Maritime Safety News Archives - Page 60 of 260 - SHIP IP LTD

China’s iron ore imports in June fell modestly from a year earlier, customs data showed on Wednesday, due to weaker demand from the steel-making industry.

The world’s top iron ore consumer imported 88.97 million tonnes of iron ore last month, easing 0.5% from 89.42 million tonnes in June 2021, the General Administration of Customs said.

The June import level also showed a 3.8% monthly decrease from May.

In the first half of 2022, China imported 535.75 million tonnes of iron ore, down 4.4% from the same period a year earlier.

Iron ore imports into China had slumped from March to April, as Brazil’s Vale halted iron ore train operations due to heavy rain while miners in Australia suffered from pandemic-induced labor shortages.

Supply disruptions have eased from May, and analysts expect imports to ramp up in the second half of the year.

“We must not forget that multi-100-million tonne per year iron ore mining strategies cannot be altered at the drop of a hat or in response to price volatility,” said Atilla Widnell, managing director at Navigate Commodities in Singapore.

“It is important to note that most of the majors operate using the ‘Just-in-Time’ inventory approach and will ship capes to their Chinese portside operations to sell in smaller yuan-denominated parcels.”

Lockdowns to curb the spread of COVID-19 contributed to tepid iron ore consumption by China’s steel sector.

As of July 8, iron ore inventory at Chinese ports hit a one-month high of 128.3 million tonnes, after rising for two consecutive weeks, based on SteelHome consultancy data.
“Chinese steel companies are still suffering from weak margins and high inventories, which has seen some suspend operations,” ANZ Research said in a Monday note.
The customs data also showed June steel product exports at 7.56 million tonnes, up 17% from the same period of 2021.

Steel exports for the first half of 2022 came in at 33.46 million tonnes, 10.5% lower than last year.
Source: Reuters (Reporting by Emily Chow in Kuala Lumpur, additional reporting by Enrico Dela Cruz in Manila; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Bradley Perrett and Amy Caren Daniel)


Scrubber investments could rise considerably as new research evidence proves both its financial but also their operational benefits to ship owners. In its latest weekly report, shipbroker Intermodal said that “market sentiment remains bullish regarding the overall ROI of scrubbers, facing tailwinds from a surprisingly favorable Hi-5 spread. Under a blurred setting regarding the direction and efficiency of alternative fuels and the current geopolitical disruptions, owners tend to adopt a medium-term approach to the evaluation of their investment towards decarbonization, rather than a long-term which might be overturned”.

 

According to Intermodal’s Research Analyst, Ms. Chara Georgousi, “recent studies have shown that running on HSFO and on a scrubber produces way lower emissions than running on LSMGO, further confirming the viability of a scrubber investment. Currently, owners who will drydock their vessels soon are increasingly considering investing in pollution abatement technology, in return for the benefits from the expected savings in the bunkering costs”.

Source: Intermodal

“Coming down to the decision-making, the choice of scrubber type is a key factor that shapes the fitting cost but will mostly affect future savings and compliance with changing regulations. While most vessels carry open-loop scrubbers, many vessels fitted now opt for hybrid types, which offer increased flexibility for operation in all areas, regardless of ECA’s constraining rules or seawater alkalinity. Technological investments have a special mechanism of assessment, therefore, payback period, level of risk, tax prospects and expected inflation should be considered. The main criteria regarding the justification of a scrubber investment should be the ROI (including CAPEX & OPEX), the space occupied, and the weight, with horizontal scrubbers weighting less and covering less space compared to vertical ones, thus, minimizing the impact on a vessel’s cargo-carrying capacity and its profitability. Due to the funding difference of the technology implementation, the terms of inflows (fuel savings) and outflows (CAPEX & OPEX) should be identified, while the determining factor will be the maximum payback period”, Georgousi noted.

She added that “currently, owners who have already invested in scrubbers are enjoying a high ROI, while benefiting from more than $500/t Hi-5 spreads. For instance, in Singapore it was assessed at an all-time high of $569.50/t on July 5th, creating, therefore, the perfect scenario for scrubber-equipped ships. In Fujairah, the set-up is pretty much similar with the spread fluctuating close to the $500/t range. While HSFO markets in Asia have been weakening on the back of sanctions on Urals crude in Europe and the US, VLSFO markets are seeing a tight supply as refineries have been utilizing sweeter crude to maximize gasoline production to meet the demand for the peak driving season in the US and due to the expanded regional turnaround and strong gasoline cracks”.

Ms. Georgousi concluded that “at the moment, retrofitting times vary between 30 and 50 days, which is important to consider under the current market conditions. According to our data, retrofits now take place at a slower pace, while during 1H of 2022 only 3.7% of newbuilt vessels are scrubber fitted, compared to 13.9% during 1H of 2021. Since investments in technology are capital intensive, owners tend to keep a more conservative stance and ensure a balance in their fleets, until clarity is given on what will be the most cost-efficient and dominant compliant method”.
Nikos Roussanoglou, Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide


The annual indexation (2022) for “A guide to cost standards for dredging equipment 2009” is now available. New in this year’s edition are the inclusion of sustainability factors.

The dredging sector recognises the importance of working in a sustainable way and the IADC (International Associations of Dredging Companies) promotes the industry’s vital role in the global sustainability transition and contribution to solutions for sustainability challenges.

A guide to cost standards for dredging equipment 2009

The publication “A guide to cost standards for dredging equipment 2009” offers a standard method to establish the capital and related costs of various types of dredging plant and equipment that are commonly in use within the industry. Every year, an updated index is prepared by IADC’s Indexation Cost Standards Committee and published by Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA), a neutral, independent and not-for-profit body.

The guide supports stakeholders in dredging projects and provides essential information for determining tenders and cost estimates. It provides a description of the most common dredgers and dredging equipment used as well as the principles and definitions for the standards and cost standard tables. These tables represent calculations on replacement values, depreciation and interest costs as well as maintenance and repair costs for the various types of equipment.

Prepared by IADC with data exclusively collected for this purpose, the reference gives the replacement value for ex-works, yard or importer for several types of dredging equipment including trailing suction hopper dredgers, cutter suction dredgers, boosters, jack-ups and steel pipelines. The publication is based on the experience and statistics from international dredging contractors that are members of IADC.

Sustainability factors

The introduction of a sustainability factor is applicable to the standard value of a trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD). Its value can therefore be increased by a sustainability factor that considers the following:

  1. If SCR (selective catalytic reduction) installations on each engine >130 kW have been installed (except on engines used solely for emergencies), and have been commissioned on the vessel;
  2. If DPF (diesel particle filters) on each engine have been installed (except on engines used solely for emergencies) and have been commissioned on the vessel; and
  3. If the LNG installation has been commissioned on the vessel, which can be proven by a BV class notation “dual-fuel” or equivalent.

‘We are pleased that important sustainability factors are now also published together with the annual indexation,’ says Rene Kolman, Secretary General of IADC. ‘This proves that sustainability is increasingly becoming an important part of dredging-related topics, both within the industry itself, but also among independent researchers, policy makers and regulators.’

The annual indexation and sustainability factors are published by CIRIA and can be downloaded for free from the CIRIA website and are also available on IADC’s website.

Source: https://swzmaritime.nl/news/2022/07/13/cost-standards-indexation-for-dredging-equipment-now-includes-sustainability-factors/


There have long been warnings that failure by IMO to act more aggressively on shipping decarbonization would lead more countries and regions to introduce their own measures. Already, the EU is moving to include shipping in its Emissions Trading System. Now, the discontent with IMO actions has reached the U.S. Congress in the form of a new Clean Shipping Act.

Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), who represents the Port of Long Beach, today introduced the Clean Shipping Act, legislation aimed at zeroing out pollution from all ocean shipping companies that do business with the U.S. The bill is cosponsored by Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44), who represents the Port of Los Angeles, which with the neighboring Long Beach port comprise the busiest container port complex in the Western Hemisphere.

“Since my earliest days of public service on the Long Beach City Council three decades ago, I have worked to clean up the maritime industry,” Congressman Lowenthal said. “This legislation continues this effort .”

If passed, the Clean Shipping Act would amend the Clean Air Act to require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to, among other thing:

  • Set carbon intensity standards for fuels used by ships. The bill sets progressively tighter carbon intensity standards for fuels used by ships consistent with a 1.5° Celsius decarbonization pathway. These standards would require lifecycle carbon dioxide-equivalent reductions of 20 percent from January 1, 2027, 45 percent from January 1, 2030, 80 percent from January 1, 2035, and 100 percent from January 1, 2040, relative to the 2024 emissions baseline. The EPA will retain regulatory discretion to ensure the continued success of the ocean freight system through this transition, while achieving maximum carbon reductions.
  • Set requirements to eliminate in-port ship emissions by 2030. By January 1, 2030, all ships at-berth or at-anchor in U.S. ports would emit zero GHG emissions and zero air pollutant emissions.

“The Clean Shipping Act of 2022 is bold legislation that will make the United States a global climate leader in addressing pollution from the shipping industry and protect the health of port communities in Los Angeles and around the country,” Congresswoman Barragán said. “This is a big step forward for climate-smart ports and a clean energy future for every community. Proud to support this legislation as an original co-sponsor. Thank you to Congressman Lowenthal for your leadership and partnership to clean up the maritime industry and advance the greening of our ports.”

A backgrounder from Congressman Lowenthal’s office notes that IMO’s goal of cutting shipping emissions by at least 50 percent below 2008 levels by 2050 is not aligned with achieving the goal of the Paris Agreement to limit global average temperature increase to 1.5-degrees Celsius in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

“We no longer have the luxury of waiting to act,” Congressman Lowenthal said. “We must face the fact that we are at a tipping point in the climate crisis; we must move beyond fossil fuels, and that includes air, land and sea transportation sources. No emissions sources can go overlooked. This legislation will set clear standards and drive the investment and innovation we need to transition to a zero-carbon future. It will clean up our ports once and for all, with a straightforward nationwide policy. This bill is the right policy for the future of our planet, for the health of our communities, and ultimately for the resiliency of goods movement.”

Source: https://www.marinelog.com/legal-safety/environment/tougher-than-imo-bill-on-ship-emissions-introduced-in-house/


TOTE Services and Philly Shipyard yesterday celebrated the cutting of steel for the third National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV), which is set for delivery to Maine Maritime Academy by the end of 2024.

The event marked another major construction milestone for the MARAD NSMV program, designed to provide a purpose-built, state-of-the-art training platform for the state maritime academies in New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Texas, and California. In addition to their training role, the five NSMVs will be available to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in times of need.

“We’ve reached a historic milestone with the cutting of steel for this ship that will be used to train future cadets at the Maine Maritime Academy,” said TOTE Services President Jeff Dixon. “We’re grateful for the widespread, bipartisan support the NSMV program has received to help make this significant investment in the U.S. maritime industry possible.”

TOTE Services is MARAD’s Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) for the NSMV program. The innovative VCM contract structure enables the government to benefit from commercial best practices to design and construct vessels that are built by union labor in a U.S. shipyard with U.S.-made steel and U.S.-made engines.

The VCM model has allowed TOTE Services and Philly Shipyard to coordinate closely to meet critical construction milestones for MARAD’s NSMV program throughout the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, economic pressures, and other challenges.

In April 2022, TOTE Services awarded Philly Shipyard a contract to construct the fifth and final NSMV, fulfilling MARAD’s vision of recapitalizing the fleet of maritime training academies throughout the country.

“Just over two years ago, we received the initial order from TOTE Services for two NSMVs which officially ended our production gap and breathed new life into our shipyard,” said Steinar Nerbovik, President and CEO, Philly Shipyard. “Today, we proudly cut steel on a vessel destined for the docks of Maine Maritime and add a third ship to the active production lines within our yard. I want to thank everyone involved with this project to date and look forward seeing the cadets welcome their new training vessel in 2024.”

“This historic day has been years in the making and – thanks to the efforts of the Maine Congressional delegation – we’re proud to now celebrate the start of construction of the State of Maine training vessel – which will help elevate our nation’s maritime interests and readiness for global humanitarian assistance,” said Maine Maritime Academy President Jerry Paul. “We look forward to welcoming this world class, state-of-the-art vessel to its future home in Castine, Maine and its place in U.S. maritime history.”

Construction of the first two vessels is well underway with contracted delivery of NSMV I to SUNY Maritime College in 2023 and NSMV II to Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2024.

Source: https://www.marinelog.com/shipbuilding/shipyards/shipyard-news/philly-shipyard-cuts-steel-for-third-nsmv/


Classification society Korean Register (KR) has agreed to collaborate with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) and KLCSM on autonomous navigation systems for ships.

The three parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to conduct joint research on the application of autonomous navigation systems for mid-sized to large-sized vessels.

As part of the agreement, KLCSM’s fleet of operating ships will be equipped with SHI’s autonomous navigation system, called Samsung Autonomous Ship (SAS), for risk assessments.

What should market participants prioritise when aiming to develop a clear view of ESG risks and opportunities? Andrea Blackman, global head of Moody’s ESG Solutions, discusses how attitudes and expectations are changing, and the role ‘comprehensive coverage’ must play in greening the global economy.

As urgency around the climate crisis heightens, the world is seeing a greater call for accountability and transparency. Market and investor pressure is mounting on the private sector to transition to a low-carbon economy, making corporate ESG disclosures a critical piece of the puzzle.

Vague claims around sustainability will not pass muster with investors and regulators. Rather, they are calling for precise data around companies’ ESG impacts, be that in the form of understanding nature-related risk, biodiversity loss, human rights considerations or other ESG factors.

The system will also support the development and certification of cybersecurity systems, as well as provide a review of the conformity of different agreements and standards for future approval of ship registries.

Additionally, KR, SHI and KLCSM agreed to work together to commercialise autonomous navigation systems through the Marine Equipment Directive (MED) certification of SHI’s Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) modules.

KR Plan Approval Center head Yeon Kyujin said: “I am quite confident that our strong collaboration will accelerate the commercialisation of autonomous ship equipment and technology, and enhance the quality and competitiveness of the equipment by establishing an actual ship-based autonomous operating system.”

KLCSM Corporation Managing Department director Kwon O-gil said: “With this latest joint cooperation, more autonomous navigation systems will be successfully applied to ships, which will further increase the efficiency of ship management.

“We also expect to improve vessel safety and improve the environment of ship operations amid a current shortage of sailors.”

What should market participants prioritise when aiming to develop a clear view of ESG risks and opportunities? Andrea Blackman, global head of Moody’s ESG Solutions, discusses how attitudes and expectations are changing, and the role ‘comprehensive coverage’ must play in greening the global economy.

As urgency around the climate crisis heightens, the world is seeing a greater call for accountability and transparency. Market and investor pressure is mounting on the private sector to transition to a low-carbon economy, making corporate ESG disclosures a critical piece of the puzzle.

Vague claims around sustainability will not pass muster with investors and regulators. Rather, they are calling for precise data around companies’ ESG impacts, be that in the form of understanding nature-related risk, biodiversity loss, human rights considerations or other ESG factors.

Founded in 1960, KR offers verification and certification services for ships and other maritime structures. It has been a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) since 1988.

Recently, KR granted approval in principle (AIP) for a methanol dual-fuel very large crude oil carrier (VLCC).

Source: https://www.ship-technology.com/news/kr-autonomous-navigation-systems-ships/


The possibility now exists for ships to navigate the globe with no one at the helm. This capability has been demonstrated in the United States, Europe and Japan by autonomous workboats, survey vessels, and coastwise voyages by autonomous cargo vessels and ferries with the development of larger vessels capable of making trans-oceanic voyages coming soon. Despite this new reality, aside from a patchwork of voluntary best practices, there are no international standards for the safe design, operation or maintenance of autonomous vessels.

Recognizing this gap, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has recently completed a so-called Regulatory Scoping Exercise (RSE) to begin the process of creating a framework for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (known as MASS) to enable their safe operation within existing IMO instruments, the most significant being the Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS).

Source: https://www.blankrome.com/publications/autonomous-cargo-ships-and-new-collision-regulations


The Interlake Steamship Company said its new vessel, the Mark W. Barker, departed from Sturgeon Bay, Wis. shipyard Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding last week for the first stage of underway testing.

The 639-foot-long vessel is the first new Great Lakes bulk carrier to be built in the U.S. in nearly four decades.

The builders trial marks the first time the ship has sailed under its own power. Personnel from Fincantieri and Interlake are on board for the trials.

“This is the beginning of a process that has several stages. It’s the pretest to the test so to speak,” said Mark W. Barker, president of The Interlake Steamship Company and the vessel’s namesake. “There are multiple stages where the vessel will depart and return to the shipyard so necessary adjustments can be made. This is a normal process to prepare for the U.S. Coast Guard sea trials and to ensure that the vessel is truly ready to go operational on the Lakes.”

Once in service, the new River-class, self-unloading bulk carrier will transport raw materials such as salt, iron ore, and stone to support manufacturing throughout the Great Lakes region.

(Photo: The Interlake Steamship Company) 

(Photo: The Interlake Steamship Company)

Source:https://www.marinelink.com/news/first-modern-usbuilt-laker-begins-sea-497975


Report has emerged, that bulk carrier KHARIS TRINITY on Jul 7 suffered deck machinery cargo collapse in Arabian sea off western coast of India off Kannur, while en route from China to Mumbai. The ship anchored off Kannur, on Jul 8 moved to Cochin, to reload and secure cargo. On Jul 10 bulk carrier left port and anchored at Cochin outer anchorage, as of 1400 UTC Jul 11 was in the same position. Understood no cargo was lost overboard, it’s damaged but not lost.

Source: https://www.fleetmon.com/maritime-news/2022/38801/korean-bulk-carrier-deck-cargo-collapse/


(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) The landscape of maritime commerce is rapidly shifting as advances in digital technology drive industry towards increased automation. Globally, in Norway and Finland, vessels like the Yara Birkeland and Finnferries’ Falco, respectively, have demonstrated through the future of research and development in this space.

Additionally, we looked at the risks and challenges that must be overcome to enable safe and secure deployment of autonomous technology in the maritime domain. With new this technology comes risks that challenge the norms of safety and operational requirements.
Accordingly, the US Coast Guard must understand these emerging technologies and their limitations, in order to provide a clear path towards sensible, prudent regulation in alignment with our global partners. Further, Captains of the Port must continue to engage with maritime stakeholders to manage new autonomous vessel projects, research, and testing while minimizing risks to local waterways.

Globally, the International Maritime Organization continues its efforts, working with maritime nations to establish governance of autonomous vessels and chart the path forward for modifications to international conventions. In parallel, domestic efforts are ongoing as the U.S. Coast Guard is currently evaluating amendments to regulations and policy needed to keep pace with the forthcoming changes brought by autonomous shipping. Concurrently, industry continues to innovate and develop new and exciting systems that highlight gaps in current international and domestic requirements. We will work through these challenges together to ensure alignment in our mutual goals for a continued safe, prosperous, and technologically advanced maritime sector.

As we move forward, autonomous technology provides a tremendous opportunity for our maritime workforce and creates a demand signal for young leaders who understand the technology and can help shape the future operating environment. We are excited to see
contributions from the maritime academies who are integrating autonomous technology into their curriculums to train the next generation of mariners. There are also articles from some of the USCG junior officers who recently earned post graduate degrees and others who are pursuing excellence in the field.

Autonomous technology brings new challenges, pushing the bounds of international and domestic laws, regulations, and standards. In many cases, these guiding documents will require modifications to account for the changing risk profile these vessels and systems pose. Internationally, work on this front continues through the International Maritime Organization. Domestically, the US Coast Guard continues to address policy and regulatory
gaps while working closely with Captains of the Port and Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection to ensure a consistent and standardized approach to these new vessel projects is employed.

As this technology progresses, mariners’ roles are changing. In the future, these positions will likely be increasingly technical and work in concert with automated systems in the course of vessel navigation, engineering, and maintenance. Solutions to the challenges presented by autonomous vessels are not simple. They will require close cooperation between the technology industry, vessel operators, and regulators.

Read more on the subject, in this edition of Proceedings, Spring 2022 edition of the US Coast Guard Journal of Safety & Security at Sea, highlighting the innovative developments in autonomous vessel technology and the challenges faced by industry and regulators in the drive towards greater automation in the maritime landscape:

 

Source: USCG


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