Defects related to propulsion and auxiliary machinery installations have traditionally been one of the top six categories of deficiencies recorded during port State control (PSC) inspections in previous years. An average of 7% of the total number of the deficiencies identified within the Tokyo MOU region are related to machinery installations. For the purpose of verifying compliance with the requirements of SOLAS Convention Chapter II-1, member Authorities of the Tokyo MOU undertook a Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery from 1 September to 30 November 2013.
Tokyo MoU CIC Preliminary Results on Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery
MARPOL Annex VI Requirements for Technical and Operational Measures
During last February a very interesting article from Edmund Hughes, Technical Officer, Marine Environment Division, IMO was published in IMO’s website, explaining the new regulations aimed at improving the energy efficiency of international shipping, which entered into force on 1 January 2013 and make mandatory the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), for new ships, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for all ships. Other amendments to MARPOL Annex VI add new definitions and the requirements for survey and certification, including the format for the International Energy Efficiency Certificate. The regulations apply to all ships of 400 gross tonnage and above. However, under regulation 19, the Administration may waive the requirements for new ships up to a maximum of 4 years.
New Hull Design for Fuel Economy on Ultra Large Container Ships
The design has been optimized for an operating profile along the Far East to Europe trade route involving nine speed and draught combinations. The installed propulsive power could be reduced by about 16 per cent compared to the initial hullform optimized for one draft & speed condition. The first of the new 13,800 TEU ships is under construction at Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and will be delivered next year.