The maritime industry in Singapore has always been doing business the traditional way. Marine Online’s efforts in leading the digital transition has scored another convert. A Singapore local harbour craft experienced the advantages of digital transaction with both competitive pricing and uncompromised service. Needing both inspection and supplies, Marine Online …
Read More »Let there be light!
Despite being an old invention, lighthouses are still essential in ensuring maritime safety The bright light at the top warns seafarers of dangerous areas. While there were several jokes about vessels mistaking lighthouses for stubborn ships refusing to change course (to avoid collisions), they are essential towers to alert vessels …
Read More »Curtain is up for some vessels’ flags
If flag switching helps sustain operations, it may wind up as a standard practice Ship registries are now feeling the effects of the sanctions. Many Russian vessels are reduced to swapping their flags to other countries’ to sustain operations. Clearly, not everyone in Russia is benefitting from the “special operation”. …
Read More »Who patented the ballast tank system?
He was a trained lawyer and became President of the United States Anyone who thought the legendary Abraham Lincoln was only the former country leader supremely against slavery would be dumbstruck. Apart from being trained in law, Lincoln was also the man behind the cargo vessel’s ballast tank system first …
Read More »Hard phase for marine insurance now
Premiums set to soar as the Russia-Ukraine crisis escalates Maritime insurance was hesitant to cover COVID-19 last year. The onus was handed to all employers on the call to add coverage to the ever-mutating virus. Unfortunately, the sector now has the Russia-Ukraine crisis to deal with. Rising costs and risks …
Read More »A call for an impartial relook at seaworthiness
An industry observer questioned if the courts understood the definition of seaworthiness When vessel APL England lost 50 boxes off New South Wales in May 2020, the court reportedly slapped vessel unseaworthiness charges against the ship master. The proceedings struck a nerve with an industry observer and left him challenging …
Read More »Inspections and repairs risk being sidelined for revenue
Drop in marine services observed in Southeast Asia from shipowners’ juggling balance sheets In 2019, a total of 516 vessels totalling 28 million dwt reportedly drydocked at Singapore shipyards for paint jobs, but it dwindled to 296 ships in 2020 and 316 in 2021 as the world battled the pandemic. …
Read More »Wakashio’s captain and first mate pleaded guilty for grounding in Mauritius
Both face a maximum of 60 years’ incarceration for the sinking of the ore carrier MV Wakashio’s high profile disaster in July 2020 attracted substantial media attention given 1,000 tonnes of oil spilled into the waters. After several legal transpirations, the key persons responsible for helming the vessel finally pleaded …
Read More »Ship maintenance imbalance observed in 2021
Shipbroker Intermodal cautions of continued vessel repair hesitance in 2022 Volatile market conditions resulted in many shipowners hold back their maintenance and retrofits for fear of losses. While the uncertain prices are expected to ripple its way into 2022, it is still a lucrative period for some yards. Delayed maintenance …
Read More »Who is accountable for maritime accidents?
Accidents at sea are catalysts for insurers to engage in forensic investigations Shipping goods from one place to another has risks – underscoring the importance of marine insurance. However, things get tricky when insurers question the nature of the claims. One perfect case study is Ever Given’s saga. Flag states …
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