1. Yachting world
2. Sea of distractions
3. New London shipyard
4. Action not platitudes
5. Wellness at sea
6. Sing for seafarers
7. Port management guide
8. LR moves
9. VeriSTAR Green
10. Cyprus vaccinations
11. Donations
12. Green hydrogen handbook
13. âCrazyâ canal
14. Ever Given
15. Demurrage and detention
Notices & Miscellany
Readersâ responses to our articles are very welcome and, where suitable, will be reproduced:
Write to: contactus@themaritimeadvocate.com
1.Justifying the unjustifiable
By Michael Grey
The UK, it seems might be getting another Royal Yacht, to replace the elegant HMY Britannia, which was retired in 1997 as the new barons of Blairâs Britain showed us who was in charge. It is not entirely certain whether HM actually wants another vessel, so the scheme seems to be to designate it as a âgovernment shipâ, available for ministers and other important folk to project commercial and diplomatic power abroad â a sort of âSeaforce Oneâ – run by the RN. It is by no means certain that the RN, with two aircraft carriers to man, three store ships to buy, besides managing all their other grey ships, want a yacht either. But the RN does what it is told.
Some ÂŁ200m has been plucked from a money tree and allocated to the purchase, and an artistâs impression has been published, to a certain amount of derision, one distinguished ship designer suggesting that it looked a bit like a trawler. That, I considered, did trawlers something of a disservice, as there are some really elegant fishing craft around these days. I just thought it looked boring, small and old-fashioned and would be unlikely to generate the same frisson as was produced in the past by HMY Britannia entering port, with flags flying and band playing. At best, they could manage a small ensemble on the mooring deck, albeit with amplification.
The current edition of Naval Architect journal offers a sort of alternative Britannia reimagined by the institutionâs former President Stephen Payne, who was, it will be recalled, the designer of Queen Mary 2. And while the governmentâs option looks a bit of a âback of the envelopeâ job, to give Boris a diverting bit of positive press as the Irish bridge looks a non-starter, this is a more substantial vessel, accompanied by a thoughtful commercial proposal for the shipâs employment. A true national flagship, capable of generating its keep in a continuous trade promotion role around the world, he envisages a ship with exhibition spaces, conference facilities, shops, restaurants (and a British pub), state and VIP apartments and business centre. The ship would also be a floating British Embassy.
He suggests that while it would be commanded by a RN officer, the shipâs manning would be mixed RN and Merchant Navy, offering a substantial training role for both and a rather more practical manpower solution. He also offers a concept painting of the ship, which certainly looks rather more imposing than the government offering, although it could be argued that these days it probably needs to be festooned with Flettner rotors, collapsible and fixed sails, solar panels, kites and is propelled by a fuel cell consuming hydrogen produced from recycled plastic.
Stephen Payne produces a convincing case for a âcost-neutralâ build and operation, but would it really work? Would British industry be willing to rock up and shell out, not just for an inaugural cruise but for the twenty years or more after the ship is commissioned. You might argue that the old Britannia did very well, but those who sat in her elegant dining room flogging widgets to foreigners, did not actually have to pay for the privilege.
In the 1970s, I seem to remember going on board the Japanese exhibition ship Shin Sakura Maru in Londonâs Millwall Dock, when she was on a world cruise, selling Japanese technology and being very impressed. But she only came once and it wasnât that many years had elapsed before she had been converted into a cruise ship. I suppose that before too long Japanese goods were seen for what they were and didnât need ships to promote them.
One shouldnât be cynical and part of me says that we ought to harness the genuinely world-class design skills available in the UK and produce something that would have even the Prime Minister lost for words. But as somebody old enough to have seen the whole of this nationâs maritime decline, I am bound to feel pessimistic about the possibilities in this âpost-maritimeâ UK. Could we build something like this, without bankrupting the builder? Can we make it work with a multiplicity of roles, year in, year out, with a design that can evolve to incorporate future innovation? I would love to see us try, but feel in my aged bones that yachting is probably a bit âyesterdayâ.
Michael Grey is former editor of Lloydâs List.
2. Sea of distractions
Branscombe Marine Consultantsâ MD Alan Loynd has brought to our attention CHIRP Maritime’s latest safety initiative “Sea of Distractions” video (22 mins).
This safety initiative is centred on the misuse of personal devices, including mobile phones, mp4 players, and tablets whilst on duty in the workplace that may cause distraction with potentially serious safety implications. Essentially, as Loynd puts it, this is “texting whilst driving”.
Whilst the context of the video is the maritime industry, the science and lessons contained within are clearly transferrable to other industries. In the interest of getting a debate going on this controversial subject, check out the video at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JJcDNVIIXE
3. New London shipyard
The Port of London Authority (PLA) in conjunction with property developers, London & Regional, and the Royal Docks Team has given further details for the first new shipyard on the Thames for over a century at Albert Island in the London Borough of Newham.
Use of the Thames has been growing rapidly in recent years, with increasing passenger services, barge movements and deep-sea trade. The planned shipyard forms part of Albert Island, London & Regionalâs 25-acre, multimillion-pound industrial regeneration scheme in the Royal Docks. The whole area is undergoing significant transformation as Londonâs only Enterprise Zone and presents a unique opportunity for a skilled maritime operator to develop dedicated facilities and highly skilled jobs for local people, serving the UKâs busiest inland waterway.
Development of a London shipyard is in line with wider Government moves to boost shipbuilding in the UK; an updated National Shipbuilding Strategy is due to be released later this year. This is expected to take in broader merchant and other vessels, alongside the current strategyâs focus on vessels for the Royal Navy.
PLA chief executive, Robin Mortimer, explained: âThe Thames has been the centre of a river renaissance over the last decade, with continuing investment in new vessels and services of all kinds. This shipyard opportunity has major significance, as it will put the essential repair and maintenance facilities at the heart of the busy river. Once developed, it will mean services can be provided swiftly, saving operators time taking vessels to yards off the river and minimising downtime.â
The 3.3-acre shipyard development at Albert Island, one of three strategic sites in the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone, already has outline planning permission. The PLA is currently seeking expressions of interest from potential operators of the facility at the eastern end of the Royal Docks.
A 2020 study of the economic impact of Thamesâ operations found that there are 780 full-time equivalent jobs in the London Borough of Newham linked to the river, and that those operations generate value added each year of ÂŁ162 million.
The shipyard is expected to feature a boat lift and other infrastructure. The selected operator will be expected to obtain all relevant consents in accordance with the policies in the London Plan, Newham Local Plan, plus permits/licenses from the PLA, the Marine Management Organisation and the Environment Agency.
For more information visit: www.pla.co.uk/albertisland. All expressions of interest must be received by 16 July 2021.
4. Action not platitudes
Captain Rajesh Unni, founder and chief executive of the Synergy Group released a powerful plea for action not platitudes on behalf of seafarers saying he believes solutions are available to standardise and distribute vaccines, ensure seafarers get emergency medical treatment and better organise crew changes. âThe problem is a deficit of political leadership which is now so severe it is infringing the human rights of seafarers.â
After a year of seafarer mistreatment by governments and ineffective lobbying on their behalf by the shipping industry, stronger action is now needed as the industry marks Day of the Seafarer 2021 on June 25, according to the chief executive of Synergy Group, which currently manages a diverse fleet of almost 400 vessels.
Captain Unni believes there are simple steps political leaders can take to uphold seafarer human rights and bring some order to the patchwork of Covid-related national rules that are now often making it difficult to ensure crews receive emergency treatment and vaccines. Indeed, many countries are now even banning the repatriation of the mortal remains of seafarers that pass away at sea, irrespective of cause of death or the Covid-19 status of those onboard the vessel.
âFor over a year the shipping industry has been pleading for leadership from political leaders to help us find ways of running our businesses and treating seafarers with the respect they deserve,â said Captain Unni. âAnother Day of the Seafarer is upon us and thus far our pleas have largely fallen on deaf ears.
âJust how little concern there is for shipping and seafarers was apparent with the tragic case of the Romanian captain of the Vantage Wave. The master tragically passed away on April 19 after suffering a suspected heart attack. There were no suspected Covid-19 complications. However, efforts to repatriate his body were thwarted by lockdown regulations at every turn,â Captain Unni said.
âHuman Rights at Sea reported that efforts were made to disembark the captain in a number of Asian countries, but permission could not be obtained. Almost two months later and the body was still on the ship and crew were facing food and water shortages at anchorage off China. This is not right.â
Captain Unni outlined some of the other problems faced by seafarers, including the fact that emergency treatment is difficult to access and vaccine policies were failing, while he said that solutions were available but called for action by governments. For Captain Unniâs full comments go to https://www.synergymarinegroup.com/action-not-platitudes-needed-on-day-of-the-seafarer/
5. Wellness at sea
More than 50 shipping companies are getting on board Sailorsâ Societyâs Wellness at Sea Awareness programme: giving their crews, their families and shore staff vital wellness training and support to help them physically and mentally cope with the stresses of the pandemic.
The 27-week programme starts this week, providing a series of resources and advice about staying well across the main areas of life â from relationships to mental health, physical fitness to spiritual wellbeing.
Sara Baade, chief executive of Sailorsâ Society, said: âWeâre delighted that so many companies are getting on board with Wellness at Sea and recognising just how important good physical and mental wellbeing is for the people that power the shipping industry.
âThis has never been more important than now, as the pandemic continues to surge through crew supply countries, causing even more uncertainties and anxieties over job security and length of contracts.
âThere is a real risk of a mental health pandemic which will far outlast the virus â but if we work together to give seafarers, their families and shore staff this advice and support, we can help turn the tide on this crisis, protecting the future of our industry and the people it relies on.â
The free programme, which ran last year in response to the pandemic, has now expanded to include advice and support for seafarersâ families and shore staff as well as the crews themselves.
To find out more about how your organisation can get on board and take advantage of the free Wellness at Sea resources, contact Sailorsâ Societyâs Wellness at Sea programme manager Johan Smith on j.smith@sailors-society.org or +27 82 772 1814.
Sailorsâ Societyâs emergency helpline offers free advice and support to any seafarer and can be reached on +1 938 222 8181 or wellnessatsea.org/helpline.
6. Sing for seafarers
To mark the International Day of the Seafarer, law firm Ince has released its global virtual choirâs recording of Rod Stewartâs single âSailingâ. The single will raise funds for four of the worldâs leading maritime charities: The Mission to Seafarers, Stella Maris, Sailorsâ Society and the Seafarersâ Charity.
The single has been recorded in partnership with Royal Museums Greenwich and with the support of multi-platinum record producer George Shilling and award-winning film director Athena Xenidou.
The members of the international choir have joined from all four corners of the world. The singing of âSailingâ aims to give voice to the unsung heroes of the pandemic and raise awareness of their situation and their crucial role in the shipping sector, international trade and the global supply chain.
Ince says it is keen to raise as much awareness and money for seafarers as possible, and all the net proceeds for the single will be split equally among the four charities. The single can also be purchased from all main media platforms, including iTunes, Amazon and Spotify. You can also donate and support all four charities through the companyâs Virgin Money Giving page, linked below.
For more information on the Sing for Seafarers’ campaign, learn more on Inceâs website.
7. Port management guide
By Michael Grey
Shipping is an increasingly specialised business and the port sector that serves it is no less so. People who work in it find that they operate in technical âsilosâ in which their knowledge and expertise of one sector is not particularly transferable. Author Captain Bill Chalmers has spent his whole career in both shipping and port sectors and has set out to explain the broad extent of the latter industry, from both an operational and management standpoint.
This very readable and well-illustrated book covers the role of ports, their ownership and structure, physical aspects and commercial functions. A large section on ports, ships and their cargoes provides insights into the specialist demands of various types of terminals and their equipment, while the way in which ship design affects ports is well explained. Nobody in the industry can have been unaware of the way in which ship design, which traditionally was undertaken to fit the constraints of ports, now forges ahead and expects ports to adapt to whatever the ship-owner demands.
There is a useful section on the responsibilities of the harbourmaster and marine section, with the remainder of the book focussing on management, finance, competition and port pricing, along with current and future port planning. The book provides a useful source of reading for the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokersâ syllabus and examinations in port and terminal management.
The book is published by Brown Son & Ferguson and details can be found on www.skipper.co.uk
8. LR moves
Lloydâs Register has announced the sale of 100% of its Business Assurance & Inspection Services division, including cyber-security business Nettitude, to Goldman Sachs Asset Management. LR says the transaction is a âkey milestone in Lloydâs Registerâs strategy to become the go-to partner and adviser on compliance, performance and sustainability to the maritime industry and broader ocean economy. The deal is expected to complete during the second half of 2021, following customary antitrust and regulatory approvals.
âThe transaction will enable LR to better support its clients to respond to the regulatory, economic and societal pressures to digitalise and decarbonise within challenging timeframes. The additional investment capital it provides will empower LR to become an even more valuable partner to maritime clients as they address the risks and opportunities ahead of them. In particular, the divestment will allow accelerated investment in LRâs maritime service offering, both organically and through acquisitions.
Nick Brown, Chief Executive of Lloydâs Register Group said: âWe believe this will unlock significant growth potential for both companies.
For Lloydâs Register, it comes at a time when there is a pressing need for specialist maritime advisers to guide clients through fundamental change and to help support their digitalisation and decarbonisation ambitions. This transaction builds on our 260-year heritage in the maritime industry and will strengthen our ability to take our compliance offering to the next level, expand our risk and advisory services and develop industry-leading digital solutions. It will also provide greater focus to build LRâs role as a leading industry advisor for maritime supply chain safety, resilience, efficiency and performance.â
Under its new ownership, Lloydâs Registerâs Business Assurance & Inspection Services division will adopt the brand name LRQA reflecting its 35 years of expertise and heritage in the assurance market. As an independent business, LRQA will continue to be one of the leading players in the fragmented assurance and inspection market, with a global footprint to service its customer base across a wide range of sectors. Goldman Sachs Asset Management intends to expand the LRQA business, helping it to become a leading digitally enabled assurance provider, partnering with customers across key sectors, geographies and segments as they navigate a changing risk landscape.
9. VeriSTAR Green
Bureau Veritas has introduced an online platform, VeriSTAR Green, to enable all shipowners to assess their compliance with Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulations. This tool is accessible from Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore website.
In line with the 2050 International Maritime Organizationâs ambition to take action to combat climate change and its impacts, new amendments to cut the carbon intensity of existing ships have been adopted by the IMOâs Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). These measures require ships to combine a technical and an operational approach to reduce their carbon intensity. The set of amendments include
The technical requirement to reduce carbon intensity, based on a new EEXI. The EEXI is to be applied for same type of vessels as the EEDI (merchant vessels of 400gt and above) with specific targets for each vessel type and size.
The operational carbon intensity reduction requirements, based on a new operational CII. Vessels will be rated on a five-tiered scale (from A to E) with corrective measures required for ratings D & E. CII will be applicable to merchant vessels of 5000 GT and above.
Shipowners can now access VeriSTAR Green to check a vesselâs required EEXI and either request verification or any technical advisory support from Bureau Veritas Solutions M&O. Additionally, they will soon be able to self-calculate the attained EEXI for each type of ship, as BV will continue to expand VeriSTAR Green with new user-friendly functionalities, in line with MEPC 76 outcomes. Upcoming features will include a calculation of the carbon intensity index (CII) and the associated rating based on the requirements adopted by the MEPC.
Clients with a Data Collection System or Monitoring, Reporting & Verification contract with BV will also be able to use this platform to report their fuel consumption data and request verification.
You can access VeriSTAR Green here
10. Cyprus vaccinations
The Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry has issued a circular which outlines plans to provide Covid-19 vaccinations to all seafarers on Cyprus-flagged and Cyprus-managed vessels. The island nation is also exploring the potential to become a vaccination hub for all visiting seafarers, proactively supporting long-term progress for seafarer welfare.
As stipulated in the circular, vaccines will be administered by qualified medical staff to all seafarers working on board Cyprus-flagged ships, irrespective of the location of the vessel, and certificates provided. Vaccines will also be available to all seafarers serving on board vessels calling at Cypriot ports, regardless of flag, with close ties to Cyprus – such as ships managed by companies based in the country. In addition, Cyprus is exploring the possibility of becoming a vaccination hub. This relies upon a proportion of surplus vaccines from other countries being made available for seafarers.
For more information and to view the full circular, please visit the website here.
11. Donations
The Seafarers International Relief Fund issued an urgent appeal for donations on the eve of this yearâs IMO Day of the Seafarer, as it pushes towards its fundraising goal of US$1 million in support of seafarers and their families affected by Covid.
The appeal currently stands at US$869,502 in donations and pledges received from across the shipping industry, including corporate and personal contributions. More than US$610,111 has already been awarded in grants to deliver emergency support for seafarers and families in India.
The Seafarers International Relief Fund (SIRF) was established by leading seafarer welfare charities, after an approach from Ardmore Shipping, wanting to do more to support seafarers during the Covid-19 pandemic. The initial focus of the campaign is on India, which continues to bear the brunt of a devastating wave of Covid infections, with catastrophic consequences for many seafarers and families who lack access to vaccinations, medical treatment, basic sustenance, and welfare services.
The latest SIRF grants have been issued to leading seafarer charities ISWAN and Stella Maris. The ISWAN grant will be used to fund the facilitation and coordination of priority vaccinations for 5,000 seafarers, as well as financial hardship grants for seafarers and the next of kin of those who have lost their lives. Further support is available through ISWANâs âSeafarerHelpâ telephone line. The Stella Maris grant will fund 200 food parcels, including PPE, for the next three months.
As the global shipping industry came together to mark the annual IMO Day of the Seafarer, SIRF is asking for organisations to show their support for seafarers by donating to the relief fund to reach the goal of US$1 million, all of which will go towards delivering emergency relief to those in dire need.
To donate today, please visit https://donate.theseafarerscharity.org/sirf
12. Green hydrogen handbook
A consortium of 26 leading companies and associations, led by DNV, has launched the Handbook for Hydrogen-fuelled Vessels to address the uncertainties surrounding hydrogen as a ship fuel. The MarHySafe joint development project (JDP) aims to create a knowledge base for safe hydrogen operations in shipping.
Green hydrogen could play a crucial role in the maritime industryâs journey towards decarbonisation. Many in shipping recognize hydrogenâs potential as a fuel, but the barriers to realizing this potential are substantial. Led by DNV, a consortium of 26 partners and observers have come together in the MarHySafe JDP to examine these challenges.
The Handbook for Hydrogen-fuelled Vessels offers a road map towards safe hydrogen operations using proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). It details how to navigate the complex requirements for design and construction, and it covers the most important aspects of hydrogen operations, such as safety and risk mitigation, engineering details for hydrogen systems and implementation phases for maritime applications.
âGreen hydrogen is one of the zero carbon fuels that could be vital to meeting the IMO GHG goals, but as with other new fuels, there are still significant challenges regarding its safe and widespread implementation,â said Knut Ărbeck-Nilssen, chief executive of DNV Maritime. âWe are fortunate to be working with companies that are really ahead of the curve in terms of hydrogen operations. Having such esteemed partners and observers on board this project makes the insights gleaned all the more valuable. Furthermore, it shows how the shipping industry can pool its collective expertise and tackle these crucial issues. We work best when we work together – the handbook is testament to this.â
Some of the main challenges for hydrogen operations in shipping include the current regulatory framework, which is open to interpretation by different stakeholders, existing knowledge gaps on the safe handling, storing and bunkering of hydrogen, as well as the unique properties of hydrogen that make it challenging to work with.
Download the full report here: https://www.dnv.com/maritime/publications/handbook-for-hydrogen-fuelled-vessels-download.html
13. âCrazyâ Canal
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has just launched a $15 billion canal project with the aim of reducing pressure on the Bosphorus Strait, laying the foundation of a bridge to form part of the development.
The president, who has described the plan in the past as a âcrazy projectâ said that Canal Istanbul represented a new page in the countryâs history. The project, which has come in for criticism, includes a waterway running 28 miles through marshland and farms on the western edge of Istanbul.
Construction workers poured cement into the foundations of the 1.6 km bridge which forms part of the development recently. The canal is expected to take six years to complete.
Estimates suggest that 43,000 ships pass through the strait each year, and by 2050, that number will have risen to 78,000. It remains to be seen how the project will overcome criticism both on environmental grounds and because of the investment risk.
14. Ever Given
Evergreen issued a statement last week on the current situation regarding the Ever Given casualty. There has been plenty of other comment in the press with a good round up in Bloomberg Business Week. How the Billion-Dollar Ever Given Cargo Ship Got Stuck in the Suez Canal – Bloomberg.
Evergreen comments that âFurther to the arrest of M.V. Ever Given in Egypt and negotiations between the shipowner and the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), Evergreen Line is pleased to confirm the acknowledgement from the shipowner that an agreement in principle has been reached in respect of the SCAâs claims, and a final formal settlement agreement is currently under negotiation.
It may take some further time for the agreement to be concluded, for the vessel to be released from arrest and prepared for onward transit. In the meanwhile, we wish to advise cargo interests who have yet to provide a General Average (GA) security bond to expedite this process in order to avoid further delay in cargo release and delivery at the port of discharge. For cargo interests who have any questions in processing the GA requirements, please contact GA-administrating adjusters directly using the following contact details:
Parties Based in Europe / UK: eg-casualty@rhl-ct.com (+44 151 433 3320)
Parties based in all other locations: Singapore.GA@rhl-ct.com; (+65 6506 2897/8).
15. Demurrage and detention
Equipment shortages, blank sailings, huge freight rates and port congestion. You name it, the last year has had it all. The question is how demurrage and detention charges have been affected.
Find out at https://container-exchange.com.
Notices & Miscellany
Supporting seafarers
Charles Barton, formerly with Jo Tankers, has kindly sent the following comment as a follow-up to Michael Greyâs opinion piece in MA780.
âI would just like to say how much I enjoy Michael Greyâs opening article each time. This one is especially good and I share his feelings that seamen, being out of sight and out of mind are so badly treated.
This is nothing new, just exacerbated by Covid-19. Soon after 9/11 one of our seamen was taken very ill about 4 days out of Houston. He was treated under radio advice from a doctor ashore. When the ship berthed, the doctor was waiting with an ambulance. The authorities would not let the seaman off the ship because he was Indonesian and Muslim.
After negotiation, the police provided two cars, one in front of the ambulance and one behind. The whole time he was in hospital, fighting for his life and unable to move, there was an armed guard on his door. After some weeks, the doctor said he could go home but must rest for a minimum of three months.
A flight to Jakarta was booked and when about to leave, the authorities said he was not allowed to fly.
âhe came on a ship so must leave on a shipâ was the excuse. In spite of the doctorâs protest they would not change their attitude. The ship therefore left port and he had to be flown home from the Bahamas. Luckily the charterers were sympathetic and did not make any claims. Following that, all our Indonesian crews had to be paid off and replaced by crews from the Philippines. Luckily we could find an Indonesian owner who was glad to give them jobs as they were so well trained.
Congratulations to Michael Grey.â
Sheila Jones
by James Brewer
We are sad to impart news of the death of Sheila Jones, who was for many years assistant to Denzil Stuart, principal of Denzil Stuart Associates (DSA), a leading presence in marine and insurance journalism and public relations consultancy, who passed away in 2015. Sheila supported DSA in its association with many publications including Lloydâs List, and Seatrade magazine.
The DSA public relations client list at various times represented the huge Hong Kong-based group World-Wide Shipping, the Salvage Association, the American P&I Club, the Strike Club, tanker group NITC, AXA Corporate Solutions, BMT Marine & Offshore Surveys, and other marine survey interests. The firm was consultant and press officer to the International Union of Marine Insurance for eight years until 2012. It represented law firms in the UK (including Ince & Co), Greece and the US, and was closely involved with the biennial maritime trade fair Posidonia. Denzil Stuartâs first public relations client was Lloydâs broking group Stewart Smith, later to become part of Matthew Wrightson and then Stewart Wrightson
He was invited by the late Jim Davis, long-time chairman of the International Maritime Industries Forum, to become the first press officer of what was earlier the worldâs biggest shipping group, P&O. DSA was the first PR consultant appointed by any shipownersâ protection and indemnity mutual, starting with the UK Club,
For the last six years, Sheila â with her ever-immaculate command of English and her eye for the slightest slip or typo â had helped process and distribute press releases on behalf of the Association of Average Adjusters.
Albert Lilar foundation prize
Peter Lurijssen, legal director at CMB, has sent us the following information which will be of interest to readers.
âAs a loyal reader of The Maritime Advocate, I wish to share with my fellow subscribers that the Albert Lilar Foundation will award in 2021 its three yearly prize of âŹ2.500 to the author or authors of an outstanding publication which contributes to the unification of maritime law or to maritime comparative law.â
The Foundation Albert Lilar was founded on 4th February 1977 by the family of the late Albert Lilar, who was a former Belgian President of the Comité Maritime International and a prominent maritime lawyer in Antwerp. The goal of the foundation is to encourage the study of maritime law both on a national and an international level and every three years the foundation awards a Prize to the author of a scientific work that was recently published and that is considered by the Board of Directors to have great merit and to serve the unification of maritime law or the development of comparative maritime law. Further information on the award and on Albert Lilar can be found at https://comitemaritime.org/about-us/miscellaneous/albert-lilar-foundation/
Indian register appointment
Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) has announced that Vijay Arora has taken over as managing director with effect from 1st July 2021.
A qualified marine engineer with a professional experience of more than three decades, Arora has strong maritime expertise under his belt. During his long tenure at IRClass, he has worked in various survey stations in India and abroad and has handled multiple responsibilities within IRClass.
Some of his key contributions in international forums include member of the IACS Statutory Panel, Chairman of the IACS Safety Panel and he chaired IACS GPG from July 2019 to June 2020. He has participated in the International Maritime Organisationâs Ship Design and Construction, Ship Systems and Equipment committees, Maritime Safety Committee and Marine Environment Protection Committee.
Mental health champions
The Mission to Seafarers has announced the launch of its new On Board Mental Health Champions webinars and podcast series, as part of its WeCare programme. Created specifically for seafarers, the Mission believes this really does address the unique challenges they face on board.
The Mission recognises that mental health and wellbeing are vitally important issues within the maritime industry, but there is limited practical advice that is immediately available to seafarers.
The Missionâs On Board Mental Health Champions webinar and podcast series intends to provide seafarers with practical tools designed to encourage positive mental health and wellbeing on board. Both resources will provide short, clear and engaging content that is relevant to life on board. It will relate seafarersâ experiences of mental health and wellness, from both an officersâ and crew perspective.
To find out more about the On Board Mental Health Champions campaign and how to access the webinars and podcasts, please visit: www.missiontoseafarers.org/on-board-champions
Admiralty law
The London Shipping Law Centre in association with 36 Stone will be holding a webinar to discuss developments in the area of Admiralty law and practice on 15th July at 17.00 UK time. Up for discussion will be: The Supreme Court decision in Alexandra 1 c/w Eversmart; from cruise ships to liability conventions; a round-up of recent developments in admiralty practice; the role of LOF in promoting the safety of shipping and the recent announcement by Lloydâs which threatens the continued role of the Salvage Arbitration Branch and the future of LOF as well as salutary lessons from the recent casualty in the Suez Canal (Ever Given).
LISW conference
London International Shipping Week 2021âs Headline Conference, Driving Growth in a Disrupted World, will be held at the International Maritime Organization on Wednesday 15th September 2021.
Speakers will focus on driving recovery across the sector after the disruption caused by Covid-19. Global shipping issues will be debated from the perspective of trade, technology, innovation, environment, finance, governance and those engaged with the international maritime industry.
The LISW21 Headline Conference will be live streamed through the LISW21 Portal for those unable to travel to London. Should UK Government future Covid-19 guidelines rule out in-person attendance, all delegates who have paid the in-person delegate fee will automatically be refunded the difference between the in-person rate (ÂŁ495 +VAT) and the online streaming / virtual delegate rate (ÂŁ145 +VAT).
BOOK CONFERENCE TICKET
VIEW THE CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
Maritime Labour Convention
The UK Chamber of Shippingâs Maritime Labour Convention online course is an introduction to the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC) from the leader of the UK shipowner team that negotiated it. It is due to take place on November 4, 2021 at 9.30 UK time.
Please notify the Editor of your appointments, promotions, new office openings and other important happenings: contactus@themaritimeadvocate.com
And finally,
(With thanks to Paul Dixon)
A father and son went fishing one day. After a couple hours out in the boat, the boy suddenly became curious about the world around him. He asked his father, “How does this boat float?”
The father thought for a moment, then replied, “I don’t rightly know, son.”
The boy returned to his contemplation, then turned back to his father, “How do fish breath underwater?”
Once again the father replied, “Don’t rightly know, son.”
A little later the boy asked, “Why is the sky blue?”
Again, the father replied. “Don’t rightly know, son.”
Worried he was going to annoy his father, he says, “Dad, do you mind my asking you all of these questions?”
“Of course not, son. If you don’t ask questions … you’ll never learn anything!”
Thanks for Reading the Maritime Advocate online
Maritime Advocate Online is a fortnightly digest of news and views on the maritime industries, with particular reference to legal issues and dispute resolution. It is published to over 20,000 individual subscribers each week and republished within firms and organisations all over the maritime world. It is the largest publication of its kind. We estimate it goes to around 60,000 readers in over 120 countries.
