London P&I Club Issues Loss Prevention Guide for Coal Cargoes
THE London P&I Club has published a loss prevention guide on risks associated with the carriage of coal cargoes, with particular emphasis on gas monitoring and ventilation.The guide, written by Paul Willis, Senior Associate with UK-based forensic investigation and root cause analysis specialist Hawkins, notes that the management of coal cargoes and the proper use of gas detection equipment are key elements in the prevention of coal fire claims. It details the fundamental requirements relating to the installation…
USCG Marine Safety Alert
The U.S. Coast Guard issued a marine safety alert today to remind all gas carrier owners and operators to ensure that all personnel follow approved Safety Management System cargo handling procedures and industry best practices. The USCG cited a recent investigation into a cargo compressor room fire onboard a foreign flagged Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carrier as the reason for the safety alert. Investigators suspect that unsafe cargo handling procedures associated with manual draining of hydrates from the drain line on the outlet of re-liquefaction condensers directly contributed to this casualty. Hydrates are compounds, in the form of crystalline substances, developed from the interaction of water and hydrocarbons at certain pressures and temperatures.
Autronica Launches New Gas Detection System
Autronica Fire and Security AS debuted its new gas safety system for liquid and chemical tankers at Nor-Shipping 2013. The new AutroSafe Maritime Gas Panel Solution introduces a number of new features that support more flexible installation, improved maintenance and troubleshooting in addition to more reliable, accurate and user-friendly data from Autronica and third party sensors, the manufacturer said. Designed to meet all current regulations for gas detection systems, the AutroSafe Maritime Gas Panel Solution is a safety tool that alerts tanker crews to the accidental escape of hazardous gases from cargo storage tanks. It is based on the gas detection technology and principles developed by Omicron and Autronica Fire and Security since December 2008…
