying bagged rice cargoes.

In collaboration with CWA International, The Swedish P&I Club has issued cargo advice and guidance to assist operators when carrying bagged rice cargoes.

1 Pre-loading

Prior to loading, the crew must ensure that the cargo hatches are watertight. It is prudent for a hatch cover test to be undertaken. This can be done using an ultrasound device or hose test. These tests are important as they enable the crew to make any necessary repairs to the hatch covers prior to loading of cargo. Furthermore, they provides good supporting evidence against accusations of water ingress through the hatch covers in the event of a wet Continue reading “Ensuring safe operation when carrying bagged rice cargoes”

ICHCA guidance on safe lifting of ISO containers

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Containers tacked ontop of each otherThe International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) has published a safety brifing document to offer advice into some of the safety principles associated with safe lifting of ISO containers and tanks using hooks and wires.

According to ICHCA, any lifting operation of this type should be undertaken by competent persons in compliance with applicable regulatory frameworks and is the responsibility of the duty holder for safe lifting.

The use of gantry cranes and spreaders is the optimal and preferred method Continue reading “ICHCA guidance on safe lifting of ISO containers”

Swedish Club highlights the dangers of cargo fumigation

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Swedish Club highlights the dangers of cargo fumigation
Swedish Club highlights the dangers of cargo fumigation

Many freight container units and bulk cargo holds on ships are treated with chemical pesticides termed fumigants otherwise known as cargo fumigation. Fumigant must be applied according to the correct instructions. As holds are always unventilated for a time after fumigation, there may be a risk of excessive condensation, which can produce sweating or dripping. This can lead to cargo damage as well as fire and explosion risks, the Swedish P&I Club has warned.

In particular, the Club says that agricultural products in bulk may be fumigated in ships’ holds to prevent insect infestation. Solid aluminium phosphide (or similar) is often used for fumigation. Continue reading “Swedish Club highlights the dangers of cargo fumigation”

Lithium-ion batteries: Fire risks and loss prevention measures in shipping

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Lithium-ion batteries: Fire risks and loss prevention measures in shipping
Lithium-ion batteries: Fire risks and loss prevention measures in shipping

Given the many difficulties in suppressing battery fires, particularly at sea, focusing on loss prevention measures in shipping is crucial, whether batteries are transported within EVs or as standalone cargo, according to a new risk bulletin published from marine insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS).

Captain Rahul Khanna, Global Head of Marine Risk Consulting at AGCS, said, “Shipping losses may have more than halved over the past decade but fires on board vessels remain among the biggest safety issues for the industry. The potential dangers that the transportation of lithium-ion batteries pose if they are not stored or handled correctly only add to these concerns, and we have already seen a number of incidents.” Continue reading “Lithium-ion batteries: Fire risks and loss prevention measures in shipping”

Advice on safe operation when carrying mineral cargoes

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The Swedish Club - Cargo AdviceThis cargo advice has been prepared by The Swedish Club in collaboration with Burgoynes – David Robbins (UK), Darren Holling (Singapore) and Jim Mercurio (Dubai). The advice relates to cargo advice on carrying mineral cargoes, including sodium metabisulphite.

According to Swedish Club, a number of serious incidents have occurred in recent months involving mineral compounds (i.e. inorganic chemicals) in bags carried as general cargo. Continue reading “Advice on safe operation when carrying mineral cargoes”

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