Safety Ship News

There’s no energy shortage when it comes to projects promoting the viability of alternatively fueled marine vessels (alt-fueled vessels).Consider just a few examples:Crowley Maritime Corp will take delivery in 2023 of an electric tugboat, dubbed eWolf, built by Master Boat Builders in Coden, Ala.The Hydrogen One towboat, using methanol-to-hydrogen technology, is being developed by its owner Maritime Partners.Master Boat Builders and Robert Allan Ltd. announced last fall the creation of a new battery hybrid, the ElectRA 3000-H, designed for U.S.

Bureau Veritas (BV) has released new-generation classification rules for wind propulsion systems amid growing interest in and support for the development of zero carbon propulsion solutions for modern ships.Wind propulsion is among a number of options being examined and implemented by owners and operators who are today seeking ways to reduce air emissions from their vessels.The new BV rule notation for WIND PROPULSION SYSTEMS (WPS) – NR 206, builds on preexisting BV rules released…

The European Union (EU)-funded 'Safe maritime operations under extreme conditions: the Arctic case' (SEDNA) project is developing ways to improve the design, operation, navigation and anti-icing features of ships traversing the harsh Arctic region.SEDNA's innovations could help protect lives, safeguard the region's unique natural environment, and open more competitive routes for Europe's shippers, said a communication from EUROPA research information center.As the ice in the Arctic region retreats due to global warming, new maritime routes are opening up to shipping traffic. However the Arctic's extremely harsh conditions and the severe safety challenges for navigation teams increase the risk of accidents…

The story of how that incident served as a catalyst for positive change is told in a new exhibition which was launched on Monday (16 January) at the headquarters of the IMO, the United Nations agency with responsibility for the safety and security of international shipping and the prevention of pollution from ships. A series of panels chart the collaborative work which has resulted today in a comprehensive regulatory framework, a demonstrably improved shipping industry, good systems of preparedness and response and adequate compensation for those affected by spills. Demand for oil remains strong and shipping remains the most effective means of meeting that demand.

The 50 years since the grounding of the tanker Torrey Canyon in 1967 have seen dramatic and sustained reduction in major oil spills from ships, thanks to cooperation between Governments and industry. The story of how that incident served as a catalyst for positive change is told in a new exhibition which was launched on Monday (16 January) at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations agency with responsibility for the safety and security of international shipping and the prevention of pollution from ships. A series of panels chart the collaborative work which has resulted today in a comprehensive regulatory framework…

Although a small nation on the Atlantic shores, Portugal in the 16th century was credited with discovering most of the “New World” previously unknown to Europe. In the process it became the richest nation in the West. The names of Bartolomeu Dias (Africa), Vasco da Gama (India) and Fernão de Magalhães – Magellan, who led the first circumnavigation of the globe but was killed in the attempt – echo down the centuries. Over the years the country underwent a transformation and saw the hard won glory fade. In fact until 1974, strong public protection dominated the national shipping sector, especially regarding merchant shipping to Portugal’s overseas territories.

There are roughly 30 liquified natural gas (LNG)-powered marine vessels currently active in today’s global seas, with some estimates showing approximately 30 new builds expected by 2014. With new commitments and orders for LNG-powered ships taking place every month, the potential that LNG-powered vessels will play an important part in shaping the future of the maritime industry is no longer speculation – it is now a fact. Helping to drive the switch from diesel, steam and even…

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) welcomes 6 delegates from the China Maritime Safety Administration in a 12-week maritime safety exchange program. The group had a very busy first week in Canberra, where they were able to meet with AMSA's Executive and most of the divisions at AMSA’s head office where they were briefed by AMSA's CEO Mr Graham Peachey on upcoming changes to Australian maritime legislation and future priority issues for AMSA. Mr Peachey and the delegates also discussed the mutual benefits of maintaining a close relationship for the two agencies.

Chinese Maritime Safety Administration ship 'Haixun 31' to be hosted by US 14th Coast Guard District in Honolulu Harbor. The Haixun 31 will be escorted into Aloha Tower is to be met 4, September 2012,  by a parade of ships that will include the Coast Guard Cutter Galveston Island and the Honolulu Fire Department fireboat Moku Ahi. The Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Safety Administration are scheduled to conduct a joint search and rescue table top exercise and on water exercise in Honolulu.

Low water levels in Bulgarian sections of Europe's River Danube threaten navigation safety, ship commerce. Water levels continue to go down and threaten a full stop of any navigation, the Maritime Administration Executive Agency in Ruse warns. If this happens, it will be a repeat of last summer's conditions when huge losses were incurred by ship owners. In the area of the city of Ruse there is a forecast for an additional decrease of 12 cm in the course of the next few days. A sand shallow has formed at kilometer 562 close to Belene island, nearly blockading ships. Effective Saturday, ships with large loads were banned there. Recently…

Interferry is opening a Brussels office with a full-time specialist for European Union and IMO activities in a bid to strengthen the ferry industry’s voice on maritime policy and regulations. Start-up funding for the initiative has been guaranteed by five major European members of the worldwide trade association – Brittany Ferries, DFDS, Grimaldi Group, P&O Ferries and Stena Line. Johan Roos, director of sustainability at Sweden’s Stena group since 2006, will join Interferry as executive director of EU and IMO affairs in September, working from an office within the Brussels HQ of the European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA).