USCG warns of rise in electrical deficiencies

Due to an increase in reported electrical deficiencies on commercial vessels, the Coast Guard is warning commercial vessel owners to inspect their vessels' wiring before getting underway in the spring.

LISCR chief says integrity is essential to success and safety in shipping

Scott Bergeron, chief executive, LISCR, says companies need integrity, regard for the value of people, a commitment to technological innovation and an understanding of the value of customer service in order to be successful in tomorrow’s shipping industry.

Moore Stephens reports new low in shipping confidence

Overall confidence levels in the shipping industry fell to a record low in the three months to February 2016, according to the latest Shipping Confidence Survey from international accountant and shipping adviser Moore Stephens.

Rolls-Royce reveals future shore control centre

Rolls-Royce has unveiled its vision of the land-based control centres to remotely monitor and control the unmanned ships of the future. In a six minute film, Rolls-Royce presents a vision of the future in which a small crew of 7 to 14 people monitor and control the operation of a fleet of vessels across the world. The crew uses interactive smart screens, voice recognition systems, holograms and surveillance drones to monitor what is happening both on board and around the ship.

Panama Canal announces expansion inauguration date

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced that the Panama Canal Expansion will be officially inaugurated on Sunday, June 26, 2016. The announcement was made this morning during the inauguration ceremony of the Canal's state-of-the-art Scale Model Maneuvering Training Facility, which will provide additional hands-on experience to pilots and tugboat captains to operate in the Expanded Panama Canal.

InterManager places human element at top of the agenda at CMA

The international ship managers’ body, InterManager, has reaffirmed its support for the welfare of seafarers, described as the “heart and soul” of shipping, at The Connecticut Maritime Association’s Shipping 2016 Conference.

USCG oversees safe transit of damaged vessel Sparna to Port of Kalama

The motor vessel Sparna, a 623-foot Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier briefly ran aground in the Columbia River, on March 21, 2016. The Sparna suffered multiple fractures along its hull after briefly running aground, however, no pollution was reported coming from the damaged areas. A Unified Command consisting of the Coast Guard, operators of the motor vessel Sparna, Columbia River Pilots and the National Response Corporation Environmental Services oversaw the safe transit of the damaged motor vessel Sparna up the Columbia River to the North Kalama, Washington pier.

IMO Sub Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment Outcome

Draft mandatory requirements relating to maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear were agreed by the Sub Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE), meeting for its 3rd session.

Cyber Security Roundtable identifies key issues of concern

KVH Industries hosted maritime industry leaders for a frank discussion about cyber security prior to the start of the CMA Shipping 2016 conference in Stamford, Connecticut. During the roundtable, a range of concerns about the current level of vulnerability emerged. Among the key issues identified were complacency by ship operators, lack of training for crew, non-existent contingency plans for dealing with a cyber attack, and the need for a set of best practices for minimizing risks.

Video: Rolls-Royce future shore control centre

Rolls-Royce presents a vision of a future land-based control centre in which a small crew of 7 to 14 people monitor and control a fleet of remote controlled and autonomous vessels across the world. The crew uses interactive smart screens, voice recognition systems, holograms and surveillance drones to monitor what is happening both on board and around the ship.