Wording is everything when it comes to maritime disputes, especially those involving speed and fuel consumption. Anyone who works in this area knows that words like “about” mean different things to different people and can cause a lot of angst. In particular, the specific wording in Charterparty clauses for dry bulk shipping will often determine...
BIMCO has approved two 2020 bunker clauses that deal with general compliance and the transitional period into 2020. The Global Marine Fuel Sulphur Clause for Time Charter Parties was approved by the Documentary Committee at its meeting in Copenhagen on November 13. The first clause states that charterers must provide fuel that complies with MARPOL...
Hong Kong and Taiwan are to align their emission regulations with the Chinese Emission Control Area (ECA) requirements and implement a local 0.5 per cent sulphur cap from January 1, 2019, according to marine insurer Gard. Hong Kong currently enforces a Fuel at Berth Regulation that permits ships to burn no more than 0.5 per...
VPO Global recently hosted a panel discussion on preparing for and transitioning into 2020. Led by Mr Niels Bjørn L. Mortensen, Private Consultant, Master Mariner & Naval Architect, the panel discussed what should be done now to ensure a smooth transition in 2020 and how to overcome present challenges. In this week’s spotlight, VPO looks...
InterManager has launched a campaign to help seafarers think about safety issues and identify measures for reducing risk in enclosed spaces. According to Captain Kuba Szymanski, InterManager secretary general, there are a multitude of rules, procedures, and guidelines, but seafarers are still dying whilst engaged in these activities. “We want to hear from the seafarers...
SEA Europe, provider of services and activities for the maritime civil and naval industries, has called on EU Institutions to support an ambitious Horizon Europe programme to improve research and innovation funding into clean mobility, including shipping. In June, the European Commission launched Horizon Europe. With a budget of 97.6 billion, the programme aims to...
TORM has committed to the installation of scrubbers on up to 39 of its vessels following a joint venture with scrubber manufacturer ME Production and Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI). The joint venture, ME Production China, will manufacture and install scrubbers in China and deliver them to a range of maritime industry customers for both newbuildings...
The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has proposed a ban on scrubbers and regulated use of fuel with a sulphur content of no more than 0.1 per cent in Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord, Geirangerfjord, Sunnylvsfjord and Tafjord. The ban on scrubbers would include both open and closed-loop systems, and hybrid scrubbers. This would mean that ships using heavy...
V.Group has unveiled a new app to help manage and improve seafarer performance and crewing planning. The app is designed to support professional development, performance appraisal, training, and documentation uploads throughout the vessel mobilisation process, including travel arrangements. The app tackles issues related to paper-based certification and procedures. This increases the time of transferring from...
The IMO’s 73rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) session was held last week in London. A number of issues relating to the IMO’s global 0.5 per cent sulphur cap, which is due to enter into force in 14 months’ time, were discussed and some resolutions adopted, including a carriage ban on non-compliant fuel and guidance to...
International association of marine electronics companies, Comité International Radio-Maritime (CIRM) has published its Guideline on Performance Test Procedure for ECDIS to minimise operational issues of ECDIS systems. According to CIRM, stakeholders have raised concerns about the condition on in-service ECDIS. Operational issues include inadequate power supply arrangements, the running of outdated software versions, disabled audio...
CEO of Euronav, Paddy Rodgers has criticised the use of scrubbers as an IMO 2020 compliance option, stating that they are polluting, have a low ROI, and may lead to many cases of non-compliance. Speaking with Bloomberg, Mr Rodgers said open-loop scrubbers produce toxic and polluting waste material that is discharged back into the ocean....