News

The International Chamber of Shipping updates its health guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19) to reflect the latest thinking and advice on the virus. The new guidance is a fully updated version of International Chamber of Shipping’s (ICS) “Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Guidance for Ship Operators for the Protection of the Health of Seafarers”, last updated in May. The revised introduction reflects the situation nine months on from the start of the global pandemic and adds two new annexes; one on managing multiple cases of COVID-19 onboard ships and another on PCR testing. According to ICS, the guidance is for use on all types of ship and aims to recognise the unique needs of both cargo and passenger ships. The measures highlighted in the guidance include advice on managing port entry restrictions, shipboard measures to address risks associated with COVID-19, managing cases of COVID-19 on board ship when at sea, assistance for all seafarers to access medical care when in ports, and dealing with other medical issues during COVID-19. More information: Gard

In a new study, class society DNV GL has examined the future fuels landscape to look at the likeliest ways for shipping to cut its carbon output. The path is not easy: only 10 percent of the current orderbook will run on alternative fuel when delivered, and the proportion would have to rise sharply to meet IMO's target for a 50 percent cut by mid-century. In the study, DNV GL's team looked at nearly a dozen different fuel types and examined them in the context of 30 hypothetical market and regulatory scenarios. The modeling shows a wide variation in potential outcomes by mid-century, based on changes in underlying assumptions - for example, an IMO-led 50 percent carbon reduction by 2050 versus a much more ambitious full decarbonization by 2040. More information: Maritime Executive 

IMO discussed steps for 2021 potential remote audits. This had to happen sooner or later and Albion Marine Solutions is ready. Our R&D team has come up with a unique and innovative service involving a purpose-built drone base. This is cost effective, highly sophisticated, safe and efficient. During the uncertainty of the pandemic, IMO conducted a forum in order to inform all auditors on the impact of the disruption on the implementation of audits under the Scheme. In addition, they discussed the use of remote audit mechanism to prevent the postponements of the audits. The remote audits promote the consistent and effective implementation of the applicable IMO instruments and assists Member States to improve their capabilities as flag, coastal and port States. Read more: Safety 4 Sea

ABS has introduced an ‘Alternative Fuel Ready’ approach to help shipowners prepare their fleets for the introduction of alternative fuels. Introduced through the newly published Guide for Gas and Other Low-Flashpoint Fuel Ready Vessels, the new approach is the latest contribution from ABS to assist the industry with the adoption of new fuel technologies. The guide is designed to support shipowners looking to build a new vessel or convert an existing one to use LNG, methanol, ethane, LPG, hydrogen, ammonia and other gases or low-flashpoint fuels. Already an emerging trend, use of low-flashpoint fuels is expected to increase significantly as the industry addresses IMO 2030 and 2050 targets. More information: Tanker Operator. Download a copy of the Guide for Gas and Other Low-Flashpoint Fuel Ready vessels here