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Bulk Carrier Safety News

23 Aug 2018

ClassNK Targets German Market Growth

Akizumi Miura (Photo: ClassNK)

A ClassNK executive who played a major part in the fourfold increase in the society’s German market share has returned to the Hamburg office as General Manager.Akizumi Miura has returned for his second posting to ClassNK’s survey office in Hamburg, with a brief to further reinforce and continue building the society’s presence in the key German market.During his first posting, between 2011 and 2016, Miura was a pivotal member of the team overseeing the Japanese classification society’s market share in Germany quadruple…

13 Jan 2015

Intercargo Calls for Bulk Carrier Safety

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (Intercargo) issued a statement which again reminds stakeholders of the continued dangers associated with the carriage of bulk cargoes that may have a potential for liquefaction. The recent capsize and sinking of the Bahamas flag Bulk Jupiter in the opening days of January, with the loss of 18 of its 19 crew, may again prove to be yet another casualty statistic in the long list of bulk carrier losses caused by cargo liquefaction. The ship had reportedly loaded a cargo of Bauxite at Kuantan, Malaysia. In any such incident, our first thoughts will always be with the families of the crew members that have lost their lives and Intercargo welcomes a swift and thorough investigation into this tragic incident…

10 Sep 2014

ClassNK Expands Joint Research in Europe

Marco Schneider, Project Manager, CFD, HSVA; Noboru Ueda, Chairman and President, ClassNK; Yasushi Nakamura, Executive Vice President, ClassNK; Capt. Herman Visser, Oldendorff Carriers

Classification society ClassNK announced that it will join a new European Joint R&D project to ensure bulk carrier safety. The project, called LiquefAction, aims to better understand the physical properties of cargo liquefaction in order to prevent bulk carrier casualties and is being carried out by a consortium of Europe’s top research institutions, including Germany’s Hamburgische Schiffbau-Versuchsanstalt (HSVA) and Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), as well as France’s  Ecole Central de Nantes (ECN) and the Institute of Science and Technology for Transport…

17 Jul 2014

American Club Expands E-Learning Offering

The American P&I Club has added to its library of e-learning modules released in cooperation with IDESS IT in the Philippines. The new module covers compliance with The Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers (BLU Code). The aim is to familiarize members and their crews with the code’s requirements for bulk carriers, terminal operators and other parties involved in the safe handling of solid bulk cargoes. The module is the second in a series of bulk carrier safety training e-learning modules released by the club. The first, released in January this year, was a module on compliance with the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code.

16 Jan 2014

New Bulk Carrier E-Learning Module

A new addition to the existing catalogue of the American P&I Club’s e-learning modules covers compliance with the mandatory requirements of the IMO’s International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code. Speaking in New York, Dr William Moore, senior vice president of Shipowners Claims Bureau Inc. (the club’s managers), said, “The aim of this timely initiative is to provide club members with relevant and useful training tools for safety and environmental protection compliance.

17 Sep 2003

ABS President Comments on Bulk Carrier Safety

At the Seatrade International Maritime Convention in London, ABS President and CEO, Robert Somerville commented on Bulk Carrier Safety.It was in the tumultuous period when the tanker industry was still trying to adjust to OPA90, to the mandate for double hulls, to the uncertainties of COFRs and all the rest of the restrictions that were being placed on their operations.It was also a time when there had been a casualty, with a small amount of pollution, involving a bulk carrier.Of course the incident was portrayed the media as another “tanker” casualty.That owner was very, very frustrated.His basic argument was that his dry bulk brethren just “didn’t get it.”That it was not just tanker operators who had been thrust into an entirely different ballgame.

07 Oct 2003

Editor’s Note

Image ... Integrity ... impossible? In case you haven’t noticed, the marine industry has been engaged in a systematic metamorphosis of sorts, with a good deal of energy and resources dedicated lately towards the dubious achievement of crafting a “good public image.” From inland operators concerned with local communities to oceangoing ships adhering to international statutes, the forum and the jury range widely in size and makeup, but the judge — “public” opinion — is always the same, and the verdict of “good image” or “bad image” can go a long way in ultimately determining a company’s long-term success. Industry leaders traveling the well-worn conference circuit have increasingly addressed the need for the marine business to essentially clean-up its collective act.

07 Oct 2003

Opinion: ABS President Discusses Bulk Carrier Safety

ABS President and CEO, Robert Somerville recently discussed Bulk Carrier Safety at a conference in London. His speech, in part, follows. It was in the tumultuous period when the tanker industry was still trying to adjust to OPA90, to the mandate for double hulls, to the uncertainties of COFRs and all the rest of the restrictions that were being placed on their operations. It was also a time when there had been a casualty, with a small amount of pollution, involving a bulk carrier. Of course the incident was portrayed by the media as another "tanker" casualty. That owner was very, very frustrated. That it was not just tanker operators who had been thrust into an entirely different ballgame. It was the industry.

09 Feb 2004

Graig builds Diamond alliance in Vietnam

state shipbuilder Vietnam Ship Industry Corporation (Vinashin). Graig's long standing experience with building high quality ships in China. Graig. with procurement, with finance and with all important quality control. Vietnam can provide them with high quality tonnage. significantly enhancing safety and environmental protection. Delivery date for the first Vinashin vessels is January 2006. Namtrieu Shipbuilding Industry Company in Haiphong. largest and most sophisticated vessels yet built in Vietnam. another substantial shipbuilding centre," says Williams. with the full support of the Vietnamese government. discussion. discussions with charterers. company based in Shanghai. Bulk Carrier with full Nauticus package including a full 3-D model. is scheduled for delivery this year.

11 May 2004

Security Takes Center Stage at IMO

Topping the agenda at the upcoming IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) is, to little surprise, security. Specifically, the top line item will be the implementation of the maritime security measures adopted by IMO in 2002, when MSC meets at the in London from May 12-21, 2004. Other important issues on the MSC agenda include the consideration of the adoption of amendments to the SOLAS and SAR Conventions relating to the treatment of persons in distress at sea; and issues related to the safety of bulk carriers and to large passenger ship safety. Following are details of the various agendas. The MSC will consider issues relating to the implementation of the maritime security measures that enter into force on 1 July 2004. * the publication of the IMO/ILO Code of Practice on Security in Ports.

06 Dec 2001

IMO To Hold Maritime Security Conference in December 2002

In the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the USA and the subsequent global reaction, the issue of maritime security was to the fore at the 22nd Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which met at the Organization's London headquarters from November 19 to 30, 2001. The Assembly agreed to hold a Conference on Maritime Security in December 2002, to adopt new regulations to enhance ship and port security and avert shipping from becoming a target of international terrorism. This decision followed the adoption of a resolution put forward by Secretary-General William O'Neil on Review of measures and procedures to prevent acts of terrorism which threaten the security of passengers and crews and the safety of ships.

23 Jan 2002

BV Calls Suggestions Nonsense

Bureau Veritas says calls made at a tanker safety seminar organised by DNV in New York this week for a reduced IACS membership and claims made that only a limited number of IACS class societies were acceptable are inappropriate. marine division. "It is also counter productive. spoken out strongly for more robust ships. steel, thus sewing the seeds of many of our problems today. I am a naval architect, and when I, in the 80's, as a shipowner, was approached by that class society, now trying to pose as leading the way to more robust ships, with the proposition that we should reduce scantlings in our newbuildings by using more high tensile steel, I refused. company, but we got the safe and robust ships we wanted.

22 Mar 2002

Informal Meeting Discussed Bulk Carrier Safety

An informal meeting invited to consider bulk carrier safety issues has agreed that the approach currently being taken within IMO is the right one at this juncture but that more work needs to be done to prevent continuing losses. The meeting convened by the Secretary-General of IMO, William O'Neil, at IMO Headquarters on Friday March 22, 2002, was attended by F. Tsao and R. Holt, Chairman and Secretary-General of INTERCARGO, respectively; Messrs. I. Ponomarev, R. Bradley and J. De Rose (Chairman of the IACS Council, Permanent Secretary and Permanent Representative of IACS to IMO, respectively); and members of the IMO Secretariat. The Chairman of IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), Tom Allan, had also been invited but could not attend due to another commitment.

20 Mar 2002

IMO Secretary General William O'Neil Addresses Bulk Carrier Safety

IMO Secretary, General William O'Neil, has highlighted the need for widespread and concerted efforts to improve bulk carrier safety. Among other items on a busy agenda, the Sub-Committee has been requested by the Maritime Safety Committee to work on a number of tasks related to bulk carrier safety that emerged from the recommendations of the re-opened formal investigation into the loss of the m.v. Derbyshire. Specifically, the Sub-Committee will be looking at alternative means of sealing up anchor chain pipes to prevent water entry and whether access to chain lockers should be by bolted manholes and not doors. It will also be considering…

13 May 2002

IMO Will Focus on Security Issues at the MSC

Security issues to fore at IMO safety meeting Maritime security issues are high on the agenda of IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), which meets for its 75th session from May 15 to 24 , as Member States prepare for a Diplomatic Conference on Maritime Security scheduled for December 2002, at which any new or amended legislation could be adopted. Other major issues to be tackled include the adoption of proposed amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended; ongoing work on the safety of bulk carrier ships and large passenger vessels; implementation of the revised STCW Convention; and the adoption of new and amended ships routeing measures.

24 Jun 2002

Lloyd’s Register and the Standard P&I Club Publish Booklet

Lloyd’s Register and The Standard P&I Club have jointly produced a booklet on hatch cover safety. This publication, ‘A Master’s Guide to Hatch Cover Maintenance’, is primarily designed to assist members of the crew with the safe operation and maintenance of large hatch covers. It is currently being distributed to owners and operators of all Lloyd’s Register classed ships that have large hatch covers, for placing on board. The guide further demonstrates Lloyd’s Register’s commitment to shipboard safety and hull integrity, and follows hot on the heels of the recently announced IACS bulk carrier safety measures. · safety when working with hatch covers.

08 Jul 2002

New IACS Chairman Sets Out Priorities

Alan Gavin, Lloyd’s Register of Shipping’s Marine Director, became chairman of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) on July 1, 2002. He succeeds Igor Ponomarev, of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping. Gavin stated that during his year of tenure there are two main issues that need to be addressed in addition to progressing the existing major work programs in areas such as bulk carrier safety. These priorities will address transparency and closer relations with leading industry associations. He said: “Transparency of class and statutory information is seen as a means of exposing sub-standard shipping and allowing flag and port state to target these ships.

25 Sep 2002

Four-Ship Boost for Diamond 53 Double Hull

A Consortium led by the U.K.-based Graig Group and its China-based subsidiary have given a major boost to the Diamond 53, a new, future-proof double-hull ultra-handymax bulk carrier design, by signing a letter of intent to build four vessels, with four options, at CSIC yards in China. Delivery of the first of a series of Diamond 53 type vessels is scheduled for 2004. "Double hull bulk carriers are the way forward," says Hugh Williams, ceo of Graig. owners and charterers major operational cost savings, while significantly enhancing safety and environmental protection. conducting. The Diamond 53 ultra-handymax double-hull bulk carrier design has been developed jointly by Graig and Denmarks' Carl Bro, with whom Graig has a joint venture design company based in Shanghai.

03 Oct 2002

Four-ship Boost for Diamond 53

ultra-handymax bulk carrier design, by signing a letter of intent to build four vessels, with four options, at CSIC yards in China. first of a series of Diamond 53 type vessels is scheduled for 2004. "Double hull bulk carriers are the way forward," says Hugh Williams, CEO of Graig. owners and charterers major operational cost savings, while significantly enhancing safety and environmental protection. conducting. The Diamond 53 ultra-handymax double-hull bulk carrier design has been developed jointly by Graig and Denmarks' Carl Bro, with whom Graig has a joint venture design company based in Shanghai. operational experience both from owners and class. including a full 3-D model. The first series of ships are intended to be built at Bohai and other nominated CSIC Shipyards in northern China.

15 Jan 2003

IACS Focuses on Safety Concerns

At a series of top-level meetings with regulators and Industry the Council of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) deliberated the way forward for classification societies in the wake of new public and political concerns regarding safety and protection of the environment. At the recent meeting IACS met with the European Commission (DGTREN), the IMO Secretary General and Industry leaders (BIMCO, Intercargo, Intertanko, ICS and underwriters) to liaise with all the stakeholders in the shipping industry about the way ahead. As a result of this inclusive approach major new policy decisions for 2003 were taken. Class is a critical element in the “safety chain”.

03 Dec 2002

Pattofatto Honored With Award

The International Maritime Prize for 2001 will be awarded posthumously to Dr. Italian classification society Registro Italiano Navale. William A. O'Neil, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, will present the prize to Dr. their two sons Leone and Riccardo during a special ceremony today on December 4 at IMO's London Headquarters. died at his home in March 2001 after suffering a heart attack. He was 60. delegation. after as a chairman both of sub-committees and other groups. Committee in 1994. of the International Safety Management Code. element aspects. major operation soon after he took over the chairmanship of the MSC. himself fit for duty even before he had completely recovered. contribution to the work and objectives of IMO. safety.

02 Dec 2002

MCA Delivers Study Results on Bulk Carrier Safety

Extensive work on bulk carrier safety coordinated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) with international participation is now complete, and a final report of the study results has been submitted to the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for consideration at their meeting on December 2nd to December 13th 2002. The United Kingdom has been fully committed to addressing bulk carrier safety following the loss of the MV Derbyshire in 1980 with the loss of 44 lives. Bulk carrier safety has a poor record with over 500 ship casualties resulting in the loss of more than 2000 lives in the period from 1978 to the present date.

20 Feb 2003

Graig Group Secures Orders For Bulk Carriers

double-hull ultra handymax Diamond 53 bulk carrier. confirmed, through Graig, three orders at Shanghai's Chengxi yard. deliveries will begin in January 2005. granted by the two shipyards. says Hugh Williams, ceo of Graig. for bulkers, we expect many more to follow their lead. discussions with charterers. company based in Shanghai. Bulk Carrier with full Nauticus package including a full 3-D model. Seascope has been appointed as exclusive broker for the Diamond series. concerns raised by IMO/IACS around bulk carrier safety. and four 36 tonne electro-hydraulic luffing cranes. Diamond 53 design can be found on the www.graigcarlbro.com website. panamax vessel, the Diamond 75. capesize Diamond.