Author name: Editor

Firther collaboration between leading ocean carriers CMA CGM, COSCO SHIPPING, Evergreen, and OOCL, until 2032. This extension ensures at least five more years of operational cooperation beyond the initial agreement’s expiration in 2027. Since its inception in 2017, the alliance has been instrumental in providing top-notch services to customers, characterized by fast transit times, competitive sailing frequencies, and extensive port coverage across major East/West trade routes, particularly connecting Asia to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the East and West coasts of North America.

The CEOs of the four member companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Shanghai to solidify this extension, highlighting their commitment to maintaining a stable, reliable, and trusted partnership. The OCEAN Alliance is recognized as the world’s largest operational shipping network, playing a vital role in facilitating international trade routes and offering innovative solutions to customers.

In alignment with broader environmental goals, particularly CMA CGM’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050, the alliance is actively implementing sustainable practices. This includes the adoption of alternative green fuels for container ships, with plans to operate over 120 such vessels by 2027, some of which are already deployed within the OCEAN Alliance network.

Throughout its existence, OCEAN Alliance has consistently contributed to a stable supply chain while adhering to relevant laws and regulations. With this extension, the alliance reaffirms its dedication to delivering optimal service offerings to customers for the foreseeable future.

Milestone Moment: Sallaum Lines Delivers 2,500 Cars at Terminal 46, in The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) gateway, Seattle, USA. Our partners Sallaum Lines and Terminal 46 NWSA marked a significant milestone on February 2nd 2024, as it welcomed the arrival of the vessel Silver Sky transported automobiles destined for Canada. This momentous occasion signifies a new chapter in the strategic partnership between Sallaum Lines and Terminal 46, in The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) gateway, Seattle, USA.
The automobiles discharged at Terminal 46 will await transport to Canadian KIA and Hyundai dealerships later this month, contributing to the vibrant automotive industry in the region. Beyond its role in automobile transport, Terminal 46 has played a critical role in providing available capacity for various cargo needs throughout the gateway. In response to post-pandemic containerized cargo surges, Terminal 46 has evolved into a crucial near-dock storage facility, facilitating the seamless movement of containerized cargo. Today, Terminal 46 stands ready to handle this increased Canadian-bound cargo opportunity, showcasing its adaptability and importance in the ever-changing landscape of global trade.
Sallaum Lines, a renowned provider of reliable transportation solutions, specializes in serving a broad range of cargo needs. Their state-of-the-art Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessels are tailored to accommodate diverse shipments, from automobiles, trucks, and heavy equipment to project cargo. With an extensive global network of ports and terminals, they ensure seamless and efficient transport of cargo to destinations worldwide.
The successful collaboration between Sallaum Lines and Terminal 46 exemplifies the spirit of innovation and partnership driving the maritime industry forward. As they continue to work together to meet evolving cargo demands, the future looks promising for both companies and the communities they serve.

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (UK MCA) has published article “Leading for safety” – a comprehensive guide how to approach to safety culture in the maritime industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding why accidents happen, identifying the root causes, and fostering a safety culture.
There is no doubt that almost all maritime leaders want to do their best for safety. But sometimes life makes things difficult. Time pressures, economic constraints and everyday circumstances sometimes seem to prevent good safety leadership.
“Leading for safety” guidance to help leaders and senior officers in the maritime industry improve their leadership and people management skills, to ensure safety. It reflects current thinking on leadership in safety and the human element, focusing on the role of leaders in developing a safe culture:
– Defining the human element: how human behavior can affect safety onboard.
– Decision making and risk management: looking into what can lead to people making mistakes and how to mitigate errors.
– Performance influencing factors (PIFS): looking into how some factors that can influence the performance of people on board can lead to more accidents as well as how to mitigate or control these factors.
– Situational awareness: how to be aware of what is going on around you, now and in the near future.
– Communication and teamwork: what a good communication and building a positive team environment are crucial to creating a safe workplace.
– Creating a culture of safety: looking at why accidents happen, what really causes them and what we can do to create a safety culture in an organisation.
This leadership guide tailored for the maritime industry offers a comprehensive exploration of key aspects crucial for fostering a safety-focused culture. By addressing human factors, decision-making, performance influencers, situational awareness, communication, and teamwork, the guide equips leaders and senior officers with valuable insights to enhance safety practices. Emphasizing the creation of a safety culture within organizations, the guide not only identifies the root causes of accidents but also provides actionable steps for leaders to implement. The reflective conclusion underscores the importance of applying the acquired knowledge in practice, offering practical advice for leaders and suggesting further reading for continuous improvement.

Sallaum Lines, our reputable partners, are a global ocean transportation company specializing in reliable RORO cargo shipping solutions across a diverse range of cargo. Their state-of-the-art Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessels are intricately designed to accommodate a variety of shipments, including automobiles, trucks, heavy equipment, and project cargo. With an extensive global network of ports and terminals, Sallaum Lines ensures the smooth and efficient transport of cargo to destinations worldwide.

The recent launch of their innovative website marks a significant advancement in shipping capabilities. Positioned as the “Next Level of Shipping,” the website pledges a seamless interface and unparalleled efficiency in logistics management. Sallaum Lines aims to simplify the shipping process, enhance reliability, and drive businesses forward with this user-friendly experience.

In a LinkedIn post, Sallaum Lines shared, “Welcome to the Next Level of Shipping: Our innovative website is now live, offering you a seamless interface and unparalleled efficiency in managing your logistics. Dive into a user-friendly experience that simplifies your shipping process, enhances reliability, and propels your business forward. Discover the difference at https://sallaumlines.com– where every click moves you ahead.”

The fleet, owned and chartered by Sallaum Lines, is specifically designed to handle a diverse mix of vehicles and High/Heavy cargo. Comprising modern Pure Car & Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessels with an average capacity exceeding 7500 RT, the fleet exemplifies the company’s dedication to efficient and secure cargo transportation.

Currently, Sallaum Lines’ fleet operates on shipping routes connecting Europe and the USA with North, West, South Africa, and Mediterranean destinations. Future plans involve expanding to cover multiple new global routes in response to customer demands and previous requests.

The Britannia loss prevention team has produced a new safety video to raise awareness of safety issues for crew members working at height. This video is the first in a series aimed at addressing the most critical safety issues facing our Members’ seafarers.

The video aims to raise awareness to Members and their crews about the potential dangers associated with working at height. It delves into the specific locations where these risks arise, the hazards involved, and most importantly, how to effectively mitigate them.

Alongside this video please also see our written guidance on working at height safely as well as our poster highlighting the importance of wearing the correct equipment whilst working aloft.

After the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization (MSC 107) that was held from 31 May – 9 June 2023, the IMO has published 18 MSC Resolutions, mostly amending its conventions and codes.

The majority of these resolutions will enter into force in 2024, 2025, or 2026.

MSC.531(107): Strengthening Measures for Ensuring the Safety of International Shipping

Entering into force on 1 January 2024:

MSC.545(107): Amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 1979 (1979 MODU Code)
MSC.547(107): Amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 2009 (2009 MODU Code)
MSC.548(107): International Code of Safety for Diving Operations, 2023 (2023 DIVING Code)
MSC.188(79)/Rev.2: Revised Performance Standards for Water Level Detectors on Ships Subject to SOLAS Regulations II-1/25, II-1/25-1 and XII/12
MSC.546(107): Amendments to the Code for the Construction And Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 1989 (1989 MODU Code)

Entering into force on 1 January 2025:
MSC.540(107): Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978
MSC.541(107): Amendments to Part A of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code

Entering into force on 1 January 2026:
MSC.534(107): Amendments to the Protocol of 1988 Relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974
MSC.532(107): Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974
MSC.533(107): Amendments to the Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974
MSC.537(107): Amendments to the International Code of Safety For High-Speed Craft, 2000 (2000 HSC Code)
MSC.543(107): Amendments to the Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships, 2008 (2008 SPS Code)
MSC.536(107): Amendments to the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 1994 (1994 HSC Code)
MSC.538(107): Amendments to the International Code For Ships Operating in Polar Waters (POLAR Code)
MSC.542(107): Amendments to the Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships,1983 (1983 SPS Code)

Entering into force on 1 January 2029:
MSC.544(107): Amendments to the Revised Recommendation on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances (Resolution MSC.81(70))
MSC.535(107): Amendments to the International Life-Saving Appliance Code (LSA Code)

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted a new SOLAS chapter XV and an associated International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (IP Code). These regulations have been developed to establish minimum safety standards for ships that transport industrial personnel and to ensure the safety of the personnel themselves. The regulations specifically address the unique risks associated with maritime operations in the offshore and energy sectors, including personnel transfer operations. Industrial personnel covered by these regulations may be involved in activities related to the construction, maintenance, decommissioning, operation, or servicing of offshore facilities such as wind farms, oil and gas installations, aquaculture, ocean mining, and similar activities.

Here are some key details about the IP Code:

Definition of Industrial Personnel (IP): According to SOLAS, industrial personnel refers to persons transported or accommodated on board for the purpose of offshore industrial activities performed onboard other ships and/or offshore facilities, such as wind farms and oil rigs.

Applicability: The IP Code applies in its entirety to cargo ships and high-speed cargo craft that meet the following criteria:

• Have a gross tonnage (GT) of 500 and upwards.
• Are engaged on international voyages.
• Carry more than 12 industrial personnel.
• Were constructed (keel laid) on or after July 1, 2024.
• Existing vessels that are not certified to carry industrial personnel prior to July 1, 2024.

Prerequisite: Vessels must have SOLAS cargo ship certificates or high-speed craft code certificates, as applicable, for the IP Code to be applicable.

Authorization before July 2024: Vessels have the option to request authorization from the flag Administration to carry more than 12 industrial personnel before the IP Code enters into force on July 1, 2024. This can be based on the Interim recommendations on the safe carriage of more than 12 industrial personnel onboard vessels engaged on international voyages (Resolution MSC 418(97)). After July 1, 2024, these vessels can obtain IP Code certification by complying with additional requirements related to training, safe personnel transfer, life-saving appliances, and dangerous goods.

SPS Code Vessels: Vessels constructed before July 1, 2024, that operate with a large number of persons on board and have not been certified in accordance with the Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships, 2008 (2008 SPS Code) or Resolution MSC. 418(97), may face difficulties in complying with the IP Code if they wish to carry more than 12 industrial personnel after July 1, 2024. Similarly, vessels built under the 1984 SPS Code (Resolution A.534(13)) that currently carry special personnel (SP) and industrial personnel may encounter challenges in meeting the IP Code’s stability requirements without proper authorization.

Recommendation: Shipowners and ship managers of vessels constructed before July 1, 2024, who intend to carry more than 12 industrial personnel should engage early with the flag Administration to request authorization in accordance with Resolution MSC.418(97).

The IP Code represents an important development in maritime safety and regulation, particularly for ships involved in offshore industrial activities. Shipowners and operators should be aware of the requirements and timelines to ensure compliance with this new code.

The Summary Report for the IMO Implementation of IMO Instruments Sub-Committee (III 9), which took place from July 31 to August 4, 2023 (www.imo.org). The IMO’s Implementation of IMO Instruments Sub-Committee (III) is responsible for discussing matters related to flag, port, and coastal States, including maritime accidents analysis, port State Control procedures, and guidelines for survey and certification.

1. Remote Surveys and Audits: III 9 finalized general guidance on the assessment and application of remote surveys and remote audits. This guidance is intended for inclusion in the draft Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) and the draft Revised guidelines on the implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code by Administrations.
2. Amendments to Survey Guidelines: Draft amendments to the Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) were finalized during III 9. These amendments take into account changes to relevant mandatory instruments that are scheduled to enter into force up to and including January 1, 2024. The revised guidelines are expected to be adopted at Assembly 33 in December 2023 and will come into effect on January 1, 2024.
3. Amendments to Procedures for Port State Control: III 9 also finalized draft amendments to the Procedures for Port State Control (A.1155(32)). These amendments include guidelines for the detention of ships under MARPOL Annex VI. Similar to the Survey Guidelines, the revised Guidelines for Port State Control procedures are expected to be adopted at Assembly 33 in December 2023 and will enter into force on January 1, 2024.

These developments in III 9 reflect ongoing efforts within the IMO to enhance and refine regulations and procedures related to maritime safety and compliance. The adoption of these amendments and guidelines will contribute to improved safety and environmental standards in the maritime industry.

The 2023 joint concentrated inspection campaign (CIC) by the Tokyo and Paris MoUs port state control (PSC) regimes will focus on fire safety, both from a technical and operational aspect. This CIC is set to begin on September 1, 2023, and will last for three months, concluding on November 30, 2023. The decision to concentrate on fire safety is a response to the high number of fire safety-related deficiencies recorded over several years.

Background: Fire safety-related deficiencies have been a persistent concern in maritime safety. In 2022, the Paris MOU reported fire safety defects as the leading cause of deficiencies. ISM-related issues, often related to fire safety, were also a significant deficiency category.

US Coast Guard Observations: The US Coast Guard’s annual report highlighted issues related to fire safety, including oil accumulation in engine rooms and deficiencies in firefighting equipment. ISM-related deficiencies were linked to maintenance, non-conformity reporting, and shipboard operations.

CIC Duration: The CIC will last for three months, from September 1 to November 30, 2023. It will be integrated as an additional part of routine PSC inspections during this period.

PSC Inspection Focus: Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) will use a tailored questionnaire to verify specific topics and areas related to fire safety during inspections.

Importance of Readiness: The CIC serves as a reminder for ship operators to ensure the readiness of their shore organizations, crews, and equipment to respond effectively to fire-related emergencies. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of fire safety measures on ships in accordance with international safety regulations.

Preparation: Ship operators are encouraged to use the CIC as an opportunity to review and enhance their fire safety measures. A questionnaire published via the Panama Ship Registry’s Marine Notice MMN-01/2023 may be used for preparations. Additionally, contacting relevant classification societies well in advance of the CIC can provide more detailed information on survey procedures related to fire safety systems.

The CIC is a coordinated effort to address fire safety issues in the maritime industry and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Ship operators should take proactive measures to prepare for inspections and enhance their fire safety measures to promote safer operations at sea.

Prohibition on Use and Carriage of Oils in Arctic Waters: IMO outlines amendments to MARPOL Annex I regarding the use and carriage of oils as fuel by ships in Arctic waters. It sets specific dates for the prohibition of such activities in Arctic waters and provides provisions for waivers by coastal states. These amendments are aimed at reducing the environmental risks associated with heavy fuel oil use in the fragile Arctic ecosystem.

Starting from July 1, 2024, the use and carriage of oils listed in Regulation 43.1.2 of MARPOL Annex I as fuel by ships shall be prohibited in Arctic waters, as defined in Regulation 46.2 of this Annex. This prohibition applies to all ships except those engaged in securing the safety of ships, search and rescue operations, and ships dedicated to oil spill preparedness and response.

For ships subject to Regulation 12A of MARPOL Annex I or Regulation 1.2.1 of Chapter 1 of Part II-A of the Polar Code, the use and carriage of oils listed in Regulation 43.1.2 of this Annex as fuel shall be prohibited in Arctic waters from July 1, 2029.

Tank Cleaning Requirement: The amendment states that when prior operations have included the use and carriage of oils listed in Regulation 43.1.2 of MARPOL Annex I as fuel, the cleaning or flushing of tanks or pipelines is not required.

Waivers by Coastal States: Coastal states that border Arctic waters may temporarily waive the requirements of the prohibition for ships flying their flag while operating in waters subject to their sovereignty or jurisdiction. However, these waivers will not be valid on or after July 1, 2029. IMO will develop guidelines for the implementation of these waivers.

Communication of Waivers: Coastal states issuing waivers must communicate the particulars of the waiver to the IMO for circulation to all Parties to the MARPOL Convention for their information and appropriate action.

For more details on the amendments, please see IMO MEPC.329(76) – Prohibition on the use and carriage for use as fuel of heavy fuel oil
by ships in Arctic waters.