Economic diversification, COVID-related disruptions and a desire to reduce reliance on imported gas in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, are accelerating the shift to renewables. Offshore wind farm energy is a fast growing part of the energy mix. But this comes with its own challenges. Is the maritime sector ready to meet these changing demands? Are the resources and infrastructure available to support the transition? How will the industry be organised in the future? Speaking on the Standard Club’s Alongside podcast, two experts in the field discussed their respective ...

Many agricultural bulk cargos and forestry products are required to undergo fumigation on board ships to prevent infestation. However, to achieve the efficacy, the fumigation operation started at the load port often needs to continue in transit to the discharge port. Such “in-transit fumigation” may endanger the safety and lives of crew members and shore-based personnel if not handled properly. The toxicity of the fumigant makes it extremely important to raise awareness of the dangers of in-transit fumigation. In transit fumigation begins at the load port with application of the ...

Collins Dictionary has declared “permacrisis” its phrase of 2022. It sums up the year for many: economic setbacks, war, environmental disasters, covid and political instability. These issues are challenging for anyone, but for a seafarer, a long way from home or family, we can potentially add loneliness, overwork and stress to the list of concerns. The pandemic and lockdowns taught us all the importance of emotional wellbeing. Governments, employers and communities globally recognised the negative impact of isolation on people in their care. Programmes focused on improving personal wellbeing grew ...

From 1 January 2023 vessels must start collecting data for the reporting of their annual operational carbon intensity indicator (CII) and CII rating, and at first survey after this time, verification of the calculated attained Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI). Amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex VI entered into force on 1 November 2022. The new rules require that as of 1 January 2023 all applicable vessels must start collecting data for the reporting of their annual operational carbon intensity indicator ...

The international freight transport insurer, TT Club is redoubling its efforts to inform the sector on critical risk profiles. The ongoing impacts of the pandemic blight economies, variable consumer demand trends, labour disputes, and the war in Ukraine all have an influence on continuing the profoundly dynamic global supply chain situation. Congestion at ports and other freight hubs, mis-matches in the availability of transport equipment and ships in relation to demand are all consequences of this volatile environment. TT’s latest Supply Chain Bulletin* highlights that such disruption can create opportunities ...

North P&I Club has put figures on the value of preventive action linked to two marine insurance initiatives devised to save time and money in crew healthcare provision. On the 20th anniversary of introducing enhanced pre-employment medicals (PEMEs) to assess the fitness of individuals to join a ship, North’s Personal Injury claims team estimates the preventive approach has saved more than $25 million. In another milestone, North is celebrating the 10th anniversary of First Call – the first contact service which finds the best treatment options when crew need to ...

Financial Position and General Increase The Board were pleased to note the Club’s improved financial performance and in particular: A combined ratio of 97.9% at the mid-year point (though recognising that the current policy year has been abnormally affected by an almost complete absence of new Pool claim notifications) The positive impact of the targeted action taken at the previous renewal West’s Pool share falling from 10.27% to 7.29% and expected to fall below 7% by year end Recognising however that premium remains insufficient to meet current and expected future ...

IMO 2030 and IMO 2050 Under IMO’s initial strategy, the shipping industry needs to reduce carbon intensity (CO2 emissions per transport work) by at least 40% by 2030. This figure almost doubles to 70% by 2050 and targets a complete phasing out by the end of the century. IMO-2050 sets out a reduction in total annual GHG emissions of at least 50% by 2050 and eventual phasing out. However, a strategy review planned for 2023 may move these goalposts – potentially bringing forward the net-zero requirement to 2050. For more ...

This circular informs Members of the approval by the International Group of P&I Clubs (the Group) of the Secro system. Members may recall, as reported in Circular no.3/2019, that, until February 2010, the Rules of all of the Group Clubs specifically excluded liabilities in respect of the carriage of cargo under all electronic, i.e. paperless trading, systems to the extent that the liabilities under such systems would not have arisen under a paper system i.e. one using transferable paper documentation. Since 20 February 2010 liabilities arising in respect of the ...

BIMCO has published a revamped version of the popular GENCON charterparty. Our author, Helena Biggs, was a member of the drafting committee. She highlights the changes and the reasons behind them. One of the critical questions in publishing a new contract is the extent to which the shipping industry, which tends to see itself as conservative, will embrace it. When the GENCON 2022 drafting Committee first started working on the contract in 2018, the world looked very different. If the events of the last few years have proved nothing else, ...

The number of people with diabetes has nearly quadrupled since 1980 and the numbers grow year by year. According to the WHO, a large proportion of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by a healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use. Prevalence of the condition has correspondingly grown in seafarer populations threatening their health and wellbeing. November 14 is World Diabetes Day and a reminder to check your risk factors and take preventive action. Diabetes is a life-long condition where the body struggles ...

Oil-laden tankers risk being left languishing at sea if insurers do not urgently get clarity on an unfinished G7 and European Union plan to cap the price of Russian crude, two senior industry executives told Reuters. The Group of Seven (G7), which includes the United States, Britain, Germany and France, agreed in September to enforce a low price on sales of Russian oil. U.S. officials said the move, which is due to start on Dec. 5, was aimed at allowing it to continue to flow, heading off a potential price ...

Times are difficult but no need for despair, was the message from Tore Forsmo, Area Manager, Team Norway at The Swedish Club and Vice Chair IUMI, speaking at the Marine Insurance Nordics conference held in Oslo this week. Asked to assess the status of the Nordic Marine Insurance Market, and warnings of a perfect storm, Forsmo addressed the main challenges in the industry and offered some hope to the sector moving forward. He said: “Two of the main challenges in our industry going forward will be how we deal with ...

The freight transport and logistics insurance specialist insurer, TT Club is continuing its battle to convince cargo interests, supply chain professionals and enforcement agencies that the responsibility for mitigating container ship fires is shared by numerous entities involved from end to end of the entire global supply chain. With its estimated sixty-day average occurrence of serious fires being maintained by the Zim Charleston fire in August and the TSS Pearl in the Red Sea in early October, TT is once more urging a more comprehensive approach to arresting the trend. ...

Leading global mutual protection & indemnity (P&I) insurer Standard Club has laid out its vision to support its members’ sustainability goals with the launch of its first sustainability impact paper. The London based insurer released the report, entitled ‘Planet | People | Performance’, on 10 November as it looks to reduce the direct and indirect impact it has across areas of its operations and services. The report breaks down Standard Club’s strategy into two key impact indicators. The first focuses on how the club will work with its members to ...