The Greatness and Sadness of the Panama Canal
Transiting the Panama Canal has always been a great pleasure. Not least because the Canal Pilots make it look so easy. Effortless, even. Connecting the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean,…
Bulk cargo liquefaction – why is it still happening?
What has been will be again … there is nothing new under the sun.
SHIPSALE 22 – Will it improve ship pre-purchase inspections?
This article reflects the view of the author’s experiences while serving on board after taking over a newly purchased vessel on behalf of the Owners and dealing with unexpected faults…
Enclosed Space Entry fatalities: Do marine investigations encourage a blame culture?
According to a survey conducted in 2018 by InterManager to which some 5,000 seafarers responded, a number of issues related to continuing deaths in enclosed spaces were raised: · Procedures often…
Pilots are not advisors to Masters
According to the International Group of P & I Clubs’ “Report on P&I claims involving vessels under pilotage 1999-2019”, over the last twenty years, there were 1,046 incidents in which…
Deadly solid bulk cargoes
According to the INTERCARGO Bulk Carrier Casualty Report for the period from 2010 to 2019, 106 seafarers lost their lives due to solid bulk cargo liquefaction. Actually, the total number…
Biofouling vs Antifouling; The Historic Battle
Biofouling is the process of aquatic organisms such as bacteria, diatoms, algae, barnacles, mussels, tubeworms, etc. attaching to ships’ hulls or any other submerged, or semi-submerged structure. The process occurs…
The Issue of Bulk Carriers Carrying Containers
Recently, a post (and poll) on LinkedIn attracted my attention. The post included an article published by the UK P&I Club, titled “Can a bulk carrier carry containers”? I found…