In January 2017 we reported the following:
Circulars
International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 and US Ballast Water Management (BWM) Regulations
19 January – The IMO’s International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (the “Convention”) will enter into force on 8th September 2017. The Convention seeks to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms from one region to another, by the establishment of standards and procedures for the management and control of ships’ ballast water and sediments.
Member Alerts
Amended Guidelines for the carriage of Calcium Hypochlorite
30 January – The International Group and CINS have issued revised joint industry guidance on the carriage of Calcium Hypochlorite by sea (first publication in May 2016) that now takes account of the package limit of 100 lb drums under US measurement as well as the previously stated package limit of 45kg net weight.
Yemen update
30 January – Fierce fighting is now taking place in the port city of Mokha between legitimate Yemeni army backed by coalition forces and Houthi rebels backed by republican guard forces loyal to the ousted Yemeni president Saleh.
Possible delays caused by disembarking sick or injured crew at Fujairah
26 January – There has been a new regulation that has been implemented by the Harbour Master at Fujairah port with regard to disembarking sick/injured crew from vessels.
IMO fuel oil consumption data collection system
24 January – IMO have released the text of resolutions MEPC.278(70) on Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI and MEPC.282(70) on 2016 Guidelines for the development of a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP). Additionally, this Class News reflects the latest date for the next MEPC session (MEPC 71) as IMO deferred this to July 2017.
Incomplete Propeller Immersion – Risk of propeller shaft bearing damage
19 January – DNV GL has observed an increasing trend in reported incidents involving aft propeller shaft bearing damages. Most of the damages reportedly have developed within a short period of time, typically a few minutes to an hour, under the respective operating conditions.
Cyber reporting included in updated Coast Guard policy on Reporting Suspicious Activity and Breaches of Security
18 January – The US Coast Guard recently published a Policy Letter regarding the criteria and process for suspicious activity (SA) and breach of security (BoS) reporting.
UPDATE: Iran sanctions
16 January – Updated information regarding Iran Sanctions – Payments involving Iran or Iranian entities cannot involve any of the following currencies: USD, CAD, NZD, AUD.
INTERCARGO supports IΜΟ in the mitigation of global GHG emissions from ships
13 January – IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim’s concerns that including shipping in the European Union’s Emission Trading System (EU-ETS) could undermine efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships on a global basis.
North American and U.S. Caribbean Sea ECA – Understanding Compliance Issues
12 January – Vessel operators are encouraged to contact EPA or U.S. Coast Guard before applying these responses for a particular set of circumstances.
US Oil Spill Removal Organization ‘NRC’ goes global
11 January – To complement the extensive Oil Spill Removal Organization (OSRO), National Response Corporation, NRC, will now extend oil spill emergency response coverage to Tank and Non-tank vessel clients on a global basis and as of January 1, 2017, NRC’s Global Response Services (GRS) will be effective.
Yemen update: Southern Resistance forces are advancing toward the town of Mokha
9 January – The port of Mokha may not be safe for ships to call at this time due to heavy fighting in Bab Al-Mandab between Southern Resistance fighters and Houthi rebels.
Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks welcomes China and Finland
5 January – Two countries will soon join the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, Finland effective as of January 27, 2017, followed by China as of February 11, 2017.
MARS report January 2017
3 January – In the latest MARS report, the focus is on BRM, Pilotage and Manning.
Club News
Attorney’s fees are recoverable in New York maritime arbitration
30 January – Many clients are still unsure whether attorney’s fees are recoverable in New York Maritime arbitration cases, despite the fact that the ability to recover these fees has actually been common practice for several years.
A.M. Best affirms Credit Ratings of The Swedish Club
27 January – Press Release issued by A.M. Best 26 January 2017. “A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” of Sveriges Ångfartygs Assurans Förening (The Swedish Club) (the Club) (Sweden). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) remains stable.”
Shipping Podcast: The importance of cross cultural communication
27 January – Why is it important to recognize the differences in culture and what to do to overcome possible misunderstandings when different cultures meet?
FIRE – the hidden causes
26 January – A small but significant number of marine cargo fire and explosion incidents are due to self-heating in some form.
The only P&I Club in the European Union?
24 January – The Swedish Club event at Trinity House in London on 27 September 2016 was an evening not to be forgotten. The Club’s message to the audience was that it will continue to focus on controlled growth, smart underwriting and to strengthen its presence in London.
Shipping Podcast: How to increase the political standing of the shipping industry
18 January – Peter Hinchliffe, Secretary-General of the ICS, shares what’s at the top of their agenda, how ICS cooperates with IMO, and obstacles Peter sees that prevent shipowners from creating more innovative and cost-effective ships.
CINS – a loss prevention initiative to benefit the entire industry
17 January – The Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS) was developed to increase safety in the supply chain, reduce the number of cargo incidents on board ships and highlight the risks caused by certain cargoes and/or packing failures.
Cargo disputes: Self-heating damage in South American soya bean cargoes
12 January – We have recently seen a large number of cargo disputes concerning damage to South American soya beans in China through self-heating. These disputes can result in substantial cargo claims for several millions of dollars and may risk delays or arrest of the vessel while security is sought.
A new countdown to MLC has begun
10 January – The proposed amendments will come into force on 18 January 2017. After this date, ships that are subject to the MLC will be required to display certificates issued by an insurer or other financial security provider confirming that insurance or other financial security is in place for liabilities.
Worlds apart – The dangers of operating in local water
5 January – Night time, busy waters, restricted space, a large container ship under way and … dozens of wooden fishing boats zipping around, often poorly lit and not necessarily aware of the basic rules of navigation – yes, it’s the stuff of nightmares.
Shipping Podcast: Portable Communication
4 January – IIn the latest episode, you can listen to Kimberly Karlshoej talking about Portable Communication Pods Pilot Project and what benefit the seafarers will have out of the project.
Out and about
First MRM Train the Trainer Course of 2017 was held in Limassol, Cyprus
19 January – The first MRM Train the Trainer event for 2017 was held in Limassol, Cyprus and was kindly hosted by Columbia Shipmanagment Ltd.
Member Alert is published by The Swedish Club as a service to members. While the information is believed correct, the Club cannot assume responsibility for completeness or accuracy.