NEWS

With only a week before the federal election, the Federal Opposition has promised to implement further measures to boost maritime shipping and training.

Speaking at its shipping policy launch at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Cities, Transport and Regional Development, Anthony Albanese, announced three major policies.

Full article here: https://infrastructuremagazine.com.au/2019/05/13/labor-throws-support-behind-maritime-shipping/

Read Shipping Australia's comment on the policy launch here: https://shippingaustralia.com.au/sal-comment-on-labors-shipping-policy-launch/

http://mfame.guru/bulk-carrier-lists-after-ore-liquefaction-anchored-in-new-caledonia/

The NT News recently reported on the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s investigation of a vessel collision, under the headline ‘Fishos waiting for justice – Senate finds AMSA legislation botched’.

The collision was in Darwin Harbour in May 2016 between a barge and recreational fishing boat. The collision resulted in the sinking of the recreational fishing boat and the subsequent rescue of four fishermen from the sea... 

https://www.amsa.gov.au/news-community/news-and-media-releases/correcting-record-nt-news-and-darwin-harbour-vessel-collision

BHP and Rio Tinto have cut iron ore production guidance for the 2019 financial year due the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Veronica.

https://www.bulkhandlingreview.com.au/pilbara-iron-ore-production-hit-by-cyclones/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=ABHR_NL

Emerging freight company, Sailcargo is moving toward achieving its mission through the construction of an emission-free cargo tall ship. To feature a length of 45 meters and a beam of 8 meters, Ceiba will have a 100% electric engine, which will be coupled with solar batteries, panels and wind turbines to make all auxiliary power 100% renewable.

Full article: https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/268366/interview-sailcargo-to-tackle-ship-emissions-by-returning-to-basics/

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ICT company ST Engineering Electronics (STEE), and Mitsui & Co. (Mitsui) to develop an ocean-going autonomous navigation system for the 'World’s Largest Ocean-Going Autonomous Vessel Programme', an initiative funded by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

The partners will collaborate on the ‘Development of Ocean-going Autonomous Navigation System on a Marine Asset’, developing capabilities in autonomous navigation systems and exploring ways of improving efficiency and safety using autonomous systems.

“LR’s involvement in this project builds on the capability and experience already gained from our partnership in other industry-leading and world first autonomous projects,” said Andy McKeran, LR commercial director Marine & Offshore. “However, this project, a world first for the deployment of autonomous navigational technology to an ocean-going vessel for commercial operations, pushes the boundaries of autonomous technology and moves the industry towards deployment of autonomous navigation systems onboard vessels for enhanced performance and critically, safety.”

“Increasing interest in maritime autonomy and remote access/control technologies is a specific example of larger technological changes we are currently seeing in the maritime industry. Essential to the successful and safe adoption of these technologies is that robust use cases are established, for example to improve navigational safety, supply chain efficiency or operational costs of marine assets. Autonomous systems will also provide opportunities for skilled seafarers to focus on what they do best, and the safe and sustainable integration of autonomous systems relies on the appropriate engagement with seafaring professionals.”

He continued, “Working with STEE, who have already developed and proven this capability and are now looking to work to scale in the commercial marine market, is what sets this project apart; STEE provide world-class technical expertise, technology and advanced learnings on autonomous systems in the marine environment. We will support with expertise on assurance, certification and regulation for the application of autonomy in the maritime environment as well as approval of systems where appropriate.”

Source: Digital Ship: https://www.thedigitalship.com/news/electronics-navigation/item/5972-ocean-going-autonomous-navigation-system-to-be-developed-under-industry-mou

A sudden flash fire broke out in a ballast tank during spray painting works due to workers using battery-operated torches.

Full article can be found here; 

http://mfame.guru/three-killed-and-six-injured-due-to-a-fire-in-ballast-tank/

MSC, A.P. Moller – Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and Ocean Network Express have officially established a Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) to drive standardisation, digitalisation, and interoperability and to make the industry more efficient for both customers and shipping lines.

The official launch of the association on April 10, 2019 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, comes following regulatory approval from the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) last month. The association, which plans to create a neutral, non-profit association for ocean carriers will be led by industry veterans including Thomas Bagge from Maersk, who is appointed CEO.

To create value quickly and to overcome some of the biggest pain-points in the industry, one of the first projects is focusing on standards to overcome the lack of a common foundation for technical interfaces and data.

The association is also creating an industry blueprint for processes, which will be another significant part of the future of shipping.

“For the first time in twenty years, the container shipping industry has come together with a common goal to move the industry into the digital era. With the regulatory approval in place, we look forward for the association to take up work and to begin to collaborate with multiple stakeholders from the entire value chain,” said André Simha, chief information officer of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and chairman of the Supervisory Board of DCSA.

The work undertaken will be for the benefit of the entire industry, as all standards will be openly published and available free of charge to interested external parties.

“DCSA is working for the benefit of the entire container shipping industry; hence, it was important for us that the headquarter is located on neutral grounds, so no specific stakeholders or companies are favored,” said Mr Simha.

The location of the association’s headquarters in Amsterdam will not favour any of the large shipping companies and will provide proximity to shipping infrastructure and ease of access. It is also an attractive location for employees.  

“DCSA is working for the benefit of the entire container shipping industry, so it was important for us that the headquarters is located on neutral grounds, with no specific stakeholders or companies being favoured,” stated Mr Simha.

DCSA is in discussions with multiple container shipping lines around the globe who are interested in joining. Preparations for two more companies to join are already in process.

Australia is deploying more assets to the Solomon Islands in an effort to contain the oil spill from the grounded bauxite bulk carrier Solomon Trader which is moving towards the UNESCO listed World Heritage area.

https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/272498/australia-intensifies-efforts-to-contain-solomon-islands-oil-spill/

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has revoked the Australian Certificate for the Carriage of Livestock (ACCL) for the Panamanian flagged livestock carrier, MV Jawan.

https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/266343/unstable-livestock-carrier-stripped-of-its-livestock-carriage-license/