Solid Bulk Cargos Safety Guide Now in Chinese
International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargos (IMSBC) Code pocket checklist will be available at Marintec 2013 next week. Lloydâs Register, UK P&I Club, and Intercargo produced a pocket guide and checklist earlier this year for shipsâ officers and agents who arrange cargos for loading. When bulk cargos shift, liquefy, catch fire or explode due to poor loading procedures, the consequences can be critical â ships could capsize, lose stability or sustain severe structural damage. Now the pocket checklistâŚ
Intercargo Publishes 2012-13 Bulk Carrier Report
The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (Intercargo) has launched Benchmarking Bulk Carriers 2012-13, the latest edition of our annual publication. Now in its seventh year of publication, this edition contains statistical information and analysis relating to the world bulk carrier fleet, including an analysis of casualties during 2012 and Negative Performance Indicators such as collisions, groundings etc. This yearâs report also highlights the tailing-off of fleet growth. For the first time, this edition also includes a copy of the Intercargo âterminal-problem reporting formâ; The form, which invites Intercargo members and non-members alike to share their experiences of ports globallyâŚ
Intercargo Calls for Improved Reporting Following Ship Casualties
During the forthcoming IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 92 to be held June 12-21, 2013) Intercargo, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners will present its Bulk Carrier Casualty Report and will call for member States to fully investigate ship losses and very serious casualties, and to make accident investigation reports available in the public domain, to ensure that the largest possible audience can learn from the findings. Objectivity, subjugating legal restrictions in deference to safety, adopting IMO principles and making casualty investigation reports available in a timely fashion should also be key objectives. AsâŚ
Ore Carrier Loss: Intercargo Press for Investigation
MV Harita Bauxite, a Handymax bulk carrier sank recently off Cape Bolinao with the loss of 14 of the 24 crew. According to the Philippine's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council a distress rocket signal was sighted by the MV Jin Cheng on 18, February, 2013 in the vicinity of Cape Bolinao, Bolinao, Pangasinan. Ten crew members were subsequently rescued by Jin Cheng and later taken to shore by helicopter. Reportedly the Harita Bauxite had sunk following (unspecified) engine trouble. The Panama-registered, 1983-built handymax ship which was reportedly carrying a cargo of nickel ore from Obi, Indonesia to China, sank on the evening of 17 February after suffering engine failure, possibly during poor weather.
Intercargo Calls for Swift Casualty Investigation
The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (Intercargo) has called for an early casualty investigation following the tragic loss of the bulk carrier Harita Bauxite. The Panama-registered, 1983-built handymax ship which was reportedly carrying a cargo of nickel ore from Obi, Indonesia to China, sank on the evening of 17 February after suffering engine failure, possibly during poor weather. Although ten crew were rescued by a passing ship, 14 crew remain unaccounted for. Secretary General of Intercargo, Rob Lomas said âat this early stage, we cannot speculate about the cause of this sad incidentâ but, he continued âthe suddenâŚ
Charterer's Energy Initiative Faulted by Intercargo
Recent decision by three large charterers only to use relatively energy efficient vessels attacked by bulk carrier owner's group Intercargo. Cargill, Huntsman Corporation and UNIPEC UK, who together charter over 350 million tonnes of commodities annually, said that that they would only charter the more efficient vessels operating in the shipping market, claiming that it was the first such commitment to reduce the existing fleet carbon emissions.
Another Hazardous Cargo, Another Ship Sinking
On Christmas day, the bulk carrier VINALINES QUEEN, carrying a cargo of nickel ore from Morowali, Indonesia to China, went missing. The ship and its crew of 22 must now be considered lost. Although it is certainly too soon to ascribe a known cause of sinking, it is probably fair to say, as an American judge did many years ago: âSometimes circumstantial evidence can be very convincing, just as when you find a trout floating in the milkâ. There continues to be a crying need for greater information, understanding and enforcement of regulations â as well as testing â of cargoes that may liquefy.
Asian Shipping Interests Must Speak Up
According to Oh Kong-Gyun, Chairman and CEO of the Korean Register of Shipping (KR), the size of the Asian shipping and shipbuilding industries is such that they should occupy a more prominent and influential position in the international regulatory process than they currently do. Generating a louder voice for Asian shipping had been a central theme of Mr Ohâs recent IACS chairmanship and one that he is keen to continue now his tenure at IACS is complete. Oh was addressing an international forum of senior shipping people who had gathered to participate in SIMS, a Korean Register conference organised with the support of the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, the Korea Shipownersâ Association, the Korea Shipbuildersâ Association and the Korea Marine Equipment Association.
