‘Clean sailing in inland navigation is not yet recouped’
‘Despite the current crisis, the inland navigation market will see growth,’ says President of Dutch trade organisation BLN-Schuttevaer Dominic Schrijer. And this growth will have to be “green”, ‘but the investments needed for this cannot...Read more
Seafarers’ education lags behind practice
Radical changes are needed to ensure that the education of seafarers does not lag behind the rapid pace of technological developments in shipping. This is demonstrated by a study which is part of the EU-funded...Read more
Synthetic decks weigh less and last longer
The Dutch shipbuilding industry has but a small role to play in the construction and exploitation of cruise ships. Yet, with a market share of over fifty per cent, the parts that look like wood...Read more
Dutch Minister of Infrastructure: Essential goods could go by water
In the current circumstances, transport of essential goods by water and rail can be a good alternative because it involves less contact between people. This was said by Dutch Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen (Infrastructure and...Read more
Dredging companies not careful enough with radiation
Inspections at 25 dredging companies showed that these companies need to do more to protect workers against the dangers of radiation. The Dutch Inspectorate SZW found 34 violations, some of which already came to light...Read more
Industry lashes out over coronavirus-related seafarer treatment
The maritime industry is frustrated by the treatment of seafarers who are left stranded on board of their ships as a consequence of the coronavirus. Travel restrictions are hampering crew changes causing logistical difficulties. With countries...Read more
RH Marine improves autopilot on ships
In recent months, RH Marine experts have made an important contribution to the improvement of the new ISO standard for the autopilot (Heading Control Systems, or HCS) on seagoing vessels. The new standard will be...Read more
‘Port of Rotterdam was not well prepared for oil spill Bow Jubail’
The port of Rotterdam was insufficiently prepared for a calamity, as happened almost two years ago with the Bow Jubail. More than two hundred tonnes of fuel oil ended up in the water. The Dutch Safety...Read more
‘Ban on Wadden shipping route possible in the event of acute danger’
The Netherlands may incidentally refuse ships access to the southern shipping route above the Wadden Islands. This measure can be taken in the event of acute danger by using its “right to intervene”. That is...Read more
ICS issues coronavirus guidance for shipping industry
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has issued new guidance for the global shipping industry to help combat the spread of the coronavirus. Among other things, the document advises on managing port entry restrictions and...Read more
Dutch Cabinet approves ban on degassing ships while sailing
Degassing by inland tankers while sailing will be banned throughout the Netherlands. The Council of Ministers has agreed to amend the Shipping Waste Decree after a proposal by Minister Van Nieuwenhuizen of Infrastructure and Water...Read more
Cleaner marine fuels on the rise in Port of Rotterdam
The demand for LNG, bio and low-sulphur bunkers has increased enormously in Rotterdam over the past year. The 2020 Sulphur Cap played a large role in this, reports the Port of Rotterdam Authority. Since 1 January...Read more
‘Shipping needs to prepare for coronavirus restrictions’
The shipping industry needs to be prepared for potential restrictions in order to prevent the further spread of the “Wuhan” coronavirus. This warning was issued by maritime law firm Hill Dickinson. ‘While this outbreak is not...Read more
‘Shipping’s Decarbonisation Costs at Least One Trillion Dollars’
A new study puts a price tag on shipping’s decarbonisation. At least one trillion US dollars of capital investments in land-based and ship-related infrastructure is required to halve international shipping’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by...Read more
Satellites to Measure SOX and NOX Emissions from Seagoing Ships
A new joint study seeks to use satellite images to detect the emission of sulphur (SOX) and nitrogen dioxide (NOX) from sea-going vessels. The study is being conducted by the Dutch Environment and Transport Inspectorate...Read more
‘Energy Transition Will Drive Deepsea Mining’
The energy transition requires a lot of resources and materials. ‘Eventually there will be a shift from oil and gas to mining the metals you need,’ says Wiebe Boomsma, Manager R&D at Royal IHC. ‘After...Read more
First Sulphur Cap Offenders Caught in China
The Chinese authorities have recently caught two ships running on fuel with excessive sulphur content. As far as is known, these are the first officially reported sulphur cap offenders. Maritime insurer The Standard Club reports that...Read more
Option to Fall Dry Can Easily Be Incorporated in New Ship Designs
When discharging and loading at low tide in ports, vessels can “ground” and suffer damage ‒ unless they are designed to handle this condition. To address this possibility, DNV GL has developed a new class...Read more