A recent finding on pilot transfer arrangements presents ongoing safety risks, prompting new SOLAS amendments and performance standards to improve compliance and reduce accidents.
According to Akshat Arora, Regional Loss Prevention Director, UK P&I Club Singapore, despite previous regulatory measures, accidents and fatalities continue to occur due to non-compliant arrangements, poor maintenance, or incorrect rigging of pilot ladders. Recent findings underline the scale of the problem:
This article provides guidance on cargo tank coatings for chemical and product tankers.
Tank coating systems need to be routinely inspected and maintained. Re-coating is generally required at some point during a vessel’s operational life, typically carried out during dry docking. Vessels are also required to keep the tank coating Manufacturer’s Cargo Resistance Guide onboard at all times and refer to it when planning cargo sequencing and tank cleaning.
This bulletin reviews and compares zinc silicate and epoxy coatings, though stainless steel tanks present an alternative to traditional coated tanks.
On 18 July 2025, the EU adopted the 18th sanctions package against Russia. These measures can be found in Regulation (EU) 2025/1476 amending Regulation (EU) 833/2014 and Regulation (EU) 2025/1476 amending Regulation (EU) 269/2014. The EU Commission has issued a press release regarding these new measures and FAQs.
New vessel and asset freeze listings 105 vessels have been banned from accessing EU ports or receiving maritime or other services for being part of the Russian “shadow fleet” (Article 3s of EU Regulation 833/2014). The EU has removed three LNG (liquified natural gas) tankers operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines from this list after receiving assurances that they will not transport gas from the Russian Yamal and Arctic 2 projects. 14 individuals and 41 entities have been designated to the E.U. sanctions list (and therefore subject to an asset freeze), including those associated with Coral Energy/2Rivers Group (which is already subject to U.K. asset freeze restrictions), and Nayara Energy Limited (an Indian refinery in which Rosneft has a major shareholding).
Port State Control (PSC) inspectors often form their initial judgment based on the condition and cleanliness of the engine room. A well-kept vessel is sure to make a good first impression with PSC inspectors and other ISM auditors. Make a Good Catch by keeping the engine room clean and well-lit so that fire and safety hazards are reduced.
In this context, the Managers are pleased to present the latest instalment of the Club’s Good Catch initiative:
Full advisory at the following link.
https://www.american-club.com/files/files/API_Good_Catch_Make_a_Good_Impression_EN.pdf