News

Virtual Maritime Purchasing Assistant

Expert Procurement Support for the Shipping Industry – Powered by 24 Years of Experience

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced maritime industry, the efficiency of your purchasing department directly affects vessel performance, operational costs, and compliance.

With over two decades managing maritime purchasing departments at a senior level, we now offer our expertise as a Virtual Maritime Purchasing Assistant service — delivering the same high-level support you expect from an in-house team, but without the overhead costs.

Our operations are led by a highly experienced maritime purchasing manager with 24 years in the field, supported by a dedicated team working under direct supervision to ensure every task meets the highest standards. Whether you operate a single vessel or manage an entire fleet, we ensure that every order — from routine supplies to urgent spare parts — is handled professionally, promptly, and cost-effectively.

What We Offer

Your dedicated Virtual Maritime Purchasing Assistant team can take care of the entire procurement process or selected stages, depending on your needs.

Core Services:

Supplier Sourcing & Evaluation – Identifying the right suppliers worldwide based on price, quality, and reliability.
RFQ Preparation & Follow-Up – Preparing and sending Requests for Quotation, chasing responses, and ensuring competitive offers.
Price Comparison & Negotiation – Creating clear comparison sheets and negotiating the best possible terms.
Purchase Order Management – Issuing POs, confirming acceptance, and managing all supplier communications.
Delivery Coordination – Tracking deliveries, liaising with agents, and ensuring items arrive on time.
Budget Monitoring & Cost Control – Helping keep procurement within budget and identifying potential savings.
Digital Documentation – Maintaining electronic records, tracking supplier performance, and managing ERP inputs.
Urgent/Emergency Procurement – Rapid response to breakdowns or critical spare parts requirements.

Why Choose Our Virtual Maritime Purchasing Assistant Service?

Cost-Effective: No need for a full-time in-house position — pay only for the time and expertise you need.
Experienced: Led by a maritime purchasing professional with 24 years of managerial experience.
Connected: Established network of trusted maritime suppliers and service providers worldwide.
Efficient: Proven track record in reducing lead times and procurement costs.
Flexible: Available to work across time zones to match your operational needs.
Professional: Strong understanding of maritime regulations, class requirements, and operational constraints.
Team-Based: A dedicated support team works under direct supervision to ensure accuracy and timely delivery.

How It Works

Initial Consultation – We discuss your procurement needs, systems, and workflows.
Access & Setup – We gain access to your preferred ERP or work independently using our systems.
Day-to-Day Operations – Our team handles purchasing tasks as agreed, keeping you informed at every step.
Reporting – Regular updates on orders, costs, and supplier performance.
Review & Optimize – Periodic reviews to ensure the process remains efficient and cost-effective.

Ideal For

Ship management companies seeking cost reduction without compromising quality
Ship owners without a full-time purchasing department
Companies looking to cover staff absences or peak workload periods
New shipping ventures needing expert procurement without long-term staffing commitments

Let’s Talk

If you want reliable, expert, and cost-effective purchasing support, our team can be your dedicated procurement department — virtually, but with the same commitment as an in-house team.

📧 Email: sales@shipip.com

Overview: New IMO Requirements for Reporting Lost Containers at Sea

Effective January 1, 2026, new amendments to SOLAS Chapter V (Regulations 31 & 32) and MARPOL Protocol I (Article V) will mandate the reporting of containers lost or observed drifting at sea Lloyd’s RegisterWorld Shipping CouncilMFAME.

These changes solidify international efforts to enhance maritime safety, prevent environmental hazards, and improve traceability of lost containers World Shipping CouncilSeatrade Maritime.

Key Provisions of the New Regulations

Regulation V/31 – Immediate Reporting by the Master

The ship’s Master must immediately report any container loss or observation of drifting containers to:
- Nearby vessels
- The nearest coastal State
- The Flag State
If the ship cannot report, the Company assumes reporting obligations Lloyd’s Register.
The Flag State must forward this information to the IMO via GISIS (Global Integrated Shipping Information System) Lloyd’s RegisterWorld Shipping Council.

Regulation V/32 – Details Required in Reports

Reports must include:
- Incident type (lost containers or drifting containers)
- Ship identity (IMO number, name, call sign, MMSI)
- Time (UTC) and position (actual, estimated, or discovered)
- Number or estimated number of containers lost
- Whether dangerous goods are involved (including UN number, if known)
- Container descriptions (size, type, emptiness, etc.)
- Any additional relevant context (weather, sea state, cargo spill)
A follow-up “final” report must be filed after verification of the lost containers Lloyd’s RegisterSeatrade Maritime.

Alignment with MARPOL

Corresponding amendments in MARPOL Protocol I (Article V) align waste and environmental protocols with SOLAS reporting rules Lloyd’s Register.

Why This Matters

Enhances navigational safety by ensuring timely alerts to hazards.
Supports environmental protection, reducing risks from drifting containers and pollution.
Strengthens accountability and transparency in the maritime sector through improved traceability.

Actions for Ship Operators & Masters

Action Item	What to Do
Update SMS	Embed SOLAS V/31 & V/32 procedures into your Safety Management System.
Train Bridge Teams	Conduct drills and briefings on reporting protocols and GISIS submissions.
Test Communication Protocols	Ensure swift reporting lines to nearby vessels, coastal and flag authorities.
Logging Systems	Prepare to record container losses, observations, and follow-up verifications accurately.

A Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) focusing on Ballast Water Management (BWM) will take place from 1 September to 30 November 2025, conducted jointly by the Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU.

The aim is to verify that ships are meeting the requirements of the Ballast Water Management Convention, ensuring protection of the marine environment from invasive aquatic species.

Key Inspection Focus Areas

Port State Control (PSC) officers will pay close attention to the following:

International Ballast Water Management Certificate (IBWMC) – Must be valid and current.
Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP) – Approved, updated, and available on board.
Crew Knowledge & Familiarity – Crew should clearly explain BWMP procedures.
Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) – Type-approved and fully operational.
Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB) – Accurate and complete record of ballast operations.
Sediment Management – Procedures in place for safe removal and disposal of sediment.
Exemptions – Any exemptions must be valid and properly documented.

Preparation Tips for Ship Operators

To avoid deficiencies during the CIC, consider the following steps:

Verify Certificates – Ensure IBWMC and related documents are up to date.
Review and Update the BWMP – Make sure it reflects current equipment and procedures.
Conduct Crew Training – Hold briefings to reinforce understanding of ballast operations.
Inspect the BWMS – Confirm that it is in good working order before inspections.
Check Records – Audit the Ballast Water Record Book for accuracy and completeness.
Review Sediment Procedures – Ensure compliance with sediment management requirements.

Why This CIC Matters

Non-compliance with ballast water regulations can lead to detentions, fines, and reputational damage. This CIC is an opportunity for ship operators to demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection and regulatory compliance.

🛡️ Maritime Cybersecurity Alert – Recent Threats, Vulnerabilities & Regulatory Shifts (Aug 4–8, 2025)

As cyber threats targeting the maritime industry escalate, it’s critical to stay informed and prepared. Here are key developments from the past few days:

🔧 Critical Vulnerabilities Patched
On August 7, Honeywell patched critical flaws in its Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS)—vulnerabilities that could allow remote code execution. All maritime operators using Experion are urged to update systems immediately to mitigate risks.

⚠️ Active Cyber Threats Intensifying
Recent findings reveal an increase in:

Hacktivist campaigns disrupting AIS signals, targeting Israeli-linked vessels.
Russian and Chinese APTs infiltrating ports and classification societies.
GPS spoofing/jamming in critical chokepoints (Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf).

📍 Port Infrastructure Under Attack
NATO’s CCDCOE warns that several European and Mediterranean ports have experienced coordinated attacks on vessel traffic and access systems—highlighting gaps in cybersecurity at civilian-run port facilities.

📜 Regulatory Update – US Coast Guard Rule Now Active
As of July 16, the U.S. Coast Guard mandates all MTSA-regulated entities to:

Appoint a Cybersecurity Officer
Conduct annual risk assessments
Develop and implement cybersecurity plans
This is a pivotal step in aligning maritime security with national cyber defense strategies.

🚢 How Ship IP Ltd Can Help

At Ship IP Ltd, we specialize in helping maritime companies comply with cybersecurity regulations, build resilient infrastructure, and respond effectively to threats.

Our services include:
✅ Risk assessments & GAP analysis
✅ Cybersecurity Plan (CSP) development
✅ Crew & shore-side training
✅ Technical controls & incident response
✅ Support with USCG, IMO & IACS compliance

Let us assist you in securing your fleet, ports, and digital assets—before threats strike.

📩 Contact us today to begin your Cybersecurity Implementation Journey.
🌐 www.shipip.com | 📧 sales@shipip.com

🌍 What’s New in Maritime AI?

Artificial Intelligence continues to transform the maritime world, and this past week (July 7–13) brought several exciting developments across commercial, defense, and sustainability sectors.

⚓ AI in Public Maritime Transport: Hamburg Goes Smart

Hamburg’s ferry operator Hadag has launched a new initiative integrating AI into its electric ferry fleet. The system optimizes:

Battery charging schedules
Passenger load predictions
Real-time traffic and energy consumption
Onboard communication via smart signage and apps

This supports Hamburg’s 2030 zero-emissions transport targets.

📸 Alt text for image: “Electric AI-powered ferry in Hamburg with digital passenger display.”

🛰️ AI-Powered Surveillance: Hidden Ship Detected

French maritime intelligence agencies recently used AI satellite analysis to uncover a covert Chinese research vessel operating without AIS signals in the Bay of Bengal—near Indian waters.

This breakthrough highlights:

AI’s role in non-AIS maritime monitoring
Growing concerns over undersea surveillance activities

Link to internal blog post: How AI is Changing Maritime Security

⚙️ U.S. Naval Forces Advance Autonomous Operations

The U.S. Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard have increased adoption of AI-driven maritime platforms such as:

Boeing Orca (large underwater drone)
Kraken K4 Manta (surface vessel with autonomous sensors)

These systems help with:

Persistent surveillance
Mission planning and execution without human intervention

📸 Alt text: “Autonomous surface drone used by U.S. Navy.”

🛥️ Hydrogen Meets AI: Monaco Energy Boat Challenge

At this year’s Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, several boats were equipped with:

AI-powered autonomous navigation
Hydrogen-electric propulsion

This convergence of clean energy and autonomy is setting the tone for next-gen yachting and R&D.

📊 Market Insights: Strong Growth in Maritime Autonomy

According to Globenewswire, the autonomous vessels market is expected to:

Grow from $1.6 billion in 2025 to $3.4 billion by 2034
Achieve 8.4% CAGR, driven by:
- AI navigation
- Satellite/5G communications
- Operational cost reduction

Also, IMarEST reported that maritime AI investment tripled from 2023 to 2024.

💡 Conclusion

This week shows that AI is not just a tool—it’s a cornerstone of the future maritime industry. From smart ports and clean ferries to military-grade autonomy and satellite surveillance, AI is steering innovation across all oceans.

In the latest wave of maritime cyber threats, a new phishing campaign has emerged that is specifically targeting shipping companies and maritime logistics operators. This sophisticated attack is exploiting vulnerabilities in human behavior and outdated security protocols, reinforcing the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity awareness and systems across the maritime sector.

📧 How the Phishing Campaign Works

Cybersecurity analysts from several threat intelligence sources have observed a coordinated campaign using spoofed emails and fake shipping documentation to trick employees into clicking malicious links or downloading harmful attachments.

Typical emails are disguised as:

Port clearance documents
Charter party updates
Invoice disputes or urgent payment requests
Container status or customs alerts

Once a user engages with the malicious content, attackers attempt to:

Harvest login credentials for internal platforms
Infiltrate corporate email chains (Business Email Compromise – BEC)
Deploy ransomware or data-stealing malware

🚢 Why the Maritime Industry is Being Targeted

The maritime sector remains a high-value target for cybercriminals due to:

Increasing digitalization (e.g., eNavigation, cloud-based logistics)
Often outdated or unpatched IT systems onboard and onshore
Time-sensitive operations, making staff more likely to act on “urgent” emails
Lack of regular cyber awareness training across crews and offices

Shipping companies handle massive amounts of sensitive data—from cargo manifests to crew details and port documents. Gaining unauthorized access can allow attackers to disrupt operations, demand ransoms, or steal commercial secrets.

⚠️ Real-World Implications

The risks of falling victim to phishing in maritime operations include:

Operational delays (caused by system lockouts or fraud investigations)
Financial loss from fake invoice payments or ransom demands
Reputational damage, especially if client data is leaked
Regulatory penalties under data protection and cybersecurity compliance laws

🔐 How to Protect Your Organization

Maritime companies are strongly advised to take immediate steps to strengthen their cyber defenses. These include:

✅ 1. Employee Training

Conduct frequent training to help staff recognize phishing attempts, especially those disguised as maritime-specific documents.

✅ 2. Email Authentication

Implement DMARC, SPF, and DKIM protocols to reduce email spoofing.

✅ 3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Require MFA for all access to internal systems and cloud platforms.

✅ 4. Endpoint Protection

Deploy advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools on shore and ship-based IT systems.

✅ 5. Incident Response Planning

Have a clear and tested response plan in case of phishing attacks, including isolation of infected devices and communication protocols.

🔎 Final Thoughts

As maritime operations become more reliant on digital systems, the human element remains the weakest link in cybersecurity. This phishing campaign is a reminder that cybersecurity is not just an IT issue—it’s a safety and operational continuity issue.

Now is the time to review your cybersecurity posture and invest in both technology and training that can keep your business afloat in an increasingly hostile digital sea.

🛡️ Need help improving your cybersecurity strategy?
Contact our team at sales@shipip.com for guidance on policies, procedures, and tools tailored to the maritime industry.

🌍 The International Maritime Organization (IMO) officially opened the 110th session of its Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 110) on June 18, 2025 in London, focusing on crucial safety concerns and new maritime regulations.

As the global regulatory authority for shipping, the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee plays a vital role in developing and updating safety standards across the industry. The 110th session comes at a critical time as the industry continues to face emerging threats such as fires onboard car carriers, autonomous vessel operations, and cyber risks.

🔹 Key Highlights of MSC 110:

Review of recent major marine casualties, including fires and collisions
Strengthening fire protection measures aboard ro-ro and vehicle carriers
Updates on GMDSS modernization and navigational safety systems
Progress on safety regulations for autonomous vessels (MASS)
Discussions on seafarer well-being, safety drills, and fatigue management
Enhancing global coordination on Search and Rescue (SAR) operations
Consideration of cybersecurity as part of ship safety systems

🔒 IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the importance of staying proactive in safety regulation, especially with new technologies transforming ship operations.

🚢 With the number of serious safety incidents increasing globally—such as the recent sinking of fire-damaged car carriers—the need for a strong, forward-looking regulatory framework has never been more urgent.

📌 About SHIP IP LTD:
As a trusted provider of maritime compliance and safety solutions, we closely monitor international developments like MSC 110 to keep our clients informed and compliant.

psc-officers-verifing-ecdis-patched-on-board-a-vessel-1-1200x800.png

Urgent Update: Enforcement Now Active

As of June 1, 2025, the IMO’s SN.1/Circ.901 is fully enforced, with:

23 ships detained globally for non-compliance (per Equasis data)
Top deficiencies:
1. Unpatched Furuno FEA-2100 systems (62%)
2. Missing hardware security modules (HSMs) (28%)
3. Incomplete crew training records (10%)

Key Requirements Under Scrutiny

1. Mandatory Patches for Critical Vulnerabilities

System	Patch Version	Risk if Unpatched
Furuno FEA-2100	v4.2.1 (2025-05)	GPS spoofing attacks
Transas Navi-Sailor 4000	v3.8.3	Chart tampering
JRC JAN-9200	v2.6.0	Ransomware infiltration

2. Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) Now Mandatory

Approved Models:
- Thales payShield 9000 ($3,800/ship)
- Utimaco CryptoServer CP5 (IMO-certified)
Deadline: Installed before next annual survey

3. Crew Training Documentation

New 2025 Standard: Minimum 4 hours/year of cyber drills
Acceptable Proof:
- IMO-model course 1.45 certificates
- VR training logs from Marlins

Recent Enforcement Actions

Case Study: MV Atlantic Dawn Detention (June 15, 2025)

Location: Singapore Port
Deficiency: Unpatched JRC ECDIS (v2.4.0)
Consequences:
- 48-hour detention ($12,000/day fee)
- Class suspension until compliance

Lesson: PSC checks now include automated version scans of ECDIS firmware.

Compliance Checklist for June 2025

Verify Your System

ECDIS Menu → Help → About → Check version

Submit Proof to Flag State
- Template: IMO Compliance Declaration Form
Prepare for PSC Inspections
- Required documents:
  - Patch installation logs
  - HSM purchase invoices
  - Crew training records

Industry Impact

Insurance Changes (June 2025):

Lloyd’s Market Association: 15% premium surcharge for ships without HSMs
North P&I Club: Cyber claims denied if ECDIS unpatched

Quote from BIMCO:

“Over 40% of ships needed last-minute upgrades in Q2 2025 – don’t risk detentions.”

📌 Key Resources

IMO SN.1/Circ.901 (2025 Revised)
Free Cyber Compliance Webinar (June 28, 2025)

Urgent Regulatory Update

On June 22, 2024, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) issued Circular MSC.1/Circ.1650, significantly tightening emergency drill requirements for passenger ships following critical lessons from the 2023 Euroferry Olympia disaster and 2022 Costa Concordia anniversary review.

Key Changes in the New IMO Directive

1. Mandatory Monthly Drills (Up from Quarterly)

All passenger vessels (cruise ships, RoPax, ferries) must now conduct:
- Abandon-ship drills (including lifeboat launches)
- Firefighting exercises (with actual equipment deployment)
- Crowd management training for crew
Drills must vary scenarios: Different locations/emergencies each month

2. Virtual Reality (VR) Training Integration

Approved VR systems must simulate:
- Night evacuations
- List conditions (up to 20° heel)
- Language barrier challenges
First compliance deadline: January 2025 for ships >5,000 GT

3. Enhanced Documentation Requirements

Digital logs must record:
- Drill duration
- Crew participation rates
- Equipment performance issues
New Form EDS-2024 required for flag state reporting

Why This Changed Now

The IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 108) identified 3 critical failures in recent emergencies:

Crew hesitation during the Euroferry Olympia fire (2023) due to infrequent drills
Lifeboat deployment failures in 37% of spot-checked vessels
Passenger panic contributing to 28% of evacuation injuries

Compliance Timeline & Penalties

Deadline	Requirement	Penalty for Non-Compliance
1 Aug 2024	VR training systems ordered	Detention during PSC inspections
1 Jan 2025	Full implementation	Up to $25,000 fine per missing drill
1 Jul 2025	Retrofit for ships built pre-2020	Flag state sanctions

How to Prepare: 5 Actionable Steps

Download Official Documents:
- IMO MSC.1/Circ.1650 Full Text (PDF)
- VR Training Standards (MSC.1/Circ.1650/Add.1)
Conduct a Gap Analysis
- Compare current SMS with SOLAS Chapter III/19 amendments
Invest in Approved VR Systems
- Top IMO-certified providers:
  - Maritime VR Safety (DNV-approved)
  - ShipSafety Sim (LR-certified)
Update Training Manuals
- Use ICS Emergency Drill Templates
Schedule Crew Certification
- STCW-approved courses:
  - Marlins Virtual Reality Drill Master

Industry Reactions

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA):

“We support these changes but request phased implementation for older vessels.”

International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF):

“Monthly drills are overdue – crew safety must come before profits.”

Technical Deep Dive: New VR Requirements

Hardware: Minimum 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
Scenarios Required:
- Engine room fires with smoke simulation
- Lifeboat launch in 3m+ waves
- Disabled passenger evacuation

📌 Related Content

USCG Approves VR for STCW Compliance (Internal Link)
Analysis: Why the Costa Concordia Still Matters in 2024 (Internal Link)

Chemical Tanker Collision in the Malacca Strait

Incident (June 23, 2024): The MT Ocean Pioneer (chemical tanker) and Bulk Jupiter (cargo ship) collided near Port Klang, Malaysia, causing a minor hydrocarbon leak.

Key Details:

Cause: Preliminary reports suggest radar malfunction and miscommunication.
Response:
- Malaysian Coast Guard deployed oil-spill containment teams.
- No injuries; both vessels anchored for damage assessment.
Safety Takeaway:
- Verify AIS and radar systems before transit in congested straits.
- Review IMO COLREG Rule 7 (risk of collision).

Older Posts