The IMO recently hosted the 108th session of the MSC from 15th to 24th May 2024. During this session, several amendments were adopted, and reports were received from working groups. Key highlights include: A variety of changes aimed at improving the fire safety for both new and existing ro-ro passenger ships, with new rules to … Continue reading INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION- MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE UPDATE

Effective from 1 May 2024, the latest amendment to MARPOL Annex VI, Appendix V “Information to be included in the bunker delivery note”, brings changes to the documentation requirements on bunker delivery notes (BDN). The amendments, adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), increase the information needed in BDN. Previously, the BDN required documentation … Continue reading LATEST AMENDMENT TO MARPOL ANNEX VI, APPENDIX V 2024 | INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN BUNKER DELIVERY NOTE (BDN)

The Philippines is one of the largest exporters of nickel ore. Concerns have been voiced by various industry bodies regarding the reliability of cargo declarations, certificates of Transportable Moisture Limit (TML), and Moisture Content (MC), for nickel ore cargoes originating from the Philippines.  The typhoon season, spanning from April to November, heightens the liquefaction risk … Continue reading NICKEL ORE LOADING IN THE PHILIPPINES – TYPHOON SEASON PRECAUTIONS

In the upcoming months, shipowners and masters are reminded of the anticipated surge in seaborne trade volumes, attributed to the seasonality of Brazilian soybean, wheat and fertiliser. This article aims to shed light on the expected increase in shipping activities and directs shipowners and masters to informative articles previously published by the Club, offering insights … Continue reading SEASONAL CARGOES: BRAZILIAN SOYBEAN, WHEAT AND FERTILISER

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), commonly referred to as the “seafarers’ bill of rights,” establishes the basic working and living standards for seafarers working on ships registered in countries that have ratified the convention. These standards also apply when the ship is calling at a country that has adopted the Convention, regardless of the ship’s … Continue reading MARITIME LABOUR CONVENTION UPDATES

Shipowners face a number of challenges when operating vessels in areas with geopolitical tensions. Navigating through such regions requires careful planning, risk assessment, and adherence to local and international regulations. Before entering an area with high-risk tensions or conflicts it is recommended to always notify the Club’s underwriting department. In addition, the Joint War Committee … Continue reading OPERATING IN AREAS WITH ONGOING GEOPOLITICAL TENSIONS OR CONFLICTS

Brazil’s strategic position in South America, with an extensive coastline and numerous ports, renders it a prime choice for drug trafficking organisations seeking to transport illicit drugs to lucrative markets in Europe, North America, and other regions across the globe. The use of maritime ships for drug smuggling in Brazil is a complex and evolving … Continue reading MARITIME DRUG SMUGGLING IN BRAZIL

The transport of liquids in flexitanks has become a common practice on board container carriers. However, the Club has seen several claims resulting from leaking of flexitanks which are mostly related to the loading, stuffing and filling of the flexitank within the container. Ensuring the secure transportation of flexitanks within containers on vessels requires strict … Continue reading SAFE CARRIAGE OF FLEXITANKS IN CONTAINERS GUIDANCE

In recent years, the maritime industry has witnessed a growing interest in alternative fuel options for vehicles, with liquefied natural gas (LNG) emerging as a potential choice. These new technologies can offer environmental benefits. However, it is  imperative for shipowners to prioritise safety during the transportation of alternative fuelled vehicles. This article provides guidance on … Continue reading SAFE CARRIAGE OF LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS FUELLED VEHICLES

The Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention is a cornerstone of maritime safety, setting out essential regulations and standards to ensure the safety of ships and their crews. As a reminder, there are changes to SOLAS coming into force on 1st January 2024, some of the notable changes entering into force include: Safe mooring … Continue reading SOLAS AMENDMENTS: SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA 2024 AMENDMENTS

Our correspondent in Brazil, Brazmar, has advised that the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply has opened to consultation, via Ordinance No. 532/2022, possible changes to the current official specifications for soy beans and its by-products which have been in place since 2007 (by way of Normative Instruction nº 11/2007). The proposed changes deal … Continue reading BRAZIL: UPDATE ON SOYBEAN SPECS FOR EXPORT 2023

The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code has been amended. The recent amendments include revisions to existing schedules for solid bulk cargoes and also some revised definitions. WHEN IS IT CHANGING? Voluntarily since 1 January 2023 Mandatory from 1 December 2023 DETAILS OF THE MAJOR CHANGES There is a revised definition for Group A … Continue reading IMSBC CODE AMENDMENTS 06-21 – WHAT IS CHANGING?

On 18 December 2022 the European Parliament and Council came to an agreement on the revision of the EU Emission Trading System (EU ETS) extending this to also include shipping from 1 January 2024. The official text of the agreement is expected to be finalised in the first quarter of 2023 with the full adoption … Continue reading PRELIMINARY AGREEMENT TO INCLUDE SHIPPING IN THE EU’S EMISSION TRADING SYSTEM FROM 2024

The United Nations Joint Coordination Centre has issued detailed procedures for the safe export of grain, other foodstuffs and fertilizers; including ammonia, from the three Ukrainian ports covered by the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The guidelines contain navigational and operational rules, notifications and instructions for ship operators and ship owners and cover security elements which … Continue reading UKRAINE: EXPORT OF GRAIN

Members are reminded that new International Maritime Organisation (IMO) legislation under MARPOL Annex VI is due to become applicable in just one year, with the new regulations requiring various measures and preparations to be undertaken in advance. As part of the IMO’s drive to cut greenhouse gases from shipping, on  17 June 2021 the IMO … Continue reading ENERGY EFFICIENCY EXISTING SHIP INDEX (EEXI) – NEW LEGISLATION