Maritime Digitalizaton: The Electronic Lookout

Evidence mounts that vessel safety will benefit with technology enhancing the bridge lookout.Maritime safety regulations have – and for valid reasons – traditionally been strict and have often developed in ways that could hold up innovation. Almost two decades after the remedy of ‘goal-based’ standards and ‘technical equivalence’ arrived at the IMO, rules based on risk assessment and functionality continue to face an uphill battle to redefine a safety culture based on ‘dos and don’ts’.

AST Partners with the Liberian Registry for Iridium GMDSS

Maritime satellite communications solutions provider Applied Satellite Technology (AST) is partnering with The Liberian Registry as the first authorized service provider of the Iridium Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) for Liberian flagged vessels.As a Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) convention recognized system, the Iridium GMDSS maritime emergency and distress service helps keep mariners safe in emergency situations at sea, prevent accidents via receipt of Maritime…

MSC Reaffirms Commitment to Avoid Arctic Shipping Routes

Container shipping giant MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company doubled down on its position to avoid sending its vessels through the Northern Sea Route and urged others to follow suit, citing environmental concerns.“As a responsible company, this was an obvious decision for us,” said MSC CEO, Soren Toft. “MSC will not seek to cut through the melting ice of the Arctic to find a new route for commercial shipping, and I consider this a position the whole shipping industry must adopt.”Running from Murmansk near Russia’s border with Norway to the Bering Strait near Alaska…

New Guidance Published on Marine Transport of Ores and Concentrates

Updated guidance from the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) outlines the techniques required for accurate hazard assessment of ores and concentratesAiming to help minimize the risk of accidents in maritime transportation, the Hazard Assessment of Ores and Concentrates for Marine Transport: Guidance 2021 brings the previous guidance issued in 2014 in line with recent regulatory updates from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and advancements in knowledge in assessing hazards.Through ICMM’s Mining Principles…

How Shipping Ports Can Become More Sustainable

Marine shipping drives 90% of global trade, moving over 11 billion tonnes of containers, solid and liquid bulk cargo across the world’s seas annually. Almost all consumer products we buy — or the raw materials required to make them — arrive at Canadian ports via ship.Each year, Canadian port facilities handle about 340 million tonnes of goods, worth about $400 billion. Roughly 25% of Canadian exports and imports, by value, are transported by marine shipping.Despite their economic importance…

Turkey Approves Development Plans for Istanbul Canal

Turkey has approved development plans for a huge canal on the edge of Istanbul, Environment Minister Murat Kurum said on Saturday, advancing a project which has attracted criticism over its cost and environmental impact.The step came a year after Turkey held its first tender for the reconstruction of two historic bridges in its largest city where the 45km (28 miles) Kanal Istanbul, championed by President Tayyip Erdogan, is set to be dug.“We have approved the Kanal Istanbul Project development plans and put them out for public consultation.

New On-demand Content Service for Seafarers

A new on-demand service for movies, news and information has been built and launched for mariners working on board the typical deep-sea merchant vessels.While crew welfare in the form of modern IPTV entertainment is now part of the expected in some maritime segments, this is not the case in a typical tanker, bulk and container vessels, where the technology is often perceived as being too complicated and costly, says Norway-based BazePort.The company is now launching a new service…

DP World Optimistic for 2021 Amid Pent-up Demand

Ports operator DP World gave an optimistic outlook for 2021 on Thursday, citing pent-up demand for cargo and an easing of geopolitical tensions after the change of U.S. administration.Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, who is chairman and chief executive of the Dubai state-owned global ports operator, said that demand and supply chain capabilities had also improved as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.“You are always cautious ... (but) the outlook this year looks good for many reasons…

The Path to Zero: Study Shows Hydrogen-Based Ship Fuel Projects on the Rise

The Getting to Zero Coalition’s updated Mapping of Zero Emission Pilots and Demonstration Projects uncovers emerging trends, sees a strong climb in the number of identified projects as well as increased activities in Asia.The 'fuel of the future' debate is one of the hottest topics in maritime circles, as shipowners eye ever tightening emission regulations through 2050. While there is no 'silver bullet' solution, the Getting to Zero Coalition’s biannual Mapping of Zero Emission Pilots and Demonstration Projects outlines the spread and scope of existing zero emission projects…

ABS Launches Emissions Reporting Tool

Classification society ABS said it has launched a new digital emissions monitoring tool that allows shipowners and operators to input and monitor their IMO Data Collection System (DCS) and EU Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) review process.The ABS Emissions Reporter application tracks the status of the verification process and, once the data has been verified by ABS engineering, makes it simple to export the results and submit to the appropriate organization.The tool is the latest digitally-enabled support for environmental compliance launched by ABS…

RightShip Expands Its Vetting Criteria

Risk assessment and due diligence firm RightShip said it has expanded its vetting criteria from 20 to 50 assessment factors, in a move aimed at improving consistency as well as industry safety standards."We have drilled down further in terms of incidents and PSC performance and looked at operator performance in more detail. While the vetting standards have been refreshed consistently in the past 10-12 years, this is a significant expansion," RightShip said. The company has added separate and brand-new sections for flag and class…

Shipping Groups Press EU to Advance 'Fuels of the Future'

Shipping and trade groups are calling on the European Union to advance the development of ammonia and green hydrogen as the best marine fuel options to enable the industry to accelerate decarbonization.With about 90% of world trade transported by sea, global shipping accounts for nearly 3% of the world’s CO2 emissions.To reach goals for shipping set by the United Nations, industry leaders say the first net-zero ships must enter the global fleet by 2030, with vessels powered by green hydrogen and its derivative compound ammonia among the options.The coalition of groups…

Diana Shipping to Implement ABS' Digital Environmental Platform

ABS said it has signed an agreement with Diana Shipping Services S.A. (DSS) to implement the ABS Environmental Monitor digital sustainability solution across 31 vessels under its management.Part of the ABS My Digital Fleet risk management platform, ABS Environmental Monitor is a cloud-based application leveraging vessel waste stream and emissions data to provide transparent reporting to support more sustainable vessel operations.“ABS Environmental Monitor is a powerful tool designed to support forward thinking shipowners and operators…

New Pandemic Response Guidance for Maritime SAR Organizations

New manual provides vital recommendations for operational planning and response in health emergenciesThe International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), supported by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, has launched comprehensive guidance for anyone working in search and rescue, on how to ensure that SAR operations can continue safely in the face of challenges posed not only by COVID-19, but also by any future health emergencies.The Pandemic Response Guidance will support SAR providers…

China Pledges to Build 'Polar Silk Road' Over 2021-2025

China will construct a “Polar Silk Road” and actively participate in the development of Arctic and Antarctic regions, it said in its new 2021-2025 “five-year plan” published on Friday.The plan said China would “participate in pragmatic cooperation in the North Pole” and “raise its ability to participate in the protection and utilization of the South Pole”.China has been eyeing lucrative mineral resources as well as potential new shipping routes in Arctic regions, as ice caps recede…

OneOcean Appoints Pang CCO

OneOcean appointed Adam Pang as the company’s new Chief Commercial Officer.Pang has an extensive background in disruptive technology and holds specialist knowledge in complex software as a service (SaaS) solutions. With more than 20 years of experience in high growth B2B environments, he has built commercial teams at scale using modern data driven insights and the latest tech stack available to sales, marketing and customer success today. Most recently, Pang shared his expertise on go to market strategy with several early-stage companies.

Russia Launches Satellite to Monitor Climate in Arctic

Russia launched its space satellite Arktika-M on Sunday on a mission to monitor the climate and environment in the Arctic amid a push by the Kremlin to expand the country’s activities in the region.The Arctic has warmed more than twice as fast as the global average over the last three decades and Moscow is seeking to develop the energy-rich region, investing in the Northern Sea Route for shipping across its long northern flank as ice melts.The satellite successfully reached its intended orbit after being launched from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur cosmodrome by a Soyuz rocket…

Port of Oakland Boss Named CAPA Vice President

Port of Oakland executive director Danny Wan was appointed vice president of the California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA) effective immediately. Wan fills the key leadership role left vacant following the passing of Port of Richmond executive director Jim Matzorkis in December.“I’m honored to have the opportunity to help lead a unified advocacy effort for our system of California ports,” Wan said. “Our business recovery efforts in Oakland will guide my work with CAPA…

Goh Tapped as PIL's General Manager, Fleet Division

Pacific International Lines (PIL) appointed Goh Chung Hun as General Manager, Fleet Division, effective from February 1, 2021, succeeding Captain R.S. Minhas from 15th February 2021. Goh will be overseeing the management of PIL's fleet, including technical, marine operations, safety and crewing at PIL.Goh brings nearly 30 years of fleet management, technical, marine operations and seafaring experience. Prior to joining PIL, he was Director (Shipping) / Director (Marine) at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)…

Ship Tech: GHG Emission Reduction focus of NYK LNG-Fueled PCTC Newbuilds

NYK has concluded a shipbuilding contract with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Nanjing) Co. Ltd. for four LNG-fueled PCTCs to be delivered from 2022 to 2023, intended to transport vehicles mainly to/from Europe and/or to the Middle East.The ships are designed with GHG emission reduction, and to that end they will be outfieed with WinGD’s X-DF2.0 iCER main engine, the first time they will be utilized in the world. According to NYK, the engine consumes less gas and reduces GHG by cutting methane emissions from exhaust gas by approximately 50%.

Yara Marine Technologies Revisits Shore Power

While the EU parliament call for an emissions ban at berth, Yara Marine Technologies announced a partnership with NG3 signaling the return of cold ironing to its green tech portfolio."We used to do shore power projects on ships some years ago, but the market was too slow. Now however, with new regulation and grants supporting shipowner’s shore power investments, we are back in the business of shore power," said Aleksander Askeland CSO at Yara Marine Technologies. "Together with…

Navico Hires Norton as Chief Sustainability Officer

Navico, parent company to the Lowrance, Simrad Yachting, B&G and C-MAP brands, said it has hired Tara Norton as its first-ever Chief Sustainability Officer, as the company has made sustainability one of its core strategic pillars globally across its brands, products, operations and production. Norton joins the marine electronics company from French multinational Engie Impact, where she worked with its corporate and government clients to accelerate their energy transition to cleaner energies.“We are dedicated to being an environmentally-responsible company…

VIDEO: Profiles in Training - Mike Corrigan, CEO, INTERFERRY

Mike Corrigan, the ubiquitous leader of Interferry, has a broad base of energy and maritime industry experience, including his stint as CEO of BC Ferries. Corrigan shares with Maritime Reporter & Engineering News his thoughts on a broad range of issues facing the ferry industry: COVID-19, emerging international regulations, and yes, maritime training and education initiatives throughout the world ferry industry.Looking back to your tenure atop BC Ferries, can you discuss this through a training and education lens?At BC Ferries, safety and training was an integral part of my role and passion.

Konecranes Wins Chinese Order for Two Barge Cranes

In the first quarter of 2021, Jiangsu Zhenjiang Shipyard (Group) Co., Ltd. ordered two eco-efficient Konecranes Gottwald Model 8 Cranes on Barge. The cranes will be operated by Cosco Shipping Bulk Co. Ltd. (Cosco Bulk) off the coast of Guinea, Africa.Home to the world’s largest reserves of bauxite, the Guinean mining industry has been expanding. Cosco Bulk, a subsidiary of a world-leading shipping company, China Cosco Shipping Corporation Limited, found they needed more cranes to cope with the volume.

North P&I Club Names Arklow Shipping's Tyrrell as Chair

North P&I Club has elected James Alexander Tyrrell as its new chair of the board, succeeding Pratap Shirke, in a change at the helm of the global marine insurer that also sees Ioanna Procopiou become the Club’s first female vice-chair.Tyrrell, a director of North member Arklow Shipping, takes up the role from February 4, having previously served as vice-chair of the North board. The formal announcement follows full approval by the Prudential Regulation Authority, which supervises around 1…

'K' Line Joins Data Sharing Platform

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) and Ship Data Center Co., Ltd. (ShipDC) have agreed to share operation data of all “K” Line fleet equipped with Kawasaki Integrated Maritime Solutions through IoS Open Platform (IoS-OP), the ship IoT data sharing platform promoted by ShipDC.“K” LINE had so far stored operation data collected from several vessels equipped with Kawasaki Integrated Maritime Solutions to IoS-OP, and has now agreed to expand the sharing for all its owned fleet…

Geollect Wins ADMIRALTY Maritime Insurance Innovation Challenge

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) announced geospatial intelligence technology provider Geollect as the winner of the second ADMIRALTY Marine Innovation Program challenge.Launched last year in collaboration with RE_SET, the program aims to help start-ups and innovators develop new solutions that support safe, secure and thriving oceans. The program’s second innovation challenge focused on ‘Transforming Maritime Risk & Insurance’, with entrants tasked with identifying, trialing and proving how marine geospatial data can be used to enhance maritime insurance products.For this challenge…

Crew Change Hubs Could Help Address Seafarer Crisis, Says MAJ

A global network of crew change hubs would help alleviate the humanitarian crisis seafarers face at present, according to the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ).They could offer a short-term solution to the barriers presented by global travel restrictions, ensuring vital crew changes could take place and facilitating trade and logistics to the benefit of the world economy, the Flag State advised.Rear Admiral (ret’d) Peter Brady, MAJ Director General, explained, “In the Caribbean for example…

Austal USA Names Koblas VP of Human Resources

Shipbuilder Austal USA said it has promoted Sandra Koblas to vice president of human resources.Koblas joined Austal USA in 2007 and has served as the Mobile, Ala. shipyard's director of human resources for the past eight years, leading the company’s employee relations; diversity, equity and inclusion; talent acquisition and management; and education, training and workforce development.As vice president of human resources, she will lead a team poised to address workforce, training…

Maryland Dredging Project Benefits the Environment and Economy

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are marking a milestone of environmental stewardship this month on the landmark restoration of Poplar Island near Talbot County. Simultaneously, the agencies are advancing plans for their next partnership using dredged materials to preserve and protect Maryland’s waterways: the Mid-Chesapeake Bay Island Ecosystem Restoration.Since 1998, Poplar Island has…

Why the EU’s Proposed Carbon Border Levy is an Important Test

In the more than two decades since the Kyoto Protocol was adopted, national policies on climate change have had dangerously and disappointingly little effect on global emissions.Within the current economic system, perhaps the most ambitious attempt to reduce emissions has been the EU’s emissions trading system (or ETS). In operation since 2005, the ETS covers more than 11,000 heavy-energy-using power stations, factories and airlines, representing around 40% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Managing Risk: Shipowners Not Meeting Emission Regs Face a Big Business Risk

There is  increasing pressure for shipowners to sharpen their environmental performance, driven by an IMO target to halve greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by 2050, regional regulations and market pull from charterers, banks and investors.“This represents a whole new ball game for the industry. Optimization of ship operations has traditionally been dictated by the efficiency of delivery around the globe that has typically meant being able to sail at full speed, thereby burning more fuel, to minimize costs for the charterer.

Valenciaport to the Fore in Spain's LNG Bunkering Ops

Valenciaport is at the forefront in Spain in the supply of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) by the shipping company Baleària. Specifically, in 2020, the Dénia-based company carried out a total of 291 natural gas supply operations, reaching 26,777 cu. m., in the Port of Valencia, which represents 40% of the bunkering operations carried out by the company in Spain. The Port Authority of Valencia (PAV) and Baleària have been collaborating for years in the introduction of LNG and the improvement of supply services to ships with this fuel with the implementation of the Multi Truck to Ship System (MTTS).

New Kitsap Transit Ferry Completes Sea Trials

A new BMT design 140-ft. catamaran passenger ferry has  reportedly passed its sea trial and is due to enter the Kitsap Transit fleet in the next few weeks. Dubbed Enetai, the boat was built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) in Seattle, with a sister vessel, Commander,  due to be launched later in 2021.The ferry is designed to carry 255 passengers on a single deck, with space for up to 26 bicycles. Designed with combined bow and side loaders to enable operations at multiple terminals…

Pandemic-Related Risks Top the List for 2021, says 10th Allianz Risk Barometer

Business interruption, pandemic outbreak and cyber incidents -- three separate but 'strongly interlinked' matters -- lead the pack as the top threats to maritime in 2021, according to the 10th Allianz survey on risk in the maritime sector.The maritime industry, on its best day, is fraught with risk, as people, machinery and the bulk of world trade regularly traverses some of the most perilous conditions on the planet. According to the 10th Allianz Risk Barometer 2021 for the sector…

Valmet Tech Enhances Scrubber, Exhaust Gas Recirculation Systems

Valmet is enhancing emission control with its patented and fully automatic water treatment solution for the marine scrubber system and exhaust gas recirculation system. Valmet Marine Water Treatment system consists of four different modules that are designed to be easily fit in different vessel layouts. Due to the layout flexibility, the water treatment system can be installed both in new building vessels as well as retrofits.Valmet has designed its marine water treatment systems with the environment and ease-of-use in mind…

Asian Market, Fuel Prices Drive Freight Rates in Valenciaport

The Valencia Containerized Freight Index (VCFI) of December experienced a growth of 4.19% with respect to the previous month, confirming the trend of the last five months of the year of increased freight rates. The high demand for traffic with China and the rise in fuel prices have played a major role in this increase. Thus, the VCFI as a thermometer of the evolution of maritime transport prices is demonstrating the recovery of economic activity. Thus, freight rates end 2020 with a new all-time high of 1…

Nor-Shipping Postponed to January 2022

Nor-Shipping has postponed its planned exhibition and activity program for June 2021, pushing the event back to January 10-13, 2022, organizers announced. The maritime trade fair is the latest in a string of international shipping events to be postponed or canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Nor-Shipping 2019 was the most successful event week in the initiative’s over 50 year history. It saw more than 50,000 participants (a 34% increase over 2017), gathering from over 85 nations, at the main exhibition halls in Lillestrøm and across venues throughout nearby Oslo.

Lloyd’s Register Names Members of Its Decarbonization Panel

Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) announced the industry experts who have joined the advisory panel of its Maritime Decarbonization Hub, a dedicated center of excellence launched in October that aims to accelerate the safe, sustainable and cost-effective decarbonization of world shipping in support of delivering greenhouse gas reduction targets.The panel is made up of representatives from across the industry and includes Ole Graa Jakobsen, VP Head of Fleet Technology at AP Moller-Maersk…

SSY Publishes Shipping Outlook for 2021

After a highly volatile 2020, shipbroker Simpson Spence Young (SSY) looks at the next 12 months and highlights areas of particular interest in their 2021 Outlook Report. The report looks at various drivers of the shipping markets, including how the developing emissions regulations may affect commercial fleets and shipping investments.Contributions come from a range of senior research and broking experts and cover dry bulk, tanker and gas freight markets; shipping investments, CO2 emissions, FFAs, metals and energy derivatives.

Tech Files: Breathing New Life into Old Port Cranes

Retrofits of new features into existing ports cranes can produce operational efficiency and safety gains not included on cranes delivered 15-20 years ago, including Ship-to-Shore (STS) Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) and Rail Mounted Gantry (RMG) types. Here, Dmitry Lapin, Knowledge and Development Manager, Port Services, Konecranes, looks at retrofit options proven in applications internationally.Sooner or later, the owners of ports cargo handling equipment are going to face a number of technical and organizational questions about the future.

Roberts Named President of Foss Maritime

Seattle-based tug and towing company Foss Maritime said its chief operating officer Will Roberts has been promoted to president.“It was evident to our leadership team that Will’s ability to perform at the highest level along with his business acumen continues to align very well with our organization,” said Jason Childs CEO of Foss' parent company Saltchuk Marine. “As we look to the future, we’re confident that Will is the right person to lead Foss and carry on the long legacy of providing the highest level of service and support to our team and customers in the maritime sector.”Roberts said…

Kongsberg Sim-based eLearning Solutions for MAAP

Kongsberg Digital reports that the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) has adopted its new K-Sim eLearning solution, as well as commissioning installation of a cutting-edge K-Sim Safety firefighting simulator at its premises in the Philippines.K-Sim Connect has provided more than 23,000 cloud-based simulations to customers worldwide this year.MAAP – a leading institution of excellence for maritime education and training in the Asia-Pacific region – has for decades been a pioneer in the use of new simulation-based training tools.

Port of Oakland Extends Project Labor Agreement

The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners have extended the Port's landmark project labor agreement (PLA) that increases East Bay hiring on Port-related capital projects. Negotiated in 2016, the PLA serves as a model for increasing the number of disadvantaged workers in the construction trades especially the highly competitive list trades. The five-year contract will continue to increase local hiring on Port construction projects, increase the number of disadvantaged workers entering the trades and boost earnings for local workers. The Port’s PLA contributes greatly to the East Bay economy.

ONE to Charter World's Largest Containerships

Singapore-headquartered container carrier Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd. (ONE) said it has signed a letter of intent (LoI) with Japan's Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. for the 15-year charter of six new ultra large containerships (ULCS). The vessels, with capacity greater than 24,000 TEU each, are said to be the world's largest.The newbuilds will be built by the consortium of compatriot shipyards Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Japan Marine United Corporation for planned delivery…

Matson Takes Delivery of New Con-ro Matsonia

Matson has taken delivery of Matsonia, the second of two new Kanaloa Class combination container / roll-on, roll-off (con-ro) ships built for the U.S. carrier at General Dynamics NASSCO's San Diego shipyard. Weighing in at over 50,000 metric tons, Matsonia and Lurline are each 870 feet long, with 114 feet beam and a deep draft of 38 feet. The sister ships have an enclosed garage with room for approximately 500 vehicles, plus ample space for rolling stock and breakbulk cargo. Lurline…

Great Ships of 2020: NYK's Sakura Leader

The world’s first Digital Smart Ship (DSS)On October 28, 2020, NYK took delivery of Sakura Leader, a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) capable of navigating oceans with only LNG as the ship’s main fuel. This delivery marks a step toward achieving NYK’s environment management target, which is to reduce CO2 emissions per ton-kilometer of transport by 50% by 2050. The vessel was built at the Shin Kurushima Dockyard of Shin Kurushima Toyohashi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd.The ship is the first large LNG-fueled PCTC to be built in Japan.

AIP to Daehan Shipbuilding for Small LPG Carriers

DNV GL has awarded an Approval in Principle (AIP) to Daehan Shipbuilding (DHSC) for a new design of small-size LPG carriers in the range of 5,000-7,000 DWT. The AIP handover ceremony took place recently at the DHSC headquarters in Mokpo. Dae-Seong Jeong, DHSC President & CEO, and Vidar Dolonen, Regional Manager Korea & Japan at DNV GL - Maritime, attended the presentation. Prior to the AIP, DHSC and DNV GL had teamed up in a joint development project (JDP) on small-size LPG carriers using LPG as dual fuel.

VIDEO: Port of Gdynia Construction Project Moving Forward

Treasury bonds are issued for the Port of Gdynia Authority S.A. (PGA) to secure funds for the Outer Port Gdynia construction project, funding to be invested in building the access infrastructure in the form of breakwaters.The Port of Gdynia Authority S.A. formally launched a procedure to select a private partner for the “Construction of the Outer Port in the Port of Gdynia” project. The deadline for submitting applications for admission to the qualification procedure is scheduled for January 15…

Japan's Maritime Industry Powers Forward on "Green" Ships

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Participating in "Planning and Design Center for Greener Ships" focussed on R&D toward Achieving Decarbonized Shipping, and on December 10, 2020, a presentation was held in Yokohama to announce the establishment of the Center.Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. has become a member of "Planning and Design Center for Greener Ships," a core organization established to plan and propose state-of-the-art ships on a continuing basis through integration of the accumulated expertise of Japan's shipbuilding industry.

Top Maritime Trends of 2020: Tackling the Scourge of Containership Fires

The proliferation of serious fires onboard container ships in recent years has shocked the shipping industry. Here we examine the causes and impact of such fires and the urgent efforts being made by a wide variety of stakeholders to solve this seemingly intractable problem.Over the last decade there has been a 70% fall in ship total losses[1]. This has been widely credited to long term improvements in ship safety management and loss prevention programs. Counter to this trend, there has been a substantial increase in the number of fires in containers carried onboard container and RoRo ships.

Sharp Crewing Services Establishes COVID-19 Test Site in Manila

Philippines and Singapore-based crew specialist CF Sharp has established its own COVID-19 testing center in Manila to speed up its crew change process amid mounting coronavirus case counts and ongoing logistical challenges for seafarers and ship managers globally. Sharp, which earlier this year repatriated more than 12,000 crew members from cruise ships around the world, is now pitching in to assist with crew changes for commercial vessels docked off the Philippine coast and has…

Port of Los Angeles Inks $6.8 Mln Cybersecurity Deal with IBM

The Port of Los Angeles is working with IBM to design and operate a Port Cyber Resilience Center (CRC) at the U.S.' busiest container port.A $6.8 million, three-year agreement between the seaport and tech giant includes hardware, software and services to design, install, operate and maintain the first-of-its-kind system aimed at detecting and protecting against malicious cyber incidents potentially impacting cargo flow as well as improving the quality, quantity and speed of cyber…

Vestdavit wins Contract to Supply on new USCG Icebreaker

Vestdavit won a tender with Pascagoula, Miss. shipbuilder Halter Marine to supply marine davits for the U.S. Coast Guard’s new Polar Security Cutter (PSC). The 460-foot vessel will support U.S. operations in Arctic and Antarctic waters.Two HNFE-5000 davit systems from Vestdavit will launch and recover the Coast Guard’s ‘Over the Horizon’ rigid-hull inflatable boat, designed to intercept fast and non-compliant vessels, from the PSC’s enclosed bay. The lead PSC is scheduled to be delivered to the Coast Guard in 2024.“The PSC is a robust…

WMU PhD Candidate Ambrose Wins Goldman Environmental Prize

Kristal Ambrose, a PD candidate at the World Maritime University, is the recipient of the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize 2020. The award is the world’s foremost environmental prize and honors outstanding environmental activism through community and citizen participation on critical sustainability issues facing the planet.Ambrose founded the Bahamas Plastic Movement in 2013 to develop solutions to plastic pollution and to educate young people on the importance of a clean and healthy ocean.

Maritime Training: Non-Traditional Maritime Simulation

Our COVID-19 maritime world continues to change as our perspectives on education and training with the availability of online learning and conferencing, an increased use of webinars, and the use of simulation technology must evolve if we are to be able to continue to train and maintain skill sets as we navigate the current and predicted restrictions on movement. Changes made now may eventually become fully integrated in to future iterations of training in many industries.An increasing…

China Says Coal Imports Failed Environment Standards

Some coal imported into China had failed to meet environmental standards, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Wednesday in response to reports of dozens of shipments of Australian coal stalled in Chinese ports."In recent years Chinese customs have conducted risk monitoring assessments on the safety and quality of imported coal, and we found that many coal imports have failed to meet environmental standards," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said when asked about the Australian…

Wallem Inks Deal with Navigate Response

Wallem Shipmanagement appointed Navigate Response to enhance its global media response capability, tasked to deliver crisis communications support and training to its global operations on shore and at sea.“Wallem Shipmanagement is committed to investing in technology that primarily enhances the safety of our seafarers and improves security, productivity and efficiency. In Navigate Response we recognize a similar commitment to leveraging digital solutions to deliver world-class crisis communications and on-line training…

Emission Reduction Tech: RightShip Debuts Maritime Emissions Portal

As the maritime community collectively fights to reduce emissions, RightShip and Pilbara Ports Authority have developed a pilot program that allows ports around the world to review their emissions profiles and develop management strategies. After partnering with The Australian Marine Environment Protection Association (AUSMEPA), and winning a $250,000 Google Impact grant in 2016, RightShip and AUSMEPA have developed a Maritime Emissions Portal (MEP), which will provide leading emissions inventory data to ports around the world.Available now for commercial use…

Pilot Thomas Logistics Expands Gulf Coast Reach

Fuel, lubricants and petroleum solutions provider Pilot Thomas Logistics (PTL) and its family of companies including Radcliff/Economy, Maxum Petroleum and Economy Boat Store, announced that PTL has received authorization from MSD Victoria to perform over the water transfers in the Houston-Galveston and Texas City Sectors. The authorization expands and extends the service area that now encompasses the entire Western Gulf Coast from Brownsville, Texas to Lake Charles, La."We’ve had early operational success in Brownsville…