Tag: SAFETY4SEA

During his presentation at the SAFETY4SEA Cyprus conference, Sotiris Kambanellas, President, YoungShip Cyprus presented key issues with regards to crewing in the 21st century, considering how new technologies are impacting the global shipping industry.  In a constantly evolving world, even a more “traditional” industry like shipping is already changing.

The inaugural SAFETY4SEA Conference in Cyprus successfully concluded on Tuesday 17th of April, at Columbia Plaza in Limassol, attracting 220 delegates from a total of 115 organizations. The pro bono event brought together global experts who focused on the recent and future challenges toward safe, smart and green shipping excellence and sustainable shipping.

When we ask the overall question: How is your safety culture? 80% will give the above mentioned answer. So ‘above average’ is justified from these two parameters, but they hardly explain the truth about what is going on onboard the vessels. Safety performance is often evaluated from the outside, audits, inspections, etc., which is OK, but cannot stand alone.

Faced with a decision with huge cost implications, shipowners are considering all options on how to tackle sulphur emissions. Although any possible delay was ruled out during IMO MEPC 71, industry stakeholders think that a postponement of the 2020 deadline is possible, likewise the time extension of the BWM Convention. 

Ahead of the 2020 sulphur cap, ship operators and oil refiners are preparing for implementation. The oil refining industry has to ensure that sufficient quantities of compliant fuel will be able to be produced. But governments need to monitor this carefully to keep the supply of compliant fuel as tight as possible.

Corporate Social Responsibility includes all voluntary actions by companies towards society and the environment and reflects their responsibility for their impacts. SAFETY4SEA issued an infographic citing key points for both consideration and avoidance, illustrating how companies may integrate CSR effectively into their operations.

The clock is ticking for the 0.5%sulphur cap and although this measure is about to become effective globally in two years from now, the route to compliance remains foggy. SAFETY4SEA seeks to collect essential data reflecting trends with respect to industry’s readiness to comply with the 0.5% sulphur cap.

Our SeaSense column, in association with the North P&I Club, is now focusing on the impact of technology on communication between ship and shore. Living in the 'smart era', life has become easier in many ways, same goes for communication as well. Therefore, we have asked industry's experts to assess whether by facilitating the information exchange truly helps in the relationship between ship and shore or adversely can erode trust.

New technologies are already making a great impact on shipping. It is therefore crucial for the industry to adapt to the new requirements. Dan Rooney, Commercial Maritime Product Director, Speedcast, gave an exclusive interview at SAFETY4SEA at Europort, Rotterdam in early November, highlighting how smart shipping has affected the current landscape.

Looking in the future, it is important for shipping companies to ensure that there are always top-quality antennas onboard vessels, to support safety and leverage on the efficiencies and tangible savings offered by maritime connectivity, Jens Hedegaard Jensen, COBHAM, told SAFETY4SEA on the sidelines of Europort Conference.