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Bob Lomas
The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (Intercargo) has today launched Benchmarking Bulk Carriers 2012-13, the latest edition of our annual publication.
Now in its seventh year of publication, this edition contains statistical information and analysis relating to the world bulk carrier fleet, including an analysis of casualties during 2012 and Negative Performance Indicators such as collisions, groundings etc. This year’s Report also highlights the tailing-off of fleet growth.
For the first time, this edition also includes a copy of the Intercargo ‘terminal-problem reporting form’; The form, which invites Intercargo members and non-members alike to share their experiences of ports globally, has been designed and produced with the specific intention of helping Intercargo build an accurate picture of problems experienced by masters of bulk carriers during port calls.
“This year’s report reveals that the number of ships lost during 2012 significantly decreased when compared with 2011” said Rob Lomas, Intercargo Secretary General. He cautioned however, “even though no loss of life was recorded in the three ship casualties during 2012, the number of other serious incidents involving bulk carriers remains unacceptably high with 12 seafarers killed during the year. This highlights the continued importance for flag states to conduct proper casualty investigations – the subject of an Intercargo paper to IMO, which together with the formation of an Intercargo casualty correspondence group, establishes a platform for further dialogue on safety issues”.
Key findings in this year’s report are:
- Intercargo entered ships continue to outperform industry averages.
- The average age of the global bulk carrier fleet dropped to around 9 years – the lowest in recent times and demonstration of continued high scrapping rates, especially in certain sizes of bulk carrier.
- Number of casualties fell in 2012, but ‘cargo’ related casualties continue to cause great concern to our industry.
- Port State Control: The overall total number of bulk carriers detained remains similar to previous years but recently ships are more likely to be detained with fewer deficiencies. The most common deficiencies recorded relate to fire safety, life-saving appliances, safety of navigation and ISM.
- New PSC challenges will arise from the entry into force of the Maritime Labour Convention and from amendments and enforcement of MARPOL rules at national and international levels.
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- Intercargo represents over 160 bulk carrier owners/operators (vessels engaged in the transport of dry bulk commodities such as coal, grain and iron ore) and associates. Intercargo members currently own/operate over 1000 dry bulk vessels.
- With Non-Governmental Organisation status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Intercargo’s objective is the creation of a “safe, efficient and environmentally friendly” dry cargo sector.
- Intercargo, founded in 1980, works within the Round Table of international maritime associations comprising of BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping, Intercargo and Intertanko.
- Over 1, 000 copies of the Report have been distributed to bulk carrier owners and operators, plus other industry stakeholders in order to help raise the awareness of safety issues affecting the dry-bulk sector.
- Copies of the report are available to purchase, and are priced at £100 (Pounds Sterling) each. To order, please email info@intercargo.org or write to the address shown above. Credit card orders should be addressed to Witherbys Seamanship via their website atwww.witherbyseamanship.com.
- Updates to this report will be posted on the Intercargo website.
