Rules & Regulations

Is it time to focus on structural monitoring regulations?

Is it time to focus on structural monitoring regulations?

Absence of regulatory mandate means safety and financial benefits of structural health monitoring systems are not being realised, writes Niklas Hallgren, CEO, Light Structures  Structural health monitoring (SHM) has the potential to revolutionise maritime safety by enabling real-time insight into vessel integrity, yet comprehensive regulations mandating these systems are conspicuously absent. Regulations and classification have […]

IMO Assembly concludes with adoption of ambitious six-year Strategic Plan

IMO Assembly concludes with adoption of ambitious six-year Strategic Plan

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) concluded its 33rd session on 6 December 2023. A total of 175 IMO Member States and three Associate Members deliberated on crucial matters, adopting a strategic plan, budget, and a series of resolutions to shape the maritime industry’s future.   As per tradition, the Assembly commenced with the annual IMO Awards […]

Fortune still smiling on Lisnave

Fortune still smiling on Lisnave

All the signs are that 2023 will be one of the best years for some time for Portuguese shiprepair yard Lisnave. Over the first nine months the company docked 55 vessels of varying types. This is not an exceptionally high figure. However, the average value of the work per vessel contracted by owners was significantly […]

News Analysis: GHGs, EV fires and tanker order drought

News Analysis: GHGs, EV fires and tanker order drought

By Malcolm Latarche, correspondent Shipping’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) had been a topic of conversation for several months in the run up to MEPC 80 in July with many predicting that the economic climate and lack of suitable alternative fuels could see ambitions watered down. Depending upon your viewpoint that was either what happened, or […]

Will the Hong Kong Convention solve the world’s ship recycling hot mess?

Will the Hong Kong Convention solve the world’s ship recycling hot mess?

Nick Walker, partner, Valentina Keys, senior associate, and Lauren Buchan, associate, Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) On 7 June 2023, the European Commission (the Commission) closed its consultation on the much-maligned EU Ship Recycling Regulation (SRR) seeking views on its improvement from shipowners, recycling yards, national authorities and other industry participants. The consultation sought to […]

Why today’s ‘new industries’ are pulling in the crowds

Why today’s ‘new industries’ are pulling in the crowds

When it comes to the question of employment, more and more young marine professionals are re-evaluating their priorities, and many are being drawn in by a sense of ‘morals not money’ The UN 2015 Paris Climate Accord (COP21) international treaty on climate change was significant for reaching a binding agreement across participation nations to hold […]

Lifejackets: fit for purpose?

Lifejackets: fit for purpose?

What goes into producing a high-quality lifejacket? Obviously, there is the selection of suitable, durable materials, components and foam, as well as stringent tests to ensure that the jacket’s performance meets ISO, SOLAS and/or MED standards and helps to keep the wearer alive. Another consideration, though, is customer feedback: the end user’s requirements play a […]