Vaughan Poynter

Here comes the rain again... 🌧 All eyes will again be on Fremantle’s Inner Harbour this weekend. An announcement of further Protected Industrial Action by Vessel Traffic Services officers and Small Craft personnel has been received and is scheduled to commence at 5.30am Sunday 25 August 2024 for 48 hours. There are over 25 movements (including several container ships) in and out of the port expected during this period. Fremantle Ports has advised "A meeting with the Marine Services bargaining group has been arranged and we are hopeful of reaching an agreement and avoiding further disruption through good faith bargaining and respectful, collaborative discussion." The industry is also waiting with bated breath to see if the port will be evacuated prior to the prediction of Saturday's adverse weather, which includes high winds. There is some good news with multiple vessels berthing yesterday - it also seems that the Maersk Yellowstone has come alongside in the wee hours of this morning. Fingers crossed all cargo can be discharged and loaded with the vessel on its way back to Singapore prior to the weekend.   These delays that we are seeing and experiencing through Fremantle are sure to cause a knock-on effect to cargo that is currently awaiting transhipment in Singapore. Currently the majority of the lines are seeing minimal container dwell time, but if these vessels are delayed on arrival at Fremantle, they will miss their window for berthing in Singapore. More cargo will continue to discharge in Singapore, but without the onward carrying capacity to move them to Fremantle the dwell time and volume of containers will increase. This is certainly something to keep a very close eye on.

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Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) recently published a circular outlining propulsion system requirements for pilotage in Queensland (effective September 1, 2024). [Link to circular: https://lnkd.in/gqJDCngB ] The circular includes a section on fuel changeover procedures, stating: Quote, "Fuel changeover is to occur and propulsion tested at least 2 hours prior to pilot boarding for arrival and departure/removal from anchor. Fuel changeover is to occur and propulsion tested at least 30 mins prior to pilot boarding for departure/removal from berth. Fuel changeover is not to occur while underway in a pilotage area." Unquote. While this information is valuable, it appears to have caused some confusion among seafarers. There is concern that this requirement might be misinterpreted as referring to low Sulphur fuel oil (LSFO) changeover procedures mandated by MARPOL Annex VI in Emission Control Areas (ECAs). Open discussion is encouraged and any supplementary guidance or clarification will be appreciated. Perhaps a rephrase of the wording in the circular to clearly distinguish between routine fuel changeover procedures and LSFO changeover in ECAs is required? #MSQ, Kell Dillon.

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I respect Bluebridge as a competent Maritime operator of ferry’s across Cook Strait and have no beef with them. However let’s be clear I am sick of hearing that Bluebridge are the golden boys of the Cook Strait operators and KiwiRails Interislander ferries are subsidised and unreliable compared to them. Further that Bluebridge survive without Government funding or benefit and more that they do so unlike their friendly competition Interisland rail ferries. And let’s be clear it is friendly competition and I believe generally both operators get on quite well with each other and help each other out from time to time - kudos to both of them on that score. But let’s be clear - here are a couple of facts: 1. Bluebridge road only ferries benefit from huge subsidies and competitive advantage their customers (road transport firms) receive from not paying the full costs of using the roads which do 1000’s of times more damage per trip to roads than cars do that Road User Charges do not adequately recover. Also there other things not fully paid for by road transport operators like excessive Greenhouse gas emissions compared to rail, full road trauma costs, congestion costs etc. Bluebridge’s road only ferry’s helps to encourage all these negative outcomes referred to compared to the more eco broader outcome friendly rail ferry option. Bluebridge don’t pay a cent for this - nor do their subsidised customers. 2. And they do have breakdown / disruptions from time to time too just like Interislander rail ferries do. The reality is road only ferry’s like Bluebridge benefit from privatising the profits but socialising the losses ie to the Taxpayer who subsides their customers through inadequate road pricing, costs of road trauma, unfriendly climate outcomes etc. To be clear KiwiRails road ferry freight benefit from this too - It is NOT a level playing field for rail carrying ferries - it is titled in favour of Commercial Vehicle road traffic on the ferries and any subsidies in rail ferry CAPEX and operating costs Interislander receive for rail is simply trying to redress that as as it is tilted in road transports commercial vehicles favour. I knew this as many years ago I did weekly, monthly and annual reporting of Interislands ferry profitability at NZ Rail, Tranz Rail etc and it was known by us all that the rail deck was disadvantaged compared to the road deck customers which made more money at the taxpayers expenses through heavily subsidised road transport costs for Commercial Vehicles. But don’t worry more and more are realising this is the case and are on to it - see here: https://lnkd.in/gAFNVyNq And here: https://lnkd.in/gg84qmW4 #Kiwirail #newzealand #interislander #cookstrait #transport

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#WednesdayWonderings #ChoppySeas #CultureShock #Need #NeedForChange #groundswell I posted a few weeks ago about an Australian Maritime Safety Authority ban of a vessel from the Australian coast. In a similar vein another fairly large operator has recently been placed on a 12 month notice to the effect that all their company vessels may be subject to 3 monthly inspections. While the on board issues may be different, it’s not too much of a stretch to work out when it comes down to it one of the underlying causes is a lack of reporting. It’d be all too easy to once more blame the crew, and yes they do have a part to play in this, but again for this level of compliance activity checks to be spread across a whole fleet would again seem to point to issues existing at a significantly higher level. And for it to have found its way fleet wide would make it something of a cultural problem. Namely, a #cultural #acceptance and #encouragement of #hiding and #coveringup known issues. And yeah, this extends well past technical failures, and is at the heart of the diversity, equity, inclusion, and bullying issues so well highlighted and represented (though arguably not actually tackled) over the last week by the IMO’s #IDWiM2024; that however is another post for another day (let’s face it a few conferences ain’t gonna change very much; which is not to say they are in any way unnecessary, just that we all need to do more). Back to maintenance issues, once more in the spotlight as the MV Dali is blasted free and yet still detained. One might ask, why do the crews who sail these ships persist in covering up and trying to hide known deficiencies? Well, to start with they have a boss they answer to. A boss who pays them…or not…and who doesn’t want to waste money on something they can’t see, and they’ll do whatever they can to make that happen, very often at the crew’s expense as it’s they who’re forst and foremost in the firing line. When it comes down to it, I think many of us can see, and experience on a daily basis, the cultural issues at the heart of the problem here, the question is, how do we change them? They’ve been existent for centuries. Big data, social media, and a groundswell movement for change in DEI, LGBTQI+, and maintenance issues across the globe, are making it ever harder to hide the problems we face, but even still that’s not really changing very much very fast. So how do we face these challenges? As individuals? With #courage. By not only supporting those who choose to speak out, but by speaking out ourselves. If even two people who read this or hear someone speak out choose to take some action towards cultural change, and two more follow them, the groundswell will build…slowly. The real change though will still only come when the right people - those who lead, manage and own - make the choice to invest in the future of their people, because it’s they who’ll make the #groundswell and #ships #safe for those that sail them. It’s time.

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Today marks the International Day of the Seafarer – highlighting the role seafarers play in making the maritime sector safer, while also acknowledging the work they do. Here in Australia, seafarer safety and wellbeing is one of the key priorities of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and you can find more information here - https://lnkd.in/eDcRnWmU #safetytipsatsea #dayoftheseafarer #DotS #ees #shipping #freightforwarding #freight #logistics #supplychain

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🚢 Join Our Exclusive Psychosocial Risk Assessment Pilot Program! We are excited to announce the launch of our Psychosocial Risk Assessment Pilot Program, an exclusive opportunity for forward-thinking shipping companies to be at the forefront of enhancing crew welfare and operational safety. Why Participate? 🔍 Comprehensive Assessment: Evaluate key psychosocial risk factors on board, such as workload balance, management support, job role clarity, and more, to ensure your crew’s well-being. 📊 Data-Driven Insights: Receive detailed, color-coded reports that benchmark your vessels against industry standards and provide actionable recommendations to improve the work environment. 🌐 Global Reach: Our tool supports multiple languages, ensuring that your diverse crew can participate seamlessly. Program Highlights: Start Date: September 9, 2024 Duration: Until December 7, 2024 Cost: Participation is completely free Scope: Two vessels per company, with up to 30 seafarers per vessel Confidentiality: All assessments are anonymous, with results published anonymously for research purposes What’s In It for Your Company? -Enhance Your Reputation: Demonstrate your commitment to crew welfare and safety by participating in this cutting-edge program. -Tailor-Made Solutions: Gain access to customized recommendations designed to address specific risks identified in your fleet. -Benchmarking: Compare your vessels' performance with industry benchmarks and other participating companies. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to lead the way in crew welfare and operational excellence. Register your company today and be part of the change! LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! 👉 Contact Us: For more information or to register, please email us at [email protected] #Shipping #MaritimeSafety #SeafarerWellbeing #PsychosocialRisk #CrewWelfare #PilotProgram #MaritimeInnovation

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Impressive rescue operation! It's incredible to see such teamwork ensuring the safety of everyone. https://lnkd.in/ehKXaRe

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These two 'GREY BOTTLES' represent some significant FIRSTS for Ocius. i) BB 712 is the FIRST Bluebottle to be DESIGNATED a ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY REGISTERED VESSEL. Gaining this status was no mean feat and is testament to the trust we’ve built up with NAVY since the first Autonomous Warrior exercise in 2018 and the work we’ve done together since. 2) BB TAHI is the FIRST OF TWO Bluebottles bought by the ROYAL NEW ZEALAND Navy. Last year NZ Navy leased a BB for a trial, and they are now purchasing two. We are two countries which share A COMMON PROFOUND RESPONSIBILITY of SAFEGUARDING VAST OCEAN EXPANSES with MODEST POPULATIONS AND RESOURCES. 3)THESE 2 'Grey BOTTLES' are also the FIRST of our new BETH 2.0 CLASS, which are 6% bigger than previous BBs, BUT KEEP THE BBS’ DISRUPTIVE ADVANTAGE OF LOW LOGISTICS being able to fit in a 40' shipping container, be towed around by an standard SUV and launched at any remote location in the world from a boat ramp WITHOUT A CRANE OR A SUPPORT BOAT. 4) They represent a LEAP in HOW WE CAN SCALE WITH PRECISION. The news BETH 2.0 mold can produce 300 BB at a rate of one per fortnight AND if we need to double production we can add another mold. We APPLAUD Aust Government, Royal Australian Navy, Australian Border Force, DSTG and MIC Branch for working with us and moving forward with BBs as a MINIMUM VIABLE CAPABILITY under SEA 1200. Bluebottles 'Odometer' reading of total Nautical Miles logged is now 74,000 nautical miles equivalent to circling the globe at the equator 3.5 times....  This means we’re acquiring masses amounts of DATA about payloads, software, ML and AI, such that the Royal Australian Navy and Ocius are evolving this capability in an RAPID, ITERATIVE AND AGILE WAY. Thanks to all our friends and colleagues for helping us celebrate this landmark occasion. Robert

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The Panamax Post Wednesday, 3rd July   Any fool can carry on, but a wise man knows how to shorten sail in time   Good morning, and welcome to my daily Panamax Post column. Insert weather here   With much in the news, I wish you good fixtures and safe travels. And now for the news before the headlines The recent International Energy Agency (IEA) report forecasting a decline in oil demand by the end of this decade has raised concerns regarding the outlook of the product tanker market (Drewry Shipping Consultants Ltd) Euronav will be officially known as CMB.TECH from October this year following approval of the change at a shareholders' meeting China has deployed its indigenously developed ‘Shandong’ #aircraftcarrier near the #Philippines Norway’s DOF Group will pay approximately $1.1 billion to acquire Maersk Supply Service further consolidating the offshore service sector focusing on the #oilandgas sector Germany’s Lürssen shipyard, builder of large, luxury yachts, was struck by a fire early on Tuesday, July 2, at its yard in Schacht-Audorf alongside the #KielCanal The Baltic Exchange index rises for fifth straight day on strong #capesize demand in #DryBulk Market British Marine, the trade association for the UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry, has appointed Robert Parton CMM as its new President Lloyd’s Terminal and Infrastructure division has adopted a new brand name: Hanseatic Global Terminals The cost of #shipping cargo #containers from India to Europe has firmed up after major carriers raised rates from 1 July Global trade trends turned positive in Q1 2024, with goods and services trade increasing by 1% and 1.5% respectively, driven by the US, China, and India, according to UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s July trade update Dutch #offshore construction player Heerema Marine Contractors has been awarded contracts for work on #offshorewindfarms in the #BalticSea SLB’s OneSubsea has won a sizeable contract for 13 wellsets plus associated equipment and services in the development of the Kaminho project offshore Angola from French energy major TotalEnergies Belfast-based shipbuilder Harland & Wolff has temporarily suspended trading of its shares due to delays in filing audited accounts On Tuesday, the China #CoastGuard seized a Taiwanese #fishingvessel at a site off the coast of Kinmen, an outlying island governed by Taiwan Saudi Arabian liner newcomer Folk Maritime is pressing ahead with ambitious growth targets in a deal with Bahri | البحري Ship Management. A large section of St. John's River turned white yesterday afternoon, prompting huge concern among the public. Russia continues to push forward with the rapid renewal and expansion of its #icebreakerfleet. Thank you to Adis Ajdin Marcus Hand Vijay krishna The Maritime Executive gCaptain

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Another luxury cruise vessel was denied entry to New Zealand last month pending additional hull cleaning. This could have been avoided with in-transit hull-grooming robotics. Not only are dirty hulls dangerous for delicate ecosystems due to the transfer of invasive aquatic species, added fuel costs and millions in losses take their toll on fleet operators and local economies. 🔗 Follow the link in the comments to learn more about the incident and how climate change is enhancing the so called “dirty hull syndrome.” #biofouling #innovation #technology #climatetech #greentech #shipsandshipping #regulation #compliance #engineering

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AMSA received 214 MLC complaints about seafarer living and working conditions last year. That’s an 18% decrease from 2022. Of the complaints received by AMSA, the majority (135) originated from the seafarers themselves. This indicates that Australia’s reputation as a nation that upholds the MLC, and investigates all complaints seriously and confidentially, continues to be upheld. The Maritime Labour Convention Annual Report provides a snapshot of the complaints received by AMSA and how we’ve responded. Read the report at: https://ow.ly/YCNX50RB1Zf #MaritimeLabourConvention #SeafarerRights #MaritimeSafety

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An innovative approach to marine pilotage recruitment and training has increased the breadth of skills and knowledge in our marine team and set us up for the long term.

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Perth bound for the #IDWiM event - yes, it is time almost time - the event is tomorrow!!! ✈️ ✅ Sponsored by Australian Maritime Safety Authority , WISTA Australia and The Nautical Institute (Australia) it promises to be a great event. ➡️ With the theme ‘Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety' we have so much to explore. As we all know, while the focus is Women in Maritime - this reflects the broader concept of diversity, equity and inclusion. So… add your voice to the discussion! 🤔 How do you think diversity, equity and inclusion can shape the future of the maritime safety? #womeninmaritime #intheni #visibleleadership

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NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR VESSELS WITH ENGINE OR SHAFT POWER LIMITERS     New requirements will come into force from 29 April at the ports of Melbourne and Geelong for vessels equipped with a mechanical or software-based engine or shaft power limiter in accordance with IMO requirements. As stated in the Ports Victoria Operational Instruction (OI) No.01-2024, the IMO has adopted measures under the MARPOL Convention requiring certain international ship types to take action to reduce their carbon intensity.   To comply with those requirements, some vessel operators have installed a mechanical or software-based engine or shaft power limiter. Some limiters may have the unintended consequence of degrading a vessel’s manoeuvrability at critical times when navigating in a confined waterway.   Risks associated with transiting the Fairway through Port Phillip Heads, South Channel and approaches to the port of Geelong and Melbourne may demand access to the vessel’s full power capability.   The below requirements apply to any vessel intending to transit the port waters of the port of Melbourne and the port of Geelong.   Engine power or shaft power limiter requirements:   1.   Any vessel equipped with a mechanical or software-based engine or shaft power limiter will disable the device before pilot boarding, or; 2.   Any vessel equipped with a mechanical or software-based engine or shaft power limiter, must be able to immediately override or disable the device to have access to the vessel’s full power capability. 3.   Any vessel unwilling or unable to override or disable power limiters, must advise Ports Victoria ([email protected]) at least 24 hours before pilot boarding. 4.   Any vessel unwilling or unable to override or disable power limiters may be subject to additional risk mitigations, including but not limited to; daylight only transits, tidal stream restrictions for the transit of the Fairway through Port Phillip Heads, wind restrictions for berthing and unberthing operations, additional tug requirements and escorts.   Source: GAC/Hellenic Shipping News

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please help by sharing this advice

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Final Report of Near grounding of Rosco Poplar, off Bond Reef, Hydrographers Passage, Queensland, on 4 May 2022 has been released by ATSB. Subject near miss leaves alot of lessons to learn for all Maritime Professionals Specifically for conduct of Bridge Team during Navigation. Suggest to read through the chain of events leading to Near Miss which could have resulted in a significant disaster. https://lnkd.in/gYyeQdsf

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Important guidance from The Shipowners'​ Club on the use of structured Planned Maintenance Systems - especially for non-SOLAS vessels. See also the other guidance available at https://lnkd.in/grGEtKi6 Great work Bhaskar Nigam!

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Lives have been lost when crew on commercial vessels have gone overboard without a lifejacket. If you own or operate a commercial vessel in Australia, don’t let this happen to you or your crew. You know the risks of going overboard better than anyone. Make sure they’re documented in your vessel’s risk assessment and supported by a procedure for when lifejackets should be worn. Guidance is available: https://brnw.ch/21wNAau Get on board with lifejacket safety: Don’t risk it. Risk assess it 📋 #AMSA #SafeSeas #SavingLives #LifejacketsSaveLives

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