Disasters at Sea & Their Impact on Shipping Regulation
The history of marine safety is soaked in water and written in blood. “I think that most people will tell you that changes in marine safety are almost exclusively disaster-driven,” agrees Dr. Josh Smith, a professor at Kings Point and interim director of the American Merchant Marine Museum. It hasn’t always been that way. Actually, it’s been worse. Despite some efforts early on to exert some control over shipping practices, going to sea has been accepted as a risky undertaking as long as man has floated vessels.
Allianz: Shipping Losses Decline but Risks Remain
Shipping losses decline, but emerging risks pose serious challenges to marine industry, according to Allianz study. 94 large ships lost worldwide in 2013, down 20% from last year. Total ship losses in continental U.S. hits all time low. Piracy focus shifts away from Somalia to new hotspots. “Mega ships”, Arctic shipping and alternative fuels create new industry risks. Shipping losses continued their downward trend with 94 losses reported worldwide in 2013, coming in below 100 for only the second time in 12 years…
Fireman's Fund Appoints Marine Loss Control Director
Tim Donney has joined Fireman's Fund McGee Marine Underwriters at the company's New York City headquarters as Marine Loss Control Director. A 25-year veteran of marine loss control, Donney will manage the loss control services provided by this leading marine insurer, which includes the largest internal ocean marine loss control staff in the industry. Donney, who was previously the president of Hull & Cargo Surveyors, Inc., most recently served as the Director of National Operations for the Marine Division of Intermodal Transportation Services, Inc. (ITS).