The CIMAC working group WG20 has released the guideline “Digital Twins in the Maritime Industry.” This framework aids stakeholders in understanding and implementing digital twin technology, detailing six dimensions to define various types. It includes an allocation table and real-world use cases, emphasizing the alignment of models with specific applications for effective use.
ClassNK has unveiled “Guidelines for the Safe Operation of Ammonia-Driven Ships,” aimed at enhancing safety in the navigation of ammonia-fueled vessels. These guidelines outline critical practices for crew safety, addressing ammonia leak responses and essential PPE. As the industry shifts toward alternative fuels, these insights ensure operators are well-prepared for the associated risks.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted new guidelines to protect seafarers from unfair treatment in foreign jurisdictions. These guidelines focus on ensuring due process, protection from coercion, and maintaining wages and medical care during legal proceedings. The goal is to promote fairness and dignity for seafarers worldwide and improve coordination among countries, shipowners, and seafarers.
The Global Maritime Forum introduced the “Sustainable Crewing Guidelines” during Singapore Maritime Week to enhance seafarers’ working conditions and combat an expected shortage of 90,000 professionals by 2026. These guidelines, based on the Diversity@Sea program, focus on creating safer, more inclusive maritime workplaces by addressing key issues like harassment prevention and career advancement.
The IMO has released preliminary guidelines for the safety of ships using ammonia as fuel, a crucial step towards regulatory support for alternative fuels. BIMCO has actively contributed to ensuring safe adoption. The guidelines cover ship design, operation, toxicity reduction, aligning with existing codes and focusing on safety and reliability.
The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) has released updated guidelines for purchasing and testing SPM Hawsers, crucial equipment for safely mooring tankers during oil loading and unloading. The revised edition includes enhanced visuals, product specs, and forms to ensure proper specification, purchasing, and testing. Industry stakeholders emphasize the importance of common understanding.
IACS has introduced Rec. 186 to guide the integration of Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) in marine and offshore sectors. The recommendation outlines standards for qualifying and certifying metallic parts, emphasizing design, material selection, and testing. This framework aims to enhance safety and reliability while leveraging AM’s benefits in critical applications.
The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has released a detailed report on the safe transportation of electric vehicles (EVs) on PCTC vessels. Titled “Safe Carriage of Electric Vehicles,” the report addresses EV fire characteristics and emphasizes early detection, prevention, firefighting, evacuation procedures, and training to enhance safety onboard ships. International regulations for EV transportation are in development.
With the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) taking effect in 2025, shipowners must follow new rules for safe and eco-friendly ship recycling. DNV’s “Safe and Green Recycling for Shipowners” guide helps comply with HKC and EU Ship Recycling Regulations. The goal is to ensure safer recycling, protect workers and the environment, and improve sustainability.
Seafarers over 65 may now face restrictions on employment in certain vessels, as per a recent DGS notification. This rule applies to cargo/passenger vessels under the Merchant Shipping Act, as well as river-sea/Indian coastal vessels without lifeboats. Companies can seek permission for older seafarers, ensuring they are fit for duty. Joy of Sailors Society supports the regulation.
The 12th session of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 12) recently finalized guidance on in-water cleaning of ships’ biofouling during a meeting in London. This guidance includes voluntary procedures for planning, documentation, reporting, and inspection, with further work planned for developing additional guidance on various aspects of in-water cleaning.
The updated guidelines for ship operators include new ballast water record books and a Ballast Water Reporting Form for vessels entering ports. While tank-by-tank logs are recommended, they are not mandatory. Some stakeholders support the changes for sustainability, but others worry about administrative burdens and inspection delays. The technical assistance for new protocols is available.
The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has released a new report advising the industry on implementing onboard carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. The report stresses the need for a secure downstream value chain, societal acceptance, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory frameworks tailored for onboard CCS. Recommendations include collaboration, standardized guidelines, training programs, and technology advancements.
