Coal is a fossil fuel with varying properties, depending on its source and handling before it is loaded aboard ship. Some coals can self- heat, and some emit methane – characteristics that can create fire and explosion risks to the crew, vessel and cargo making coal cargoes dangerous.
Røyset said that Gard had seen several cases involving problematic coal cargoes, particularly those originating in Indonesia. She said that her particular focus in this article was how to deal with a cargo Continue reading “Coal Cargoes: Avoiding Explosion and Self-Heating”
Demand for advanced propeller retrofits and energy saving devices (ESDs) has nearly quadrupled since 2020 as shipping owners and operators look to enhance energy efficiency to meet tightening emissions regulations. However, according to a new Lloyd’s Register (LR) report: Energy saving devices retrofit report: Applying advanced propeller designs to ships, while high-efficiency propellers can deliver fuel savings of between 3-10%, and popular devices such as rudder bulbs can achieve 3.5% reductions, only 1.74% of the global fleet currently features the rudder bulb, the most popular device, from newbuild. 
The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has implemented an additional safeguard called Precheck, a screening process that aims to ensure only compliant vessels join the Panama Ship Registry. The Precheck process involves a thorough risk assessment of various aspects related to the vessel, its owner, operator, and/or charterer before applying for the entry into the Panama Ship Registry to ensure that the vessel meets the international standards regarding safety, environmental protection, crew welfare, and to promote cooperation and best practices in the maritime industry.
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. 