Ammonia, hydrogen, ethane and Dimethyl Ether (DME) are among the alternative marine fuels which may need future regulatory work. This assessment is the result of a regulatory mapping exercise conducted by the Alternative low- and zero-carbon fuels workstream of the GreenVoyage2050 Global Industry Alliance to Support Low Carbon Shipping (Low Carbon GIA), with inputs and contributions from the International Chamber…
According to Atty Brenda Pimentel: “It is unfortunate that in this archipelago, there is no overarching policy direction that binds into a cohesive maritime aspiration. The fisheries sector, maritime transport industry, coastal tourism, recreational sector, marine environment protection and many more ocean-based activities are undertaken almost exclusively by each other, although at times it is submitted, collaboration is initiated….
FB GemVer, the Filipino fishing boat sunk by Chinese vessel Yuemaobinyu 42212 on 9-June-2019 near Recto Bank within the Philippine EEZ had 22 Filipino fishermen onboard. The Yuemaobinyu 42212 is a Chinese steel-hulled fishing vessel operating from Guangdong, China. It is 44 meters (144 ft) in length with a beam of 8 meters (26 ft). The FB Gem-Ver is a…
In my previous contributions to the Maritime Review, I highlighted the importance of an all-government approach to national security in updating a National Defense and Act. In my second contribution which was about Maritime Governance and administration, I highlighted the fragmentation of our various agencies and recommended amending the executive order that created the Coast Watch System, and updating the…
The importance of nautical chart cannot be overemphasized. It is more important to a mariner than a map is to a driver. While the driver can see the road and the obstructions, a mariner cannot directly see the dangers underwater or around him. A chart is important for planning the route but equally important is its updateness to ensure the…
The mega ships burn tons of fuel everyday to propel their engines and deliver their massive loads to different ports. Ship engines have been known to use low-grade fuel oil to lower the ship’s operating costs, since the share of fuel cost can reach between 30-50% of total operating costs of a ship. It is not a simple decision to…
INTRODUCTION This article was derived from the World Meteorological Organization Wave Statistics on various sea areas within Philippine Maritime Jurisdiction. It provides information on prevailing sea state conditions that can serve as valuable tools of information for naval operation of surface ships and submarines. Philippine Sea Areas of Responsibility Wave Environment The Philippines lies on the boundary between “Global Wave…
Modern ships are capable of carrying larger and larger loads while the number of crew aboard remains approximately the same. This means that Seafarers are more exposed to the dangers of confined space entries than ever before. What is a Confined Space? The International Maritime Organization (IMO) defines enclosed spaces as having limited openings for entry and exit, inadequate ventilation…
On 16-May-2018, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) –responsible for regulating international shipping– began efforts on the regulation of autonomous ships with the 99th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 99). The MSC began looking at how the safe, secure and environmentally sound operation of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) may be introduced in IMO instruments. With a myriad of…
In the recent Maritime Forum in Cebu, the Visayan Association of Ferryboat and Coastwise Shipping Operators (VAFCSO) presented some challenges that affect the sea transport industry in Central Philippines. Among these are: too many, irrelevant and anti-poor domestic shipping regulations; numerous government regulators; and shortage of licensed and competent seafarers. Regulations are designed to ensure safety of life and property…
Transas has launched its first package of applications built on THESIS, a unified cloud-based platform for managing operations across the full breadth of the maritime ecosystem. The A-Suite package sets a new precedent by utilizing the latest in machine learning techniques to reduce the potential for human errors on the bridge or poor decisions elsewhere in the vessel operational chain….
Part I “Terrorism Dominates ASEAN Talks: World Leaders Expressed Concern About Extremist Attacks — Duterte…” — Manila Bulletin headline, 16 November 2017 “By all indications and in many respects, the Philippine chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), capped by this week’s 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, was an unqualified success. The agreements reached — on the…
When it comes to fishing vessel safety, the mission is clear, says Sandra Allnutt of the International Maritime Organization (IMO): enhance safety to save lives. “We want to reduce loss of life in one of the most dangerous professions in the world, and we want to enhance safety on board fishing vessels,” said Ms Allnutt, Head of Maritime Technology in…
Compliance with the strict marine regulations and codes can be time consuming and expensive for any operator. In an industry with such alarming historical safety statistics, it’s imperative that we embrace innovation to eradicate onboard risks. Regulations are constantly being amended and introduced to make shipping safer so we are going to look at the Top 3 Innovations Improving Marine…
PRS Technical Services Inc. leads the way in assisting Filipino shipowners and operators in complying with MARINA MC 08-2015 entitled “Rules and Regulations on Subdivision and Damage Stability Requirements for Philippine-Registered Domestic Ships”. This MC outlines the requirements under Resolution MSC.216(82), adopting the regulations on subdivision and damage stability in SOLAS Chapter 11-1 which are based on the probabilistic concept…
The Philippine Register of Shipping (PRS), the country’s first and largest classification society, has embarked on a rebranding while expanding its services to support its aim of safer shipping and increase its client base in the growing domestic fleet. Engr. William Hernandez, president of Philippine Register of Shipping (PRS), says the service expansion is to meet the demand from the…
Transas has introduced a new Survival Craft Simulator (SCS) to prepare crew for the multitude of possible scenarios that can occur during lifeboat drills, aiming to address one of the most notorious sources of accidents in shipping without exposing personnel to physical danger. Effective survival craft training is essential to prepare crew for a disaster at sea but practical lifeboat…
With the August deadline looming for ship owners to have Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) installed on their vessels, this two-part article takes a brief look at why ECDIS was brought in, the key regulations behind it, the latest trends in ECDIS technology and what the future might hold for ECDIS innovation. Part I. Regulations behind ECDIS Born…
Just over a year after it took delivery of the second of two-fast crew supplier (FCS) 3307 Patrol Vessels, the Homeland Integrated Offshore Services Limited (Homeland) of Nigeria has ordered one more of the same class with an option on a second, to be named Guardian 3 and Guardian 4. Like their two predecessors, the two vessels are being supplied…
Incat Crowther collaborated with Bhagwan Marine and Neptune Marine Services on this AUD 30 million project in Dampier, Australia, to develop a first-of-a-kind, integrated catamaran. The goal was to design one vessel capable of performing six functions: dive support, geophysical survey, geotechnical survey, cargo transport, hyperbaric rescue, and safety standby. Challenges included SOLAS 2009 (Safety of Life at Sea) compliance,…
In the shadows of today’s global problems – principal among them were terrorist attacks in Paris last 13 November that claimed 130 lives with others still in critical condition (and threats of more of the same in other countries in Europe and the U.S. by ISIS terrorists) – the Philippines hosted this week the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting.