Cargo

New Guide Aims to Demystify Cargo Ventilation

The 'A' rated 65 million GT North of England P&I club has published a new guide for its members and the wider shipping industry on how to avoid problems and disputes arising from incorrect usage of natural and mechanical hold-ventilation systems on cargo ships. According to North of England's risk-management manager Tony Baker, “Even experienced mariners are sometimes uncertain of when to ventilate cargo spaces, and the situation is often further confused by the demands of charterers and shippers. However, the simple act of opening or closing hold ventilators at the wrong time can lead to cargo damage from ship's sweat, cargo sweat, rainwater or sea spray.” Entitled Cargo Ventilation - A Guide to Good Practice, the new 48-page A5 illustrated guide is aimed at masters, ships' officers and others associated with the carriage of dry cargoes. It addresses the key cargo-ventilation questions of why, when, what and how, with particular emphasis on the application and pitfalls of the 'dew-point' and 'three-degree' rules. It also aims to clarify many of the myths surrounding ventilation, such as whether to ventilate at night or in the rain. The guide works at various levels, starting with a quick reference section on when to ventilate together with types of cargoes which should and should not be ventilated

North of England P&I Club Updates Guide

The ‘A’ rated, 75 million GT North of England P&I club has updated its comprehensive guide to stowage and securing of non-bulk cargo items. Co-authored by Charles Bliault of international marine consultancy Brookes Bell, the 2nd edition of Cargo Stowage and Securing: A Guide to Good Practice* is set to play a significant role in helping shipowners reduce the rising tide high-value cargo claims.The new 112-page edition substantially updates and extends the original edition published in 2003

Great Ships - Stolt Sea, Stolt Sun

Astilleros Españoles Sestao and Juliana yards have delivered the first two vessels of an inventive series of six stainless steel product/chemical carriers, Stolt Sea and Stolt Sun, both of which have joined the fleet of Stolt Parcel Tankers — the world's largest operator of its kind. One of the most outstanding features of the series of ships is their capability of simultaneously carrying a wide variety of cargoes. Made possible by an extremely compartmentalized cargo arrangement

Great Ship - Silver River

Designed for the economical, international and ecological transport of oil and chemicals, Silver River, constructed by German-based Lindenau was delivered to one of the largest Chinese shipowners - China Changjiang Shipping Group on June 26, 1999. Classed by Germanischer Lloyd as a Chemical/Oil Tanker, the vessel is the third out of a four-part series built within 1.5 years by Lindenau. This newbuilding, which joined its sister vessel Gold River delivered on March 1, 1999

Videotel: Effective Training Will Avert Tregedy

VIDEOTEL Calls for effective training and regulation to avoid tragedy when shipping dangerous bulk cargoes.   Whatever the cause of the recent loss of the Vinalines Queen and crew, the message for the industry is a stark one – greater enforcement of the regulations laid down in the IMSBC (International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargo) code is essential, together with effective training for shipowners and crews to deal with what can be the catastrophic effects of an unsafe cargo

Column: Advance Notices of Arrival

Since the seminal events of September 11, 2001, it seems like every U.S. federal agency concerned with maritime commerce has enhanced its requirements relating to advance notices of arrival for ships, cargoes, and persons coming to the United States. One federal agency mariners had largely ignored also dipped its toes in these waters, only to withdraw, at least for the moment. This article will provide an overview of current federal requirements relating to advance notices of arrival

Customs Expands Enforcement of the 24-Hour Rule

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Robert C. Bonner today announced that CBP will begin the next phase of enforcement for the 24-hour rule. The 24-hour rule requires an advance cargo declaration from sea carriers and became effective on December 2, 2002. CBP uses the cargo information to identify and eliminate potential terrorist threats before a vessel sails from a foreign port to U.S. seaports, rather than after a vessel and its cargo arrives in the United States.

Ship Stowage 'Bible' New Edition

‘Thomas’ Stowage’, primarily aimed at the general cargo/bulk markets, incluides information on bulk oil, chemical and gas cargoes Within the 365-page reference work are paragraphs dedicated to the liquid chemical cargoes, tank cleaning, tank coating, cargo lines and fittings, loaded passage recommendations, safety with reference to the IBC code and pollution prevention. Other sections deal with LNG and LPG as cargo

New Cargo Hold Coating from Hempel

Hempadur Ultra-Strength is a new epoxy coating for ship cargo holds with a 10-year repair interval. Officially released in July, the coating provides abrasion and impact resistance for protecting ship cargo holds from rough treatment. Scientific & Technical Services Limited in the UK has performed independent coal cargo testing on Hempadur Ultra-Strength and ranks it as the best performing epoxy coating against warm, hard angular cargoes

U.S. Waterways: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Study

Acting for the National Waterways Foundation (NWF), the Center for Ports and Waterways at the Texas Transportation Institute, Texas A&M University, has amended their 2007 study, “A Modal Comparison of Freight Transportation Effects on the General Public” to include a comparison of  Green House Gas (GHG) emissions between inland river barge transportation, highway and rail transportation.