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Joint Working News

12 Jun 2023

Recognizing and Meeting the Challenges of Autonomous Vessels

Recognizing and Meeting the Challenges of Autonomous Vessels

Uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), automated vessels, maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), remote controlled vessels, and the employment of artificial intelligence and smart marine technology to navigate and operate civilian and military vessels have created a lively debate over utilizing and regulating such technology. Recent articles addressing artificial intelligence (AI) have questioned the value of experience and intuition versus computed logic based upon data and logarithmic differentiations.

11 Jun 2020

IMO Head Commends Nigeria's Antipiracy Efforts

© remipiotrowski / Adobe Stock

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Kitack Lim commended Nigeria’s antipiracy efforts in the Gulf of Guinea as the West African nation continues to make strides to curb attacks against ships in the world’s top piracy hot spot.Lim said recent actions made by the West African country to restrain piracy in the region “send a strong and valuable message to the international community”.The IMO head welcomed the latest initiatives to address maritime security concerns in the Gulf of Guinea…

28 Oct 2019

UN to Combat IUU Fishing

A Joint Working Group (JWG) of three UN agencies – the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) - met in Torremolinos, Spain, to address illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing (23-25 October).IUU fishing refers to fishing which is carried out without proper authorization. This can undermine national, regional and global efforts to conserve and manage fish stocks and result in poor safety and working conditions for fishers. Tackling the issue requires collaboration by all stakeholders.The group recommended the three organizations promote…

16 Aug 2019

Industry Bodies Join Force for Ocean Economy

The World Ocean Council (WOC) and the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure (PIANC) have signed an MOU on long-term cooperation.The partnership agreement provides a commitment and framework for the two bodies to collaborate on ocean sustainable economic development through information exchange, communications, events, joint working groups, etc. on topics of shared interest.More specifically, PIANC and WOC will begin by working together to develop tools and methods for port and coastal infrastructure adaptation that can be scaled up to address port resiliency needs, especially regarding extreme weather events affecting…

31 May 2019

Sri Lanka, Japan, India Pact on ECT

The three governments of Sri Lanka, Japan and India have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) for the development of the East Container Terminal (ECT) located in the Colombo South Port."As a hub of the Indian Ocean, the development of Sri Lanka and openness of its ports are of great importance. Colombo Port is the leading Port in the region. This joint project reflects the longstanding good will and cooperation among the three countries," said a joint statement.Japan has provided cooperation for the development of the Jaya Container Terminal since the 1980’s. Around 70% of Colombo Port’s transshipment business is India-related.Sri Lanka…

22 Apr 2019

Eni, CDP, Fincantieri, Terna in Wave Power Pact

Italian oil group Eni is joining forces with compatriot shipbuilder Fincantieri, power grid group Terna and state lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) to develop wave power stations.The Chief Executive Officers of the companies have signed a non-binding agreement today at the Eni headquarters in the EUR district of Rome to develop and build wave power stations on an industrial scale.The agreement seeks to combine the knowledge of the collective companies to transform the Inertial Sea Wave Energy Converter (ISWEC) pilot project into a project on an industrial scale for immediate application and use. ISWEC is the innovative system that converts energy generated by waves into electricity.

16 Jan 2019

Polar Radio Communication, Navigation Norms Getting Ready

International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s Polar Code helps ensure that ships operating in the harsh Arctic and Antarctic areas take into account extremes of temperature and make sure critical equipment remains operational.Draft guidance for navigation and communication equipment intended for use on ships operating in polar waters is expected to be finalized by the current session of the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR 6, 16-25 January).The guidance will include recommendations on temperature and mechanical shock testing, and on how to address ice accretion and battery performance in cold temperatures.The Sub-Committee will also consider the report of the 14th meeting of the Joint IMO/ITU Experts Group on maritime radiocommunication matters.

28 Aug 2018

Shipbuilders Fincantieri & CSSC Extend Partnership

(Photo: Fincantieri)

Shipbuilding giants Fincantieri and China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) have agreed to extend an existing cooperation spanning all fields of commercial shipbuilding.The firms signed a Memorandum of Understanding during a ceremony in Beijing, at the presence of the Italian Minister of Economy and Finance Giovanni Tria, the CEO of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Fabrizio Palermo, the CEO of Fincantieri Giuseppe Bono, and the Chairman of CSSC Lei Fanpei.Under the deal, Italian shipbuilding group Fincantieri and China’s CSSC will discuss the possibility to extend their current collaboration…

01 Jun 2018

Shipowners’ Club Pact with Jumar Holdings

The Shipowners’ Club, the leading mutual P&I insurer in the smaller and specialist sector, is delighted to announce a new technology partnership with Jumar Holdings Limited. The Club has taken a 33% equity stake in Jumar, which sits alongside the 67% stake held by Jumar founder and CEO, Wendy Merricks. The Club will take two seats on the Board of Jumar. Jumar has been the key technology partner of Shipowners’ for more than five years and has helped drive the delivery of Shipowners’ new policy management platform, supporting close to 33,000 of our Members’ vessels. Looking to the future it is envisaged that the partnership between the…

20 Feb 2018

IMO on Distress and Safety at Sea

Seafarers depend on a robust distress and safety system when life is in danger at sea. This week’s meeting of the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (19-23 February) will be focusing on core areas of International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s work relating to safety at sea. The meeting will review progress in its ongoing work to modernize the Global Maritime Distress and Safety system (GMDSS). The GMDSS was adopted in 1988 to ensure full integration of maritime radio and satellite communications so that distress alerts can be generated from anywhere on the world’s oceans. The modernization plan aims to update the provisions, including allowing for the incorporation of new satellite communication services.

06 Nov 2017

Port State Control Regimes Move to Boost Collaboration

The port State control regimes which carry out inspections on ships to monitor and enforce compliance with international regulations have pledged to strengthen their collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and amongst themselves. A recent workshop (24-26 October) for port State control (PSC) MoU/Agreement Secretaries and Database Managers and Member States, the seventh of its kind, was held at IMO headquarters in London, United Kingdom. Participants shared experiences, highlighted new projects and approved a wide range of recommendations, which are aimed at further collaboration, harmonization and information sharing. The recommendations will be forwarded for review by IMO and the regional governing bodies of PSC regimes.

30 May 2017

Inmarsat Offers Cyber Security Risk Assessment

Inmarsat is giving its full backing to a new joint working group formed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) to develop a coordinated position on cybercrime and its prevention. The maritime industry satellite service provider said that stakeholder unity was critical in meeting the unpredictability of the cyber security threat to shipping. IACS sees the JWG approach as key to driving pan-industry technical or policy initiatives forward where the issue identified affects not only IACS Members but other parts of the industry. Inmarsat is a founding member of the group, which is being led by George Reilly of ABS and has been charged with evaluating measures to develop standardized industry practices to oppose maritime cyber threats from any direction.

10 Feb 2017

Damen Repair Yards Earn More ISO Certifications

Photo courtesy of Damen Shipyards Group

A number of Damen Shiprepair & Conversion yards have recently or will soon achieve new ISO certifications as part of an ongoing initiative to standardize operating procedures across the group. Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam (DSAm) and Damen Shiprepair Vlissingen (DSVl) have passed ISO 3834-2 certificate audits. This standard defines rigorous quality procedures for the fusion welding of metallic materials and represents the highest possible accolade in the welding industry. The achievement demonstrates the ability of DSAm and DSVl to undertake the largest refit and conversion projects…

21 Jun 2016

IACS Chairman Term Concludes, Urges Safety Improvements

ABS Chairman, President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki concludes his term as Chairman of the International Association of Classification Societies Ltd. (IACS) encouraging the organization to continue setting high standards for performance and raising the bar of excellence. “We set a clear and aggressive agenda for my term as Chairman, and I am very proud of the work we accomplished collectively elevating safety by achieving our top priority of Goal-based Standards recognition by IMO (International Maritime Organization), raising the profile of cyber security and setting a firm foundation for improved working relationships with industry organizations including the IMO,” Wiernicki says.

06 May 2016

BSEE, USCG on Sharing Information, Jt Ops

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) Director Brian Salerno and U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Paul Thomas participated in a luncheon panel discussion today ​at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC)  in Houston. The discussion focused on topics relevant to joint inspections of offshore facilities and other offshore regulatory issues. Center for Offshore Safety Executive Director Charlie Williams hosted and moderated the session on the final day of OTC. The Director and Rear Admiral discussed their coordinated approach to joint inspections and incident investigations and how they’re carried out. They described the protocol for sharing information on worst case discharge scenarios, as well as how joint working groups and quarterly meetings enhance collaboration.

14 Dec 2015

IACS Council Establishes Cyber Panel

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has created a Cyber Panel to lend support and resources to address what has become a key industry issue. IACS panels represent the top tier of the Association's issue-specific bodies, so establishing a Cyber Safety panel raises the significance of this concern to that of IACS' traditional focus areas of Safety, Environment, Hull, Machinery and Survey. Upgrading the existing Expert Group on Cyber Systems to a full Panel significantly enhances the organization's ability to address Cyber Safety concerns and support the protection of human life, property and the marine environment. Two Joint Working Groups (JWGs) also were established at the meeting.

03 Aug 2015

ASEAN: China Shuns South China Sea Dialogue

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said on Monday the disputed South China Sea should not be discussed at a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Liu, speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting, which kicks off in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, said the meetings should avoid all talk on the sensitive issue, adding that countries outside ASEAN should not interfere. "It should not be discussed," said Liu. "This is not the right forum. This is a forum for promoting cooperation. If the U.S. raises the issue we shall of course object. The issue was not on the official agenda…

18 Jun 2015

Bahri, SEC Ink 5-year Transportation Deal

Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Bahri CEO (right) and Engr. Ziad Al-Shiha, SEC CEO (Left). Photo: Bahri

The National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri) and Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a period of five years, appointing Bahri to transport all the equipment, tools, spare parts and products imported from outside by SEC. The MoU, signed by Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, CEO of (Bahri) and Engr. Ziad Al-Shiha, CEO of (SEC), aims to support strategic resettlement of projects for electrical industries and exchange of experiences between the two companies to provide appropriate work environment.

12 Mar 2015

India, Seychelles Ink Pacts on Maritime Security

India on Wednesday signed four agreements with the Indian Ocean island nation Seychelles to boost security and maritime partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Seychelles President James Alix Michel and said Seychelles "is a vital partner in our Indian Ocean neighbourhood". The two nations signed four agreements for cooperation in hydrography, renewable energy, infrastructure development and hydrographic survey for maritime cooperation. Another important agreement is for infrastructure development in the Assumption Island. Modi hoped that Seychelles will soon become a full partner in the maritime security cooperation between India, Maldives and Sri Lanka. "Seychelles is a leader in advancing the concept of Blue Economy.

15 Mar 2015

Modi Makes Waves in Indian Ocean

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived back home after five days tour of three Indian Ocean countries. His tour has served to reclaim some of New Delhi’s lost footing in the area. New Delhi accepts that India can less afford its past passivity regarding its maritime backyard. Tangible evidence is Narendra Modi's three-nation Indian Ocean tour. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Indian Ocean sojourn -which took him to Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka, last week, infused fresh energy into India's mantle as the fulcrum of stability in the Indian Ocean. It signaled India's intent and capacity to ward off extra-regional challengers and emerge as a 'net security provider' in strategically crucial sea lanes for global commerce and geopolitics.

23 Apr 2015

GSF and BIMCO Publish Standard Box Freight Document

The Global Shippers Forum (GSF) has joined forces with the Baltic International Maritime Council Organisation (BIMCO) to launch the BIMCO/GSF SERVICECON container shipping contract. GSF is a NGO inaugurated in the UK four years ago but which represents international shipping organisations around the globe, and BIMCO is also an NGO which includes thousands of shipowners and operators worldwide in its membership. The contract details were announced at the 2015 Containerisation International Conference in Hamburg on April 22 and provide the world’s first standardised contract terms and conditions for use in container shipping markets worldwide.

16 Jun 2015

IMO Adopts Gas and Low-flashpoint Fuels Code

The IGF Code, which will become mandatory under amendments to SOLAS, aims to minimize the risk to the ship, its crew and the environment, having regard to the nature of the fuels involved. (Photo:: FJORD LINE ESPEN GEES)

The new mandatory code for ships fuelled by gases or other low-flashpoint fuels was adopted by IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), when it met at the Organization's London headquarters for its 95th session from June 3-12, 2015. The Committee also placed unsafe mixed migration by sea on its agenda and considered cyber security matters and passenger ship safety. It adopted new ships’ routing measures and approved a number of circulars arising from items put forward by the subcommittees.

17 Sep 2013

Shell, DMC Sign MoU to Explore Alternative Energy

VP Global LNG receiving a memento from Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman of Drydocks World & Maritime World

Dubai Maritime City signed an MOU with Shell to explore the diverse business options related to promoting alternative sources of energy such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The primary focus would be on exploring opportunities that would enable the adoption of LNG as a fuel in markets including marine transportation, road transportation, power and industries in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the wider Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region. The team from Shell including Mr Roger Bounds…