Maritime Safety News Archives - Page 71 of 260

A new report published by Inmarsat indicates that seafarers are largely in favour of greater digitalisation but that a sizeable proportion of those working at sea also fear shrinking job opportunities.

Compiled by maritime innovation consultancy Thetius, Seafarers in the Digital Age – Prioritising Human Element in Maritime Digital Transformation draws on the results of a survey of 200 maritime professionals.

After canvassing seagoing and shore-based shipping personnel for views on the impacts of digitalisation on their health and welfare, on training, careers and job retention, and on performance, Thetius describes the relationship between seafarers and emerging maritime technologies as “broadly positive”. However, responses also reveal that shipping companies and technology providers have work to do to change crew misgivings over digital transformation at sea.

In a standout finding, the report informs that over 1 in 3 seafarers choosing personal access to digital technology as the key factor when considering a new employer. In fact, as an inducement, internet access ranks higher than pay (chosen by fewer than 1 in 4). The Seafarer Happiness Index (SHI) for Q1 2022 indicates crew well-being dropping to its lowest level since the SHI was founded in 2015, with limited access to basic internet connectivity given as a primary cause, Thetius notes.

Seafarers in the Digital Age captures a shipping industry responding quickly to crew connectivity needs: 78 per cent of ship operators surveyed report having installed internet connectivity on board for the personal use by crew in the last five years.

However, the report also highlights the way seafarers see risks in the wider deployment of digital technologies. Half of the seafarers responding expected job opportunities to decline by 25 per cent within five years.

“If half of our seafarers believe that traditional job opportunities at sea are disappearing, as this research suggests, more needs to be done to highlight how digitalisation will help jobs to evolve or create entirely new roles,” said Matthew Kenney, head of research and intelligence, Thetius. “Digital tools and connectivity can create happier and more productive ships, while newer, better ways of working are possible. Instead of allowing maritime professionals to become distrustful or even fearful of digital and emerging technologies, the sector must recognise the continued importance of human capital and work hard to bring crews along on the journey.”

Ben Palmer, president, Inmarsat Maritime said: “The inclusion of mandatory internet access to the Maritime Labour Convention in May represents a paradigm shift for seafaring rights, putting into law what responsible owners already fully understand: high-quality onboard internet has become a key indicator of crew welfare and hence recruitment and retention of high quality personnel. Today, it also provides the basis for new and exciting next-generation job roles at sea, as well as supporting safer operations, greater sustainability and productivity gains.”

Source: https://thedigitalship.com/news/maritime-satellite-communications/item/7930-inmarsat-and-thetius-explore-human-element-in-maritime-digitalisation

Seafarers in the Digital Age – Prioritising Human Element in Maritime Digital Transformation is available here.

The MoU covers studies on the use of zero and low-carbon marine fuels for commercial shipping applications.

Officials from MPA Singapore and CMA CGM have signed an MoU to accelerate maritime decarbonisation. Credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore has joined forces with CMA CGM Group to develop maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation and innovative solutions.

Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in this regard, the duo will study the use of zero and low-carbon marine fuels, including e-methanol, e-methane and biofuels, for commercial shipping applications.

They will also research carbon capture solutions.

Furthermore, the MoU will support the exploration of maritime cybersecurity and just-in-time shipping, accomplished through data exchanges and reporting for port and cargo documentation.

The partnership will also focus on innovations, such as shipboard automation and smarter solutions on board ships.

Both parties will also invest in Singapore-based incubators and accelerators to support marine tech startups in the city-state.

As part of its 2050 net-zero target, CMA CGM placed an order for ten dual-fuel LNG-powered vessels and six dual-fuel methanol-powered vessels.

Designed to run on e-methane, three of these ships will carry the Singapore flag.

Currently, CMA CGM Group has 29 e-methane-ready vessels. It is expected to have a total of 77 e-methane-ready vessels by the end of 2026.

CMA CGM Group chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé said: “Decarbonisation, digitalisation and innovation are strategic priorities for CMA CGM and the entire shipping industry. Given Singapore’s key position in our global network, I am very pleased to sign this partnership with the MPA.

“It will allow us to address the challenges ahead and strengthen our existing strong ties with Singapore, its industries and its digital ecosystem while reflecting our attachment to this country.”

Last month, CMA CGM signed an MoU with PSA Corporation to implement new digital solutions to reduce carbon emissions.

Source: https://www.ship-technology.com/news/cma-cgm-mpa-maritime-decarbonisation/

In conjunction with the Day of the Seafarer, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has launched ‘Salmeen,’ an initiative that aims to provide care to provide seafarers and those working in the maritime sector with comfort and safety. The initiative aims to cater to the seafarers needs, as they are one of the most important pillars of the maritime industry. ‘Salmeen’ contributes to enhancing the quality of life for seafarers and overcoming the challenges they face due to the pandemic and travel restrictions.

The UAE is a key logistics hub. It connects global shipping lines, and receives the largest number of ships heading to the region’s ports with over 21,000 ships annually. More than 27,000 local and international maritime companies work in the UAE with more than 17 million containers handled at the UAE ports each year. These achievements would not have been possible without the dedication of thousands of seafarers who arrive in the UAE waters on ships from all over the world.

Therefore, the initiative presents a comprehensive framework that includes all the Ministry’s achievements to improve the quality of life, within the UAE Government excellence system to care for and support seafarers. The impact extends beyond the UAE, to the whole world that is linked by the global trade based on the shipping sector and its heroes of seafarers.

Commenting on the initiative, H.E Eng. Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure in the UAE, said: “When we talk about the shipping sector in the UAE, we must recognise the influential role the UAE plays in the global maritime sector. The UAE is one of the best maritime hubs globally. Therefore; we introduce initiatives, laws and legislations that can develop the sector based on best practices, while taking care of the seafarers’ community who are key pillars of this industry, to help them overcome the challenges they face while performing their work. Launching the ‘Salmeen’ initiative in conjunction with the Day of Seafarers confirms our continuous support for seafarers and reflects our firm belief in the active role they play towards strengthening the role of the UAE as an unparalleled global maritime hub.

Al Mazrouei added, “Salmeen also strengthens the UAE’s position as one of the top countries in protecting the rights of seafarers, especially in such circumstances in which they played a prominent role in facing the impact of the pandemic on the global economy. Because of our role in the Ministry and our responsibility to put in place legislations and laws related to in the maritime sector, whilst we ensure compliance and implementation of these laws, we made sure that our legal system serves seafarers who significantly contribute to achieving the economic development of the UAE. The most recent of these achievements was the Cabinet’s decision regarding marine debris and violating ships, which obliges all ships carrying the UAE flag or sailing in its waters to ensure the rights of seafarers and provide their requirements.

Supporting seafarers is a major goal

The key pillars of the initiative aim to open the door for seafarers to get the support they need. This includes the best medical care, maritime education, training to build professional capabilities, as well as identifying and removing physical and social obstacles through effective cooperation between the public and private sectors. This promotes the idea of empowering ‘Our Blue Army’, which aims to enhance the impact of qualified seafarers in the industry, to inspire the younger generations.

H.E Eng. Hassan Mohamed Juma Al Mansouri, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs, said: ”Seafarers are the backbone of our industry as they connect the world via the sea. Therefore, the UAE has taken proactive measures to protect their interests and improve their quality of life. The UAE is also one of the first member states of the International Maritime Organization to classify seafarers as priority workers during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, and provided them with support by facilitating safe crew change and safely sending them to their home countries, as well as providing medical treatment and COVID-19 vaccines. We recently honored the Mission to Seafarers in the Middle East & South Asia, a charity group that helps and supports seafarers in emergencies. We are fully aware of our vital role towards the maritime transport sector and the shipping industry in general, and seafarers in particular.

The Salmeen initiative will make all ship owners and maritime organisations responsible for supporting seafarers and providing them with full protection. The Ministry has in place an ongoing monitoring system to ensure the implementation of the laws and initiatives and turn them into results. Seafarers work around the clock to support business continuity and facilitate seaborne trade in the UAE. The initiative recognises their dedication to work under all circumstances.

H.E Eng. Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, added: ”Seafarers are considered frontline workers in the maritime sector, and one of the pillars of the industry that constitutes an added economic value to the Gross National Product. The Ministry has made significant achievements in protecting and supporting seafarers. One of these achievements was contributing to the issuance of Cabinet resolution regarding marine debris and violating ships, and announcing the regulations that protect seafarers’ rights. Additionally, we have signed an agreement with the International Federation of Transport Workers to enhance cooperation in terms of supporting seafarers. This coincided with providing all forms of physical and moral support for them in the UAE, as well as free medical treatments and Covid-19 vaccines. Moreover, the UAE was one of the first countries to allow crew changes during the peak of the pandemic. It facilitated the safe exchange of more than 240,000 seafarers who were assisted to return to their home countries safely. We will always work to support the seafarers who are our “blue army” and the backbone of global trade.”
Source: UAE Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure

The Indian Coast Guard is monitoring for pollution after a general cargo ship sank off New Mangalore.

The 7,100-dwt Princess Miral (built 1990) grounded at Ullal on the south-western coast on 21 June.

All 15 Syrian seafarers on board were taken off the vessel, which eventually sank completely on 23 June.

India mobilised three aircraft and nine ships to the area in case of any oil spill.

A pollution control vessel, the ICGS Samudra Pavak, arrived from Porbandar in Gujarat on Saturday.

Booms have been placed across the river mouth nearby to contain any potential leakage.

Local officials said the Princess Miral was bound from Tianjin in China to Lebanon, with an 8,000-tonne cargo of steel coils, when it began taking on water.

All the seafarers had valid travel documents, police said.

Salvage plan being drawn up

A survey is taking place so that authorities can decide on a salvage plan and possible fuel removal.

The Mangalorean website reported Karnataka coastguard commander SB Venkatesh as saying the ship has 220 tonnes of oil on board.

Only a minor sheen from engine bilges has been observed so far and a spill is assessed as unlikely.

The Princess Miral’s commercial manager is listed as 7 Ocean Shipping of Turkey.

The vessel, classed by Universal Maritime Bureau, has no port state control detentions on its record since 2018.

Source: https://www.tradewindsnews.com/casualties/india-on-alert-for-pollution-after-turkish-cargo-ship-sinks/2-1-1246088

The Dutch Port of Rotterdam Authority and energy company Eneco revealed plans to construct shore-based power facilities in the Waalhaven, Rotterdam, so that moored Boskalis vessels can run on green electricity instead of fossil fuels.

As informed, the shore-based power installation will be built on the Boskalis site in the Waalhaven where vessels come for maintenance and mobilisation for offshore project. There are two berths on the quay at this location, which are both frequently used.

The intended completion date of the green shore power installation is 1 June 2023, and it will supply 2 GWh of green electricity per year. This is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 1.6 kiloton per year.

Shore power is an important part of the energy transition and this project fits in with the joint shore power strategy of the Port of Rotterdam Authority and the City of Rotterdam, and with Eneco’s One Planet strategy, which aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2035.

At present, moored vessels often run on generators to provide the necessary power on board thereby creating emissions. Green shore power offers the opportunity to reduce these emissions by up to 90% by providing vessels with a clean source of energy and switching off generators also helps to reduce noise.

After the shore power electricity installation on the Rozenburg peninsula and the Hoek van Holland ferry terminal in Rotterdam, the Boskalis location in the Waalhaven will be the third quayside electricity installation for seagoing vessels in the Port of Rotterdam.

Eneco and the Port of Rotterdam Authority are implementing this project through the Joint Venture Rotterdam Shore Power. They own the shore power installation and offer the green shore power ‘as a service’.

Boskalis is realizing the grid connection under its own management. Eneco is supplying the green power to Boskalis, which comes from Dutch Eneco wind & solar sources. The project is co-financed by the City of Rotterdam and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.

Source: https://www.offshore-energy.biz/boskalis-vessels-to-switch-to-shore-power-in-the-port-of-rotterdam/

The newest pollution-collecting vessels in the fleet of Netherlands-based non-profit The Ocean Cleanup have begun undergoing a series of tests in Vietnam and Malaysia to allow their performance to be evaluated under operational conditions.

The tests on sisters Interceptor 003 and Interceptor 005 include an ongoing project where the vessels are being used to collect rubbish on the surfaces of rivers in the two countries. Interceptor 003 has been operating on Vietnam’s Can Tho River since December 2021 while Interceptor 005 has been deployed on the Klang River in Malaysia since earlier this month. The vessels have been placed in strategic locations in these rivers to make sure the main plastic flow is intercepted while still allowing other boats to pass.

Like their sister vessels, Interceptor 003 and Interceptor 005 are each fitted with a floating barrier that extends towards the front for funneling waste through the vessel’s mouth. River waste flowing with the current is guided by the barrier towards the opening of each vessel, eliminating the need for additional machinery to be used for actively removing waste from the surface of the water. All electronics on each vessel – including the conveyor belt, shuttle, lights, sensors, and data transmission – are solar-powered, thus further reducing reliance on carbon-emitting generators.

Thanks to the vessels’ catamaran design, the water flow path is optimised to pass through the system, carrying the plastic onto the conveyor belt. The conveyor continuously extracts the debris from the water and delivers the waste to a shuttle that automatically distributes the debris across six dumpsters. Using sensor data, the containers are filled equally until they reach their full total capacity of 50 cubic metres. The Ocean Cleanup claims that, under optimal operations, each vessel can extract up to 50,000 kilograms of plastic per day.

The vessels can work autonomously even for 24 hours straight until their onboard storage becomes full, though they can continue extracting debris even as their six 8.3-cubic-metre dumpsters are being emptied. When a vessel is almost full, it automatically sends a text message to the local operators to come and collect the waste. Operators then remove the vessel’s lower barge assembly, bring it to the side of the river, empty the dumpsters, send off the debris to local waste management facilities. The barge can be quickly and easily reinstalled in the vessel to resume regular rubbish collection operations afterwards.

The Ocean Cleanup said the newer vessels also feature key improvements over the older vessels in its fleet. These include: a conveyor belt being widened to 2.5 metres to allow for a less obstructive flow and better distribution to the dumpsters and a widened hull and dumpsters to make the transfer of rubbish from the conveyor to the dumpsters easier and more effective. The vessels’ monocrystalline solar cell panels and smart energy storage system are also smaller but just as efficient as those of their predecessors.

The catamaran design also helps facilitate containerisation and fast deployment thanks to its modular construction that allows for easy assembly and disassembly.

Interceptor 003 and Interceptor 005 were built by Finnish company Konecranes via its various local partners in Southeast Asia on behalf of The Ocean Cleanup.

Photo: The Ocean Cleanup
Source: https://www.bairdmaritime.com/work-boat-world/small-craft-world/pollution-rubbish-cleanup/vessel-review-interceptor-003-autonomous-catamarans-take-on-river-cleanup-duties-in-southeast-asia/

Sir Robert is a 22.2-metre tug featuring two Caterpillar 3516 EUI marine diesels, producing a total of 3,280 kW and 50-tonnes pulling power, and can operate at a speed of 12 knots.

Sir Robert was delivered in Whangarei, New Zealand in November 2000 for the Port of Tauranga, named in honour of the late Sir Robert Owens, a successful businessman who played a key role in developed the Port of Tauranga.

Commissioned to replace Rotorua, which was sold to Australia after 33 years at the port, Sir Robert was intended to handle large ships and is a sister vessel for three tugs based in Auckland.

In order to cope with the demand of the thousands of large ships that berth in the Port of Tauranga each year, with 1,307 ships in the year ended June 30, 2021, Sir Robert needs to be operationally ready at all times with no sacrifice in performance. Reducing maintenance and saving time is essential for the tug, and so Propspeed was applied to the two propellers and four keel cooler tube sets.

“Following a recent dive inspection of the underwater hull,” said tug engineer Pete Frewin, “the divers’ report suggests that all areas coated in Propspeed are looking clean and free of marine build up. This includes the twin props as well as the four engine and auxiliary keel cooler tube sets.”

Mr Frewin said this inspection was completed in May and the vessel has been in operation for six months after its docking in September 2020.

Source: https://www.bairdmaritime.com/ausmarine/ausmarine-gear/gear-propspeed-coating-selected-for-nz-port-of-tauranga-tug/

Partners sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enable the fast-tracking of vessel data collection to support compliance and performance in areas such as cyber security, carbon emissions and safety

Oslo and Paris, 21 June 2022. Marlink, the smart network group, and leading classification society Bureau Veritas, have signed an agreement to accelerate the delivery of cyber-secure digital tools and safety services in the maritime industry.

The agreement links Marlink’s smart hybrid connectivity with the remote digital and safety services provided by BV. Having identified crossovers in their mutual customer base, the partners will collaborate to help enable maritime stakeholders to more easily adopt cyber-strengthened digital tools and applications using the Marlink network.

The partners have put in place a working group to support shipowners around improving the cyber-security of vessel data collection and facilitating compliance with regulation. This will support remote and digital operation modes on a journey to smarter, remote and, ultimately, autonomous ships with zero-emission.

Through their experience, Marlink and Bureau Veritas identified the need for dedicated channels of co-operation recognising a common interest in removing the barriers to smarter, cleaner vessel operations. The two organisations will seize opportunities to work outside the silos that have held back the industry from accessing data that can lower operating costs, save fuel and drive compliance.

The partner program will be expanded over time, with a proactive approach towards new areas of collaboration bringing in new initiatives where possible, ultimately leading the industry into new eras around smart shipping, unmanned and autonomous vessels. As well as simplifying implementation of cyber security standards for shipyards, the agreement is ‘open source’ enabling third party application providers, start-ups and software developers to participate where appropriate.

“This is a partnership with real purpose whose foremost point is to take action to integrate digital tools and services that can bring value for shipowners and encourage and further develop cyber-secure, innovative Class operations,” said Matthieu de Tugny, President, Bureau Veritas, Marine & Offshore. “BV is dedicated to helping our clients understand and manage the challenges of decarbonisation and adopt the digital tools that can support the transition.”

“Shipowners face huge efficiency and compliance challenges over the next decade and these need to be considered now to create a future-proof path that can integrate core operational components onboard and ashore,” said Tore Morten Olsen, President, Maritime, Marlink. “Digitalisation is critical to improving voyage optimisation and vessel performance, achieving regulatory compliance and meeting ESG goals, but shipowners shouldn’t have to act as project managers – this partnership means they can streamline and simplify their digital journey based on Class guidelines and recommendations.”

About Marlink
Marlink is the trusted partner in fully managed smart network solutions, based on an intelligent hybrid network and unrivalled digital solutions.

The company provides Smart Network Solutions, connecting people and assets around the globe and across all markets where conventional connectivity cannot reach or is not available. Marlink’s Intelligent Hybrid Network combines global satcom and terrestrial technologies via a proprietary global infrastructure.

The Marlink Smart Edge, an integrated service delivery platform, orchestrates and optimises all network elements and applications, from data handling and IT to application-based routing (SD Wan), cloud and Digital Solutions, including remote data and IT, cyber security as well as IoT/OT solutions.

This provides customers with full ‘Peace of Mind’ that their chosen network solution is fully optimised, integrated and has the security required to operate more profitably and sustainably, increasing their efficiency and safety through operational optimisation, tracking and routing, monitoring and reporting.

Marlink’s Smart Network Solutions are provided as Managed Services meeting the highest quality standards and service level agreements. The company proactively monitors and supports network solutions, providing alerts, reporting and insights on performance and usage of connectivity, systems, and applications as well as advice and consultancy on how to further optimise customer networks.

Source: https://maritimes.gr/en/maritimes-news/seagoing/45303-marlink-and-bureau-veritas-in-partnership-to-promote-digital-integration-and-connectivity-for-class-operations

Ukrainian forces struck a Russian-operated drilling rig off the coast of Crimea for a second time over the weekend, according to Russian state media.

The jackup drilling rig Tavrida was hit by a Ukrainian missile, leaving a 15-foot hole in the helipad, according to TASS. No injuries were reported in this strike, unlike the previous round of attacks, a spokesperson for Crimea’s emergency services department said.

Tavrida is reportedly one of the three rigs targeted in an earlier Ukrainian missile strike on June 20. Three people were injured in the first attack and seven remain missing. Satellite imaging appears to indicate that one of the targets (not Tavrida) is still on fire after five days.

Given the long distance from Ukrainian-held territory to the rig, many observers have suggested that the strikes were carried out using Western-supplied anti-ship missiles. The UK, U.S. and Denmark have all provided Ukraine with Harpoon anti-ship missile systems, which have already seen confirmed use against one Russian Navy vessel in the conflict.

Analysts suggest that the attacks could be part of a broader campaign to lift the Russian blockade on the Ukrainian port of Odesa. Ukrainian military sources have accused Russia of installing military surveillance and electronic-warfare equipment on the platforms, to include long-range radar observation systems; destroying these installations could help reduce Russian sea control in the northwestern Black Sea.

Tavrida is a jackup rig built in 1995 by Ukraine’s JSC Kherson shipyard. It was appropriated by Russia during the annexation of Crimea in 2014, along with the other assets of its operating company, Chernomorneftegaz.

Source: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/ukraine-strikes-jackup-rig-in-the-black-sea-for-a-second-time

On June 25, the shipping industry observes the Day of the Seafarer. It could not come at a better time, as seafarers continue to face systemic welfare challenges. The war in Ukraine and the ongoing pandemic have made conditions even more difficult for many.

While the Day of the Seafarer is primarily intended to celebrate the gallant efforts of men and women in shipping, it is also a day to advocate for solutions to the many challenges they face.

The UAE took this direction in marking the day. Led by the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Hon. Suhail Al Mazrouei, he launched a new initiative named “Salmeen” to guide the UAE’s government efforts to prioritize welfare of the seafarers.

The key pillar of the initiative is to open the door for seafarers to get the support they need. This will entail identifying and removing physical and social barriers through cooperation between public and private sectors. It also includes a package to arrange medical care for seafarers, as well as maritime training and education opportunities.

“When we talk about the shipping sector in the UAE, we must recognize the influential role the UAE plays in the global maritime scene. Launching the ‘Salmeen’ initiative confirms our continuous support for seafarers and reflects our firm belief in the active role they play towards strengthening UAE as an unparalleled global maritime hub,” commented Suhail Mazrouei.

This initiative builds on the “Our Blue Army Scheme” launched by the Ministry in August last year. It gave seafarers the same status as front-line health workers, guaranteeing access to Covid-19 vaccines and allowing crew replacements when required.

Currently, UAE receives more than 21,000 ships annually and handles over 17 million containers at the country’s ports each year. As a busy maritime hub it is also a common jurisdiction for vessel abandonment, a major challenge for seafarer welfare, according to data compiled by RightShip.

Source: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/on-day-of-the-seafarer-uae-launches-new-welfare-initiative

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Maritime Safety News Archives - Page 71 of 260 - SHIP IP LTD

Inmarsat and Thetius explore human element in maritime digitalisation

CMA CGM and MPA to jointly accelerate maritime decarbonisation

MoEI launches “Salmeen” initiative to reinforce the wellbeing of seafarers around the world

India on alert for pollution after Turkish cargo ship sinks

Salvage plan being drawn up

Boskalis vessels to switch to shore power in the Port of Rotterdam

VESSEL REVIEW | INTERCEPTOR 003 – AUTONOMOUS CATAMARANS TAKE ON RIVER CLEANUP DUTIES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

GEAR | PROPSPEED COATING SELECTED FOR NZ PORT OF TAURANGA TUG

Marlink and Bureau Veritas in partnership to promote digital integration and connectivity for Class operations

Ukraine Strikes Jackup Rig in the Black Sea for a Second Time

On Day of the Seafarer, UAE Launches New Welfare Initiative

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