The issues around the transport of microplastic pellets

TT Club have issued advice on the transport of microplastic pellets
TT Club have issued advice on the transport of microplastic pellets

There are a number of concerns surrounding the transport of microplastic pellets, but whilst the debate rages as to how to mitigate the risks to the maritime ecosystem, those arising through the entire freight supply chain need to be recognised, so says TT Club in a recent highlight.

According to Josh Finch, TT Club Logistics Risk Manager, microplastic pellets, often referred to as nurdles, form the building blocks used in the production of most plastic products. They typically measure just a few millimetres in diameter – about the size of a lentil. The release of nurdles into the sea, other waterways or the environment in general have severe ecological implications, since the pellets may be eaten by fish or other sea creatures, as well as by birds. Continue reading “The issues around the transport of microplastic pellets”

Threat of cargo losses at sea: Fresh guidelines

Growing container ship capacity and threat of cargo losses at sea coinciding has prompted ClassNK to produce guidelines
Growing container ship capacity and threat of cargo losses at sea coinciding has prompted ClassNK to produce guidelines

With growing container ship capacity and threat of cargo losses at sea coinciding, ClassNK has recently published two sets of guidelines to help improve cargo safety at sea.

The recent increase in container ship capacity – a response to the growing demand for freight container transport – has coincided with a sharp increase in the number of containers lost overboard, including some notable examples of stack collapse. While rising stack heights have surely contributed to this trend, other influential factors include wave height and size, the ship’s vertical centre of gravity (CoG), the CoG of the container stack and variability in stowage, and cargo securing equipment. Continue reading “Threat of cargo losses at sea: Fresh guidelines”

ABS publishes the January 2024 Edition of Guide for Performance Standards for Corrosion Protection

The American Bureau of Shipping has published the January 2024 Edition of Guide for Performance Standards for Corrosion Protection.

Corrosion protection requirements are specified in SOLAS Chapter II-1/3-2 for protective coatings of dedicated seawater ballast tanks in all types of ships and protective coatings of double-side skin spaces of bulk carriers, and in SOLAS Chapter II-1/3-11 for protective coatings or corrosion resistance materials of cargo oil tanks of crude oil tankers.

SOLAS Chapter II-1/3-11 specifies additional corrosion protection requirements for the cargo oil tanks of crude oil tankers contracted on or after 1 January 2013. Continue reading “ABS publishes the January 2024 Edition of Guide for Performance Standards for Corrosion Protection”

Marine Surveyors Association of Bangladesh celebrating thirty years

The Marine Surveyors Association of Bangladesh conference made the front page of the Chittagong daily paper
The Marine Surveyors Association of Bangladesh conference made the front page of the Chittagong daily paper

On Saturday 16th September 2023, I had the absolute pleasure to attend the one day conference at Hotel Agrabad, Chittagong, Bangladesh, as Guest of Honour, to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Marine Surveyors Association of Bangladesh (MSAB). An audience of more than 100 delegates from the marine surveying profession and wider local shipping industry had assembled to take part in the event. The conference was also broadcast live via Facebook. Continue reading “Marine Surveyors Association of Bangladesh celebrating thirty years”

Sampling liquid cargoes properly is vital advises Gard

Gard P&I Club has highlighted the importance of sampling liquid cargoes properly
Gard P&I Club has highlighted the importance of sampling liquid cargoes properly

Gard P&I Club Gard P&I Club has highlighted the importance of sampling liquid cargoes properly to protect shipowners’ interests to protect shipowners’ interests, particularly when allegations of cargo contamination arise.

Cameron Livingstone, Claims Executive, Arendal and Robert Skaare, Senior Claims Adviser, Arendal have highlighted that if a cargo is found to be “off-spec” when the vessel arrives at the discharge port, and there is no evidence of contamination from the load port, the vessel could be faced with a potentially large claim even if the vessel is not at fault. Continue reading “Sampling liquid cargoes properly is vital advises Gard”

NCB launches second container inspection initiative to battle the dangers of misdeclared cargo

National Cargo Bureau (NCB) has launched a second container inspection initiative to combat the persistent threat posed by misdeclared cargo. In a determined response to these sobering revelations and escalating concerns around ship fires, particularly those stemming from lithium-ion batteries, NCB is enhancing its inspection initiative. Several major shipping lines including Hapag Lloyd, Maersk and MSC have committed to the initiative, and container inspections have already commenced in various locations around the world. Continue reading “NCB launches second container inspection initiative to battle the dangers of misdeclared cargo”

Bananas are sensitive cargoes

Bananas, though said to be the world’s most transported and consumed fruit, are also among the most sensitive cargoes that can be carried on a ship according to Skuld. Before a banana ends up on the shelves it has been exposed to numerous external factors which all have a bearing on how the fruit is finally presented.

It is an essential part of the banana export trade that the bananas are harvested in a “green” condition. This way, the ripening progression can be controlled during transport up and until presentation to the consumer markets. The ripening process of the bananas is irreversible if the bananas are allowed to enter the “climacteric” phase before transport. Continue reading “Bananas are sensitive cargoes”

Wakashio report by the Panama Maritime Authority issued 3 years after Mauritius grounding

Overview of the damage to the Wakashio
Overview of the damage to the Wakashio

Almost 3 years after bulk carrier, the Wakashio, ran aground and spilled oil along the coast of Mauritius, the Panama Maritime Authority’s investigation report into the accident has been made public. The bulk carrier was not carrying cargo when it grounded on a reef off Mauritius’ Pointe d’Esny during a voyage from Singapore to Brazil on July 25, 2020. The incident sparked an “environmental emergency” after the ship broke up and spilled approximately 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil into the pristine waters. The report does not contain any major Continue reading “Wakashio report by the Panama Maritime Authority issued 3 years after Mauritius grounding”

Report on the sinking of the cargo vessel Bjugnfjord due to partially liquefied soil

Cargo displacement of 1,900 tonnes of partially liquefied soil was, according to the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority’s (NSIA) assessment, the cause why the bulk carrier MS Bjugnfjord sank on its way out of the Kattegat. According to the NSIA investigation, it is in practice difficult to have an overview of the characteristics of different masses in these type of freight assignments.

NSIA recommends the Norwegian Maritime Authority to investigate the extent of the problem and take relevant measures to ensure that the provisions in the current regulations Continue reading “Report on the sinking of the cargo vessel Bjugnfjord due to partially liquefied soil”

10th edition Shipping Law Review 2023 published by HFW

The aim of the tenth edition of this book is to provide those involved in handling shipping disputes with an overview of the key issues relevant to multiple jurisdictions. As with previous editions of The Shipping Law Review, we begin with cross-jurisdictional chapters looking at the latest developments in important areas for the shipping industry, including international trade sanctions, ocean logistics, offshore, piracy, shipbuilding, ports and terminals, marine insurance, environmental and regulatory issues, decommissioning and ship finance.

We have invited contributions on the law of leading maritime nations, including both major flag states and the countries in which most shipping companies are located. Continue reading “10th edition Shipping Law Review 2023 published by HFW”

The issue of cargo fires needs to be tackled further

Cargo fires are a well known challenge amongst shipping industry stakeholders. Fire onboard can result in major casualties, including loss of life. Yet, fire safety remains the most common ship deficiency area.

According to the Allianz Safety Shipping Review 2023, misdiclared cargo as well as new dangerous goods, such as chemicals, lithium-ion batteries and charcoal have become increasingly documented. In addition, colossal container vessels, in which the risk multiplies, are gaining in popularity.

Even though fire is one of the biggest causes of general average claims on container vessels, and one of the main causes of total losses across all vessel types, Continue reading “The issue of cargo fires needs to be tackled further”

How the movement of containers can cause spread of pests

The World Shipping Council has released an informative video on how containers can facilitate the start and spread of pests
The World Shipping Council has released an informative video on how containers can facilitate the start and spread of pests

The World Shipping Council has released an informative video on how containers can facilitate the start and spread of pests to communities around the world, risking agriculture, forestry and natural resources.

The cargo transported in a ship’s hold or in containers can transfer invasive species. Winged insects such as the Flighted Spongy Moth and the Brown Marmorated Stinkbug are seasonal threats, and national regulations mandate treatment by shippers and inspection regimes to prevent their transfer. Being at the frontline of this issue, the industry is actively working with shippers, packers and freight forwarders in establishing and sharing best practice when it comes to prevention, inspection, cleaning and treatment of goods and containers. Continue reading “How the movement of containers can cause spread of pests”

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