Loss Prevention Advice
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The hazards and key recommendations to mitigate the risks surrounding manual sweeping operations in the vegetable oil and animal fat trades, where high cargo temperatures, enclosed space entry, and physically demanding conditions expose crew to significant safety threats.
Vegetable oils and animal fats are characterized by their high viscosity and elevated pour points, making them prone to solidify under ambient conditions. To ensure efficient discharge, the cargo temperature is maintained well above its pour point that can sometimes reach 70°C. Additional measures are also often taken to optimize cargo discharge, such as continuous recirculation of the heated cargo.
To maximize the amount of cargo discharged and minimize the quantity remaining on board (ROB), manual sweeping of the cargo is generally performed during the final stages of the discharge. Sweeping, sometimes also referred to as “squeezing” or “squeegeeing,” involves physically pushing the residue towards the pump suction. The task is labour-intensive, hazardous and can substantially increase crew workload.
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Between May 2024 and April 2025, BSEE has identified slips, trips and falls (STFs) as the leading cause of injuries on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), prompting a Performance-Based Risk Inspection (PBRI) across 19 offshore assets.
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has identified a potential risk associated with slips, trips and falls (STFs) across the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) between May 2024 and April 2025. During this period, 22% of all injuries reported to BSEE were attributed to STFs, surpassing lifting-related injuries for the first time in recent years. These STF injuries were often severe, resulting in major injuries defined as three or more days away from work, restricted work, or job transfer.
In response to the rise in operator and contractor injuries, BSEE initiated a Performance-Based Risk Inspection (PBRI). The inspection covered 19 assets, including production platforms and well operations, across the Gulf. These assets were operated by 17 unique operators.
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Navigating Chinese coastal waters presents significant challenges due to the extensive presence of fishery farms, which pose ongoing risks for vessels, Skuld Club has underscored.
A recent updates from local correspondents identify critical areas where fishery farm claims commonly arise and provide guidance to ensure safer navigation for ships calling at Chinese ports.
Key locations and risks
Fishery farms are prevalent near Dalian, Tianjin, Yantai, Laizhou, Rizhao, Lanshan, Penglai, Longkou, Weihai, Ningde, and Kemen.
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The maritime industry, with its vast and intricate operations, occasionally faces extraordinary challenges that necessitate a deep understanding of specific legal principles. A recent article by maritime law expert Philip Teoh sheds light on the crucial concepts of general average and salvage, pivotal to navigating the complex waters of maritime operations.
Key Principles in Focus
The article begins by highlighting two recent high-profile maritime incidents: the Dali cargo ship's catastrophic collision with the Key Bridge and the Ever Given's infamous grounding in the Suez Canal. These events have thrust the concepts of general average and salvage into the spotlight, revealing their critical role in managing maritime crises.
General Average: A Historical Legal Doctrine
General average, a principle rooted in ancient Rhodian law, mandates that all stakeholders in a maritime venture share proportionally in any losses resulting from voluntary sacrifices made for the common good. This doctrine ensures that financial burdens from emergencies, such as jettisoning cargo to save a ship, are equitably distributed among shipowners, cargo owners, and charterers. Teoh's article delves into the historical evolution and modern application of this principle, underscoring its enduring relevance.
Salvage: Rewarding Voluntary Rescue Efforts