Update October: Live map depicts spread of coronavirus
The new coronavirus (COVID-19) has cost the lives of more than 468.000, while confirmed cases exceed 8.900.000. Although coronavirus started in China in early 2020, now it has spread over Europe where Italy and the UK have the most deaths. Also, Brazil, Canada, France and Spain top the list with the countries affected significantly.
The winners of 2020 SAFETY4SEA Awards announced
SAFETY4SEA announced the winners of the 2020 SAFETYT4SEA Virtual Awards on October 20th , recognizing industry’s outstanding practices for Excellence, Sustainability, Training, Technology, Initiative, Personality and Leadership. Explore more about the nomination & voting procedure and the winners of 2020 SAFETY4SEA Awards
2020 SAFETY4SEA Virtual Forum: Industry’s key priorities in the COVID-19 era
The first day of the SAFETY4SEA Virtual Forum successfully concluded on October 20th focusing on the implications of the pandemic in the short and long term and holding discussions on how the industry should work in creating a safe, clean, inclusive and sustainable future for shipping.
Casualties
DMAIB investigation: Collision of ships in heavy fog
DMAIB has issued a summary report on the collision between the Danish passenger ship EXPRESS 1 and the Polish tour boat BALTIC CONDOR off Rønne on 10 May 2019. Due to the dense fog on the day of the accident, the use of radar was the only way to navigate. The report found that EXPRESS 1 navigators did at no point observe the boat and could thus not manoeuvre to avoid collision. On BALTIC CONDOR, the crew observed the ship too late to avoid collision.
Casualties
Lessons learned: Crew must maintain high levels of supervision when working on deck
Following the second edition of UK Maib Safety Digest for 2020, it is described how a bosun operated a wrong handle, resulting in the accidental release of the anchor.
Proper pre-use inspection should be conducted before crane operations
In its latest Safety Flashes, IMCA focused on a crane operation, which one of the hydraulic hoses caught on the protruding grease fitting of the boom bearings.
Pirates kidnap crewmember of LNG carrier off Equatorial Guinea
Pirates boarded the LNG tanker Methane Princess, whilst at anchor off Malabo, on October 17. The pirates attacked the ship during off loading operations, and kidnapped one crewmember.
Fishing research vessel sinks off Gough Island, crew evacuated ship
The South African Maritime Authority (SAMSA) has confirmed the sinking of a fishing research vessel named the Geo Searcher off the Gough island on October 15 while sailing with 64 crew on board.
Worries increase after Venezuelan FSO experiences heavy list
The Venezuelan FSO Nabarima has severely listed at approximately eight degrees to starboard. The ship is permanently moored at the Corocoro oil field in the Gulf of Paria.
Emissions
Swedish, Finnish ports acquire EU funding to reduce shipping emissions
Swedish Port of Kapellskär, together with Finnish Port of Naantali, was granted EU funding to reduce, among other things, air pollutant emissions from shipping.
Working from home: How COVID-19 changed our outlook on career progression
Although, working from home might be an effective solution amid the pandemic, it has completely changed the way employees work and their overall career progression.
How to improve the mental health of seafarers
Many seafarers enjoy their work on board, but they find themselves significantly less happy on board than when they are at home. Seafarers may feel sad due to: isolation; loneliness; lack of shore leave; fear of criminalisation; fear of job loss; and separation from family.
Thoughts to enhance the training asset
Capt. Yiannis Kapageridis, QA Superintendent, TMS Tankers addresses the topic of training in shipping. As Mr. Kapageridis says, training is crucial, and as such the industry must try to improve its methods and make it a top priority.
BIMCO reports new cargoes affecting the IMSBC Code
In light of the revised International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code, which will come into force on 1 January 2021, BIMCO reported new developments that affect the code. Specifically, BIMCO focused on new cargoes added, marking that a total of 11 new cargoes have been incorporated into the IMSBC Code.
USCG Signals intent to require Safety Management Systems for domestic passenger vessels
Jeffrey S. King, Luke M. Reid and James A. Sartucci from K&L Gates discuss potential changes concerning U.S. flag commercial passenger vessels. Current regulations do not specifically require vessel owners and operators to develop and implement a formal, written SMS.
How to report requirements under USA VGP Annual Report for 2019
The 2013 Vessel General Permit that replaced the 2008 Vessel General Permit, has incorporated a new requirements for a submission of an electronically annual report by February 28th covering activities conducted from January 1st, till December 31, of previous year.
DSME deploys robot to support metalworking in a world's first
DSME unveiled a world's first robot using standardized big data and artificial intelligence to support metalworking, including cold working and hot working processes.
Watch: Operation of autonomous and remote-controlled vessel
Samsung Heavy Industries announced that it has succeeded in remotely and autonomously operating a 38 meters ship, weighing 300 tons, near the Geoje Shipyard.
Port of Piraeus to boost car logistics via IT system
Port of Piraeus recently awarded a project to the optimization expert INFORM, in order to enhance the efficiency and transparency of vehicle handling at the port’s car facility.
Most Read
- Fines
AMSA fines vessel owner after violent threats against inspector
SeafarersUK MCA extends maritime training fund
UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK MCA) informs that the maritime trading fund is being extended by three months, to assist the seafarers continue their maritime training.
Seafarers
American Unions ask for immediate seafarer repatriation and crew change
Nautilus International signed a letter urging the United States Congress to solve the crew change crisis, keeping in mind that seafarers are still prevented from leaving their vessels to return home.
SeafarersSingapore extends eligibility criteria for Seafarers Relief Package
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced the expanion of the Seafarers Relief Package (SRP) from three to six months, including a table of criteria for seafarers to receive the package.
ShippingShipping can benefit from brain network science, study says
According to a study issued by researchers in Germany and China, shipping industry and the brain network science might have many features in common, which can further benefit the maritime industry.
SustainabilitySeaspan granted industry-first sustainability-linked loan
The global containership management company, Seaspan Corporation secured a $1.8 billion sustainability-linked loan (SLL), the first of its kind in the containership leasing industry.
ShipbuildingGlobal order book reaches historically low levels
Market uncertainty and demand disruptions following the coronavirus outbreak has caused a major drop in global newbuilding orders, according to Danish Shipping.
