UNCTAD data illustrates China’s maritime dominance

China’s dominance on the world maritime map has been illustrated once again with the release yesterday of new port data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Shanghai port topped UNCTAD’s 2019 ranking of the world’s best-connected ports, with Singapore and Busan in second and third and Ningbo in fourth. UNCTAD’s 2019 port Liner Shipping Connectivity Index… Read more →

Interview: Frank H. Marmol, Principal Surveyor of ICS Class about BWMC:

How would you assess the preparedness of shipowners to comply with the requirements of Ballast Water Management Convention? A/ ICS Class strong recommends to shipowners and shipoperators the revision of circulars issued by flag State administrations take into account the different about the policy, guidance and instructions regarding the applicability and implementation of the requirements of the Ballast Water Management… Read more →

Sulphur 2020 – cutting sulphur oxide emissions

The main type of “bunker” oil for ships is heavy fuel oil, derived as a residue from crude oil distillation. Crude oil contains sulphur which, following combustion in the engine, ends up in ship emissions. Sulphur oxides (SOx) are known to be harmful to human health, causing respiratory symptoms and lung disease. In the atmosphere, SOx can lead to acid rain,… Read more →

Sulphur 2020 implementation – IMO issues additional guidance

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved and adopted a comprehensive set of guidance and guidelines to support the consistent implementation of the lower 0.50% limit on sulphur in ships’ fuel oil, which will enter into effect from 1 January 2020. Related draft MARPOL amendments were also approved The 2020 rule will bring in considerable benefits for the environment and… Read more →

Streamlining Complex Workflows with a Digital Certification Platform

In the maritime industry, for many years now, we have become accustomed to a certification management process that is very complex and time-consuming. It is made up of countless steps, starting from the moment a certificate is issued to the moment a seafarer receives it and the party of interest verifies it. The people involved in the certification management process… Read more →

Compliance with the 2020 ‘Global Sulphur Cap’ – Update July 2019

This ICS Guidance was first issued in September 2018 and was updated in January 2019 to take account of decisions at International Maritime Organization (IMO) committee meetings. This current version has been updated after the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) in May 2019 and the IMO Marine Safety Committee (MSC) in June 2019. From 1 January 2020, in accordance… Read more →

IMO SUB-COMMITTEE ON IMPLEMENTATION OF IMO INSTRUMENTS, 6th SESSION 1-5 JULY 2019

Looking ahead to the main agenda items for the meeting, he singled out:  Draft Assembly resolutions for adoption at A 31 later this year, notably the Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC); the Non-exhaustive list of obligations under instruments relevant to IMO instruments implementation Code (III Code); and, Procedures for port State control; MARPOL-related matters-IMO… Read more →

Maritime Safety Committee Moves on Fuel Safety, Autonomy, E-Nav

MSC 101 The IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), 101 session, was held June 5-14, with oil fuel safety, autonomous shipping, e-navigation and ferry safety featuring in the outcomes. Fuel Safety Following discussion on ship safety issues relating to the implementation of the 0.50 percent sulfur cap, the MSC adopted a resolution providing recommended interim measures to enhance the safety of… Read more →

Paris MoU Publishes New Performance Lists

file photo courtesy of Diamantino Rosa BY MAREX 2019-06-17 05:31:02 At its 52nd meeting last month, the Paris MoU Committee approved the 2018 inspection results and adopted new performance lists for flags and Recognized Organizations (ROs). These lists will take effect from 1 July 2019. The “White, Grey and Black List” presents the full spectrum, from quality flags to flags with a… Read more →