Columbia Shipmanagement Takes e-Learning to a New Level

26th February 2019Debra Massey

Columbia Shipmanagement proudly announces the launch of its own eLearning Management System (LMS) in partnership with Adobe Systems.

It is the first time a ship manager has partnered with a multinational computer software company to implement a global LMS solution for its entire eLearning courses. This cutting edge Web and App-based eLearning platform enables seafarers to access and complete their training assignments at their own pace and even without having network connectivity.

Columbia’s LMS enables a new learner experience by harmonising the training and courses for seafarers and fleet wide activities worldwide. The new system can be used at the seafarers’ convenience and from any location: office, onboard vessels, at their homes, or even when travelling.

Seafarers can now complete interactive courses using computers or mobile devices to download the courses, generate certificates after successful completion of the relevant test, collect points and badges, post comments and questions in dedicated forums, participate in webinars, attend virtual classrooms and also access virtual reality content among many other features. All Columbia’s seafarers now have access to the platform and can benefit from a large catalogue of interactive and engaging courses.

FONARS are ‘Not a Free Pass’ to Use Non-Compliant Low Sulphur Fuel, Warns ICS

26th February 2019Debra Massey

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has welcomed the decision in principle by the UN IMO that safety or operational concerns about the quality of low sulphur fuels may, in exceptional circumstances, be a valid reason for shipowners to be issued with a Fuel Oil Non Availability Report (FONAR) when the IMO global sulphur cap, requiring fuels to have a sulphur content of 0.5% or less, comes into full effect on 1 January 2020.

However, ICS is warning shipowners that this decision by an IMO Sub Committee last week should not in any way be regarded as a ‘free pass’ either to use or carry non-complaint fuel.

“FONARs remain a tool of last resort and are not something that a ship will be able to use routinely” said ICS Deputy Secretary General Simon Bennett. “The circumstances in which a FONAR can be used are very limited and conditions attached to their use will be strict. Shipowners still need to remain focused on doing everything possible to ensure full compliance in 2020.”

ICS Remains Concerned that New Canadian Legislation will Interfere with International Maritime Trade

26th February 2019Debra Massey

The Canadian Senate is giving consideration to legislation that would have the effect of establishing a moratorium on the shipment of crude oil in the waters of Northern British Columbia (Bill C-48: An Act respecting the regulation of vessels that transport crude oil or persistent oil to or from ports or marine installations located along British Columbia’s north coast).

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), representing the world’s national shipowners’ associations and 80% of the world merchant fleet, has voiced deep concern about this proposed legislation which it says will interfere with international maritime trade.

“Such a dramatic step could lead to serious concerns being raised by Canada’s international trading partners” said ICS Deputy Secretary General, Simon Bennett. “The proposed moratorium does not seem to have been developed through an evidence-based process and we fear it could establish a dangerous precedent that might be copied elsewhere, including by individual U.S. States, with the potential to impact greatly on the efficiency of world trade, as well as that of Canada.”

Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) to focus on business opportunities in Greece

21st February 2019Phil Page

Since opening its Greek office in 2010, the Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) has made inroads into the Greek shipping market. Based in Piraeus, the IRClass office has been actively engaged with Greek shipyards and owners to offer its full range of classification services.

It has recently certified three Ro-Ro vessels in Greece for the Theodoropoulos shipyard and has also taken several other vessels into Class.

Currently, IRClass is working on seeking authorisation from Greek maritime authorities to survey and certify all types of Greek flagged vessels.

To add focus to the Greek market, IRClass MD, Mr. Suresh Sinha will be speaking at Capital Link’s 10^th Annual Greek Shipping Forum on Friday February 22^nd at the Hilton Athens hotel.

“The Greek maritime market is important to IRClass and our expansion strategy is to focus our services in this region due to the large concentration of ship owners. We look forward to networking and meeting with the Greek shipping community and build on the business relationships which our team in Piraeus has developed”, said Mr. Sinha.

Sulphur and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Priority for ICS

11th February 2019Debra Massey

“The 2020 global sulphur cap will be the regulatory game changer of the decade with profound implications for the economics of shipping” believes Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Esben Poulsson. “But there are even more profound changes to come. We are rapidly moving into a multi-fuel future to be followed we hope, in the 2030s, by the arrival of commercially viable zero CO₂fuels suitable for global application.”

Mr Poulsson was speaking following the ICS Board meeting in London last week, attended by senior representatives of the world’s national shipowners’ associations.

As the 1 January 2020 deadline for the sulphur cap approaches, ICS members reviewed progress in persuading the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) to take measures to address expected implementation problems. This includes outstanding safety and fuel compatibility issues associated with the use of new 0.5% sulphur blends and continuing uncertainty over the availability of compliant fuels in every port worldwide, a particular challenge for tramp trades. The ICS Board concluded that it will be vital for the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee to complete this work at its meeting in May 2019, as shipowners begin ordering compliant fuels.

Britannia Granted Licence to Underwrite Business in Singapore and Launches Two Chinese Language Websites

7th February 20197th February 2019Phil Page

On 25 January Britannia P&I Club was granted a licence to underwrite business from its Singapore branch.

The licence was granted by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and follows the recent further positive news of Britannia’s Hong Kong branch also receiving its underwriting licence from Hong Kong’s insurance regulator, the Insurance Authority.

The Singapore branch will be managed by Tindall Riley (Britannia) Singapore (TR(B)S) and is headed by John O’Flaherty, Chief Executive, who has had many years of experience in marine insurance and shipping.

John’s team of seven colleagues includes:

– Derek Birch, a qualified lawyer with experience both in private practice and with other P&I Clubs. Derek heads the local claims team, which includes Capt. Rajesh Raman, Capt. Nasir Subahrie, Sivakami Moorthy and Victoria McFarlane, all of whom have legal, maritime and/or insurance backgrounds; and

– Capt. Ajit Karande, who is responsible for correspondent work and overseeing Britannia’s ASEAN correspondents.

The Singapore office will look after Britannia’s ASEAN countries Members as well as its Members in India and Australasia. It will also assist where required with all Members’ claims arising in the ASEAN region, in association with Britannia’s local port correspondents.