Costa Rica ratifies FAL Convention

Costa Rica is the latest country to ratify the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention). The IMO treaty enhances communication between ships and ports to help shipments move more quickly, more easily and more efficiently.

USCG receives 23rd application for BWMS type approval

he US Coast Guard Marine Safety Center received its 23rd application for Ballast Water Management System type approval for the HK-S(E) Ballast Water Management System manufactured by Japanese Miura Co., Ltd. The Marine Safety Center will review the application for compliance with US Coast Guard regulations in 46 CFR 162.060. Once it has been determined that the application meets the requirements, the… Read more →

Human Rights Charity Reviews the De-Flagging of Aquarius Dignitus

Image courtesy of Human Rights at Sea   y MarEx 2019-02-11 19:31:13   The U.K.-based charity Human Rights at Sea (HRAS) has conducted an independent review of the legal and human rights ramifications of the de-flagging of the Aquarius Dignitus – a rescue vessel chartered by SOS Méditerranée and previously operated in partnership with the Amsterdam-based branch of Médecins Sans… Read more →

EMSA extends its quality management system

Above image is used for illustration purposes only / Credit: EMSA EMSA extends its quality management system EMSA’s Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) requirements were expanded in order to include the Maritime Security visits to member states and the Horizontal Analysis of the findings after a cycle of visits. The extended V&I QMS was successfully re-certified in December,… Read more →

Greek shipping fleet worth over $100bn

In 2018 the value of the Greek fleet increased by over $5bn to break the $100bn milestone, ensuring Greek shipowners continue to run not only the world largest fleet but also the most valuable. Greece’s pole topping fleet at the beginning of 2019 was worth $105.23bn as the world’s leading cross-traders grew their LNG fleet and the enjoyed a value… Read more →

EU adopts proposal to revise system for shipping emissions monitoring

EU adopts proposal to revise system for shipping emissions monitoring The European Commission adopted a proposal on February 4, to revise the EU system for monitoring, reporting and verification of CO2 emissions from maritime transport. This aims to take appropriate account of the global data collection system for fuel oil consumption of ships established by IMO. The goal of the… Read more →

IMO Sub-Committee to finalize rule for safe mooring

IMO Sub-Committee to finalize rule for safe mooring IMO is working to prevent accidents that occur when ships are being moored at their berth in a port. A SOLAS regulation that focuses on better protecting seafarers and shore-based mooring staff from injuries during mooring operations, is set to be finalized by the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction. Specifically, the meeting… Read more →

ABS Launches New Guide for Liquefied Gas Tank Barges with Remote Control and Monitoring of Essential Systems

The Guide provides requirements for the design and construction of barges equipped with various degrees of automation, remote control and monitoring of essential systems supporting cargo management. The barges may be unattended and controlled primarily from the towing vessel’s navigation bridge. Gas as fuel has become an increasingly popular option for many shipowners looking to comply with environmental regulations and… Read more →

Ballast Water Management: Critical Elements Revealed

Ballast Water Management: Critical Elements Revealed The findings of second survey conducted by ABS with 7 main technologies, show just over a third of installed BWMS to be fully operational. Need for training crew is important to lessen technical dependence on vendors as securing vendor support seems difficult. System reliability, training and Operational expenses remains a major concern for most… Read more →

New MLC consolidated text, including 2014 and 2016 amendments

The celebration of the ILO Centenary started with the entry into force, on 8 January 2019, of the 2016 amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, as amended (MLC, 2006) . Under the amendments, governments and shipowners are expected to adopt measures to better protect seafarers against shipboard harassment and bullying using as a reference the Guidance on Eliminating Shipboard Harassment and Bullying  jointly published by… Read more →