Shipping

Key tips for transferring plastic pellets in containers

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Carriage of plastic pellets in containers is the subject of new guidance from the Steamship Mutual P&I Club
Carriage of plastic pellets in containers is the subject of new guidance from the Steamship Mutual P&I Club

Steamship Mutual P&I Club has provided guidance on the risks associated with the carriage of plastic pellets in containers and provides practical measures to prevent spillage and protect the marine environment.

Understanding the risks of plastic pellets
According to the Club, in recent years, several high-profile incidents have occurred, such as the Trans Carrier in 2020 and the XPress Pearl in 2021, where containers have fallen overboard and resulted in the release of plastic pellets into seas and oceans with subsequent harm to the marine environment. Continue reading “Key tips for transferring plastic pellets in containers”

Rotten wood and poor inspection caused historic Maine schooner demasting

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This Schooner photograph for illustration only
This Schooner photograph is for illustration only

The is a distressing case about a fatal accident that should never have happened. And as the investigation has revealed, a series of poor, inadequate and ineffective inspections and surveys that failed to discover serious rotten wood, would appear to be largely to blame and caused historic Maine schooner demasting.

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has released a critical report on the demasting of a historic schooner, blaming the catastrophic incident on rotten wood that had gone unnoticed for years due to poor inspections. About three years after the mainmast of the 144-year- old schooner Grace Bailey broke during a routine voyage, causing the death of one passenger and leaving five others injured, a detailed investigation has established that the structural integrity of the mainmast had long been compromised by rot. Continue reading “Rotten wood and poor inspection caused historic Maine schooner demasting”

DNV and WMMF collaborate on net-zero guide for shipping companies

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DNV and the World Maritime Merchants Forum (WMMF) have worked together to create the Net-Zero Guide: Practical approaches for shipping companies.

The maritime industry is entering a decisive decade of transformation, driven by evolving regulations, commercial pressures, and a general global shift towards reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Continue reading “DNV and WMMF collaborate on net-zero guide for shipping companies”

Dewatering system valves found in closed position

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Dewatering system valves found in closed position
Dewatering system valves found in closed position

This notice, issued by ABS, summarizes recent observations on bulk carriers where non-compliance with the requirements of SOLAS Chapter XII, Regulation 13.1 was identified in the forecastle space dewatering system manually operated suction valves.

On bulk carriers and in accordance with SOLAS Regulation XII/13.1, MSC/Circ.1069 and IACS UI SC179, the arrangements for draining and pumping ballast tanks located forward of the collision bulkhead and the bilges of any dry space Continue reading “Dewatering system valves found in closed position”

AI is empowering shipowners to tackle new safety management challenges

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AI is empowering shipowners to tackle new safety management challenges
AI is empowering shipowners to tackle new safety management challenges

It is no secret that the maritime industry is undergoing a digital transformation, and one of the key innovations increasingly making waves is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into safety management systems as AI is empowering shipowners.

The increased documentation required following the gamut of new rules and procedures place increasing demands on seafarers but companies such as WiseStella are leveraging AI to ease the cognitive burden to enhance safety across the global fleet. “Seafarers today are faced with an overwhelming amount of information and documentation to manage,” explains Ali Demiral, Chief Technology Officer, and AI lead at WiseStella. “This cognitive load can be a significant source of stress, especially when it comes to tackling complex safety assessments. But AI-powered technology can provide seafarers and ship managers with the tools they need to navigate these new requirements with confidence.” Continue reading “AI is empowering shipowners to tackle new safety management challenges”

BSafe case study: Benzene vapour death following unauthorised tank entry

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BSafe case study: Benzene vapour death following unauthorised tank entry
BSafe case study: Benzene vapour death following unauthorised tank entry

Britannia P&I Club have cautioned its members on the dangers of entering an enclosed space after a benzene vapour death in the cargo hold of a tanker.

Background

An 8,270 gt oil/chemical tanker had discharged benzene on its previous voyage and was proceeding in ballast towards Korea to load its next nominated cargo. The ship had completed discharge at Jiangyin, China and departed for Yeosu, Korea. The planned sequence between voyages included a full cycle of gas freeing and cleaning of cargo tanks in preparation for the next chemical cargo. Continue reading “BSafe case study: Benzene vapour death following unauthorised tank entry”

Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases update published

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The Chemical Distribution Institute (CDI), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) have released the second edition of ‘Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases’.

Originally published by OCIMF in 1975, the STS Transfer Guide was consolidated in 2013 through the combined expertise of CDI, ICS, OCIMF and SIGTTO. Recognised globally by the tanker industry and IMO Member States as the definitive reference for safe and effective STS operations, this new second joint edition, released in the 50th anniversary, reflects current best practices, regulatory developments and technical innovations.   Continue reading “Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases update published”

AMSA issues safety bulletin highlighting improperly secured cargo

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AMSA issues safety bulletin highlighting improperly secured cargo
AMSA issues safety bulletin highlighting improperly secured cargo

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issues a safety bulletin highlighting that improperly secured cargo continues to contribute to container losses, prompting renewed focus on inspections, crew training and weather preparedness. According to the World Shipping Council (WSC), the number of containers lost at sea has fluctuated over the 17 years of recorded data. The overall trend is encouraging. Despite occasional spikes, long-term data shows a clear decline in container losses compared to earlier years. At the same time, awareness and caution surrounding cargo loss have increased. Continue reading “AMSA issues safety bulletin highlighting improperly secured cargo”

UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2025 report

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UNTAD has published its in-depth Review of Maritime Transport 2025 report
UNTAD has published its in-depth Review of Maritime Transport 2025 report

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has published its Review of Maritime Transport 2025 report, exploring the global maritime trade environment which has been marked particularly by volatility, rerouted flows and uncertainty.

According to the Review of Maritime Transport 2025 report, maritime trade volumes reached 12,720 million tons in 2024, growing by 2.2 per cent, exceeding the 2013–2023 average (1.8 per cent). This suggests positive momentum, yet the growth rate lagged the 2003–2023 average Continue reading “UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2025 report”

New guidelines to enhance efficiency of container stowage

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New guidelines to enhance efficiency of container stowage
New guidelines to enhance efficiency of container stowage

ClassNK has released new guidelines for those involved in container shipping, aiming to enhance the efficiency of container stowage while ensuring safety measures such as preventing cargo collapse.

According to ClassNK, these guidelines apply the latest expertise in weather forecasting, ship motion, and digital twin technologies. The newly released guidelines enable safer and higher-capacity container shipping by optimizing stowage based on weather forecasts for short-term voyages and by taking advantage of the roll reduction effects of anti-rolling devices. Continue reading “New guidelines to enhance efficiency of container stowage”

Industry-first AI Cargo Safety Program launched

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The World Shipping Council (WSC) has launched its new Cargo Safety Program
The World Shipping Council (WSC) has launched its new Cargo Safety Program

The World Shipping Council (WSC) has launched its new Cargo Safety Program – an industry-led initiative to detect misdeclared and undeclared dangerous goods.

It aims to prevent ship fires, protect crews, vessels, customers’ cargo, and the marine environment. Continue reading “Industry-first AI Cargo Safety Program launched”

Hong Kong SAR lessons learned on enclosed space death

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The Marine Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) logo
The Hong Kong SAR has published a report into an enclosed space death on cargo vessel Seren

The Marine Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) has shown the results of an investigation into a death in an enclosed space on cargo ship Seren last year.

Continue reading “Hong Kong SAR lessons learned on enclosed space death”

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