Lithium-ion battery news and reports dominate this newsletter! Welcome to the October 2023 news bulletin. Yes, there are several news stories and reports relating to the dangers of lithium-ion battery fires, the hottest topic of this year by far (no pun intended). Apart from that, here are a few headlines of some of the stories you will find in the detailed news bulletin, available below to download in pdf or eReader formats. – New SOLAS requirements for towing and mooring equipment – NTSB renews call for US Coast Guard to require an SMS policy for passenger vessels – MGN 651 (M) Bilge alarms on cargo ships 24m or more in length and under 500GT – Pantaenius UK launches new sea safety campaign at SIBS- Bananas are sensitive cargoes – Boating industry in good shape during first half of 2023 says new report – Paris MoU: Guidelines for Port State Control Officers on the ISM Code – NCB launches second container inspection initiative to battle the dangers of misdeclared cargo – Nominations coming in for European Yacht of the Year 2024 – Lifetime Achievement Award for Gerard Dijkstra
If you are heading to KORMARINE in Busan, South Korea, from 24 to 27 October, there is a warm welcome assured for you by Mike Schwarz (IIMS CEO) and Peter Broad (MD of Broadreach Marine and IIMS President). KORMARINE is one of the world’s premier shipping exhibitions. IIMS and Broadreach Marine are sharing a stand as part of the UK pavilion. You are welcome to stop by for a chat.
IIMS adds to its collection of handy guides
Author, Nick Parkyn, has an extensive background in both the marine and information technology disciplines. An IIMS member, based in Queensland, Australia, Nick’s work in the marine industry includes marine surveying, yachtand small craft design and marine software development. As Nick says, “Choosing a rig or a yacht with a particular rig is a case of horses for courses. There was no single book that covered both the traditional and the recent advancements. In this guide I address both the traditional, the modern andthe stepwise evolution to the current state of the art installations.”Available in paperback or eReader pdf formats.
IIMS Yacht & Small Craft late autumn training hybrid event on 7 November 2023 – open to all
The Institute is back with another popular day of training for general marine surveyors covering a wide range of topics. All are welcome to participate. The event is hybrid, so you can join us in person at the Avis Conference Centre near Southampton on 7th November or as an online delegate via Zoom.
Topics include paint coating testing, lightning protection at sea, what surveyors need to know about stability, insurance updates, and the truth about artificial intelligence and what it means for surveyors.
Guide: Yacht Coating Technical Guidelines published
ICOMIA has produced a Paint Colour Guide: Yacht Coating Technical Guidelines as a result of their collaborative work with leading yacht coating manufacturers including Akzo Nobel, Hempel, Boero, CMP Chugoku and specialist coating consultants the Safinah Group. Produced by ICOMIA members, for their members and the wider marine sector, in conjunction with industry technical experts including yacht paint surveyors, inspectors, chemists and formulators, it aims to provide clear, objective industry guidance on the use of paint colours and yacht coatings.
Fire not the only danger with lithium-ion batteries warns TT Club
Devastating consequences of rapidly spreading, and often challenging to extinguish fires involving the batteries particularly in electric vehicles (EV) on board ships, and other parts of the supply chain have been well-documented in recent months. There is however less awareness of the highly toxic combustion products that are released and their respective impact on the health and wellbeing of those exposed to the gases.
TT Club will be hosting a webinar on the subject of ‘Lithium-ion batteries in the logistics supply chain’ on 11th October at 12pm (BST). It is free to attend. Use the button below to register your place.
List of Fire Safety Measures for the Maritime Transportation of Electric Vehicles
ClassNK has published an informative and detailed List of Fire Safety Measures for the Maritime Transportation of Electric Vehicles which details approximately 40 measures for early detection, suppression, prevention of fire spread, and extinguishing.
Chubb launches Lloyd’s consortium to address lithium battery risk
A new initiative was rolled out and launched in September by Chubb. A new Lloyd’s of London consortium has been created (which Chubb will lead) that is designed to provide insurance coverage for risks associated with the transit and storage of lithium batteries
IUMI publishes “Best practice & recommendations for the safe carriage of electric vehicles”
There are growing concerns within the shipping community about fires breaking out on car carriers and ro-ros with the assertion that many of these fires are attributable to electric vehicles. In response, the International Union of Marine Insurance has researched these claims and published recommendations on the safe carriage of electric vehicles.
Safety warning issued by MAIB after serious injury during a rigid inflatable boat ride
MAIB has issued a safety bulletin urging the review of operations, risk assessments and pre-departure briefings in line with current guidance to ensure passenger safety. On 7 June 2023, a passenger on a sea safari rigid inflatable boat (RIB) suffered a spinal injury that left them paralysed from the waist downwards. Twelve passengers had boarded the RIB and the two crew gave them a safety briefing and instruction on the wearing of lifejackets.
The RIB then proceeded out to sea and was increasing speed in choppy sea conditions when it encountered a steep-sided wave. The boat fell off the wave and slammed violently into the trough, dislodging the passenger from a seat at the forward end of the boat.
Proper sampling of liquid cargoes is vital advises Gard
Gard P&I Club has highlighted the importance of taking proper samples of liquid cargoes to protect shipowners’ interests, particularly when allegations of cargo contamination arise.
New Maritime Forecast to 2050 report is now available
Highlights of the report include: An examination of the impact of the latest regulatory developments from the IMO and EU – An overview of how an eco-system for carbon-neutral fuels can develop – A deep dive into selected technologies that can drive greater energy efficiency in the maritime industry – A three-step approach for value chain stakeholders to create green shipping corridors.
American Club animation video on how condensation forms as a result of ship sweat Video run time 7 minutes 15 seconds
As part of their series, the American P&I Club has published an animated video that provides a summary of how condensation forms as a result of ship and cargo sweat. Click here to access and play the short video
The event made front page headlines in the Chittagong daily paper
Celebrating thirty years of the Marine Surveyors Association of Bangladesh
IIMS CEO, Mike Schwarz, was the Guest of Honour at the recent one-day conference in Chittagong, Bangladesh, to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Marine Surveyors Association of Bangladesh. An audience of more than 100 delegates from the marine surveying profession and wider local shipping industry had assembled to take part in the event. The conference was also broadcast live via Facebook.
This month has produced a bumper crop of the weird, the wonderful, and the bizarre from across the maritime world … – Burning wind turbine caught on camera – 65 year old Mark Fuhrmann paddles his way into the record books – Historic tug Lyttleton in need of help – Invisible superyacht concept by designer Jozeph Forakis – Flower the wonder narrowboat horse – Florida man arrested after fourth attempt at “Hamster Wheel” voyage ends in failure – One of the world’s weirdest vessels has been scrapped
IIMS and Broadreach Marine to exhibit at KORMARINE
